Fifi abdou, now in her fifties, is one of the greatest Egyptian dancers of our times.

Her sassy style, which flaunts convention and has often landed her in trouble with the muslim authorities, is unique to her.

Four times married fifi is still dancing at 5 star hotels in cairo, and has been in her own play, honey and cream.

Fifi is set to retire in 2001 with plans to release a series of videos of her work over the years.

Fifi Is one of the wealthiest women in Cairo. Egypt's mufti Nasr Farid Wassel stated that muslims should avoid eating food offered by belly dancers as the money they earned was haram, or forbidden.

Fifi retorted, "my money is halal because I earn it thanks to my hard work." She added that 30 families depend on her handouts to survive.

Abdou is well known for helping the poor and destitute of Cairo.

"I have learned to read and write and also speak english. I have no university degrees, but I have a doctorate from the biggest university...the university of life."