Badia Masabni was a renowned Egyptian dancer, singer, and actress who became a pioneer of modern Middle Eastern dance and the founder of the first modern Arabic nightclub.
She was born in Syria in 1892 and was of Lebanese descent. As a child, she showed a strong interest in music and dance and began performing at a young age. She moved to Egypt in the early 1900s and continued to pursue her passion for dance and music.
In 1926, Badia founded her nightclub, "Sala Badia," in Cairo. It was the first nightclub in the Middle East to feature a modern style of entertainment, including live music, singing, and dancing. The club quickly became a popular destination for both Egyptians and foreigners, attracting notable figures such as King Farouk, Winston Churchill, and Agatha Christie.
Badia was known for her unique style of dance, which combined elements of traditional Arabic dance with modern Western influences. Her performances were captivating and innovative, and she quickly became one of the most popular and influential performers of her time.
She also helped to launch the careers of many other famous dancers and singers, including Samia Gamal and Taheyya Kariokka, who went on to become stars in their own right.
Badia continued to perform and manage her nightclub for several decades, becoming an icon of modern Middle Eastern dance and entertainment. She retired back in Lebanon, passed away in 1974 at the age of 82, but her legacy continues to inspire and influence dancers and performers around the world.