The Dancing Cousins

    By Aiden Harris-Peay

    The Dancing Cousins cover image

    29 Jun, 2024

    a woman in a costume is dancing on a street corner with people watching her and smiling at the camera, Ella Guru, arabesque, egyptian art, orientalism

    In the heart of Cairo, the belly dancer known as 'Lady Kara' prepared for an incredible feat, ready to set the stage on fire with her captivating moves.

    a woman in a belly dance outfit in a street at night with lights on the side of the street, Ella Guru, arabesque, computer graphics, orientalism

    Backstage, Kara received a visit from her cousin Maria, a belly dancer from Brazil. Maria offered Kara an opportunity to embark on a world tour, to which Kara eagerly agreed.

    a woman in a belly dance costume in a crowd of people in a street with a colorful canopy overhead, Ella Guru, samikshavad, a colorized photo, promotional image

    The tour bus arrived in Honduras. Kara's electrifying performance won over the crowd. They showered her with love notes, touched by her captivating dance.

    a woman in a belly dance costume on a street corner with people watching her dance in the background and a crowd of people standing around her, Ella Guru, arabesque, egyptian art, orientalism

    Next was China. Kara's mesmerizing belly dance left the audience, including the emperor, in awe. Her fame was spreading across continents.

    a woman in a cowboy outfit standing in front of a horse stable with horses in the background and a cowboy hat on, Araceli Gilbert, fantasy art, a detailed matte painting, western comic book art

    In the Wild West, Kara's exotic moves were a fresh sight for the cowboys and cowgirls. They were smitten, making sweet, romantic remarks about her.

    a woman in a belly dance outfit posing for a picture in a dark room with lights on the ceiling, Araceli Gilbert, arabesque, egyptian art, orientalism

    The final performance was on 'The Tonight Show with Fallon'. Nervous, Kara asked Maria to join her on stage. Their synchrony was a sight to behold; the audience erupted in applause.

    a woman in a belly dance outfit standing in a crowd of people at night time with lights on the background, Ella Guru, arabesque, egyptian art, promotional image

    On the tour bus back to Cairo, Kara felt like a superstar. She thanked Maria, confessing she couldn't have done the final performance without her.

    two women in belly dance outfits on a train car with people in the background watching them from the seats, Ella Guru, arabesque, egyptian art, promotional image

    Maria replied, acknowledging that they had achieved something great together. In a surprising twist, they both confessed their feelings for each other, taking their relationship beyond just being cousins.