Egyptian belly dance 'in crisis'
Exponents of the art of belly dancing - a unique element of Egypt's national cultural heritage - believe it is undergoing a crisis and is in danger of being driven underground.
Two years ago, the government banned foreign dancers from performing, but has recently done a U-turn and allowed them back.
One of the country's former belly dancing divas, Nagwa Fouad, is now calling for the establishment of an academy to preserve the art.
Dressed in a turquoise harem outfit, Iranian-born Liza Laziza practices in her studio high above the Corniche alongside the River Nile.
Liza is a world-renowned belly dancer who came to Cairo five years ago to fulfil a dream of living where her art began many centuries ago.
Even to my unpractised eye, it is clear she is a fine exponent, combining grace, interpretation and sensuality.
Declining art
But Liza has not performed on one of Egypt's great dancing stages for two years.