The Ghawazee are the public dancers of Egypt. Female Ghawazee were called Ghazeeye, and male were called Ghazee. Ghawazee, which translates to "invaders of the heart", most likely referred to the outdoor dancers and singers belonging to the nawar, descendants of the Romany gypsies who migrated to rural, southern Egypt in Medieval times. At weddings and festivals, the ghawazee often dance in teams, usually made up of family members.The dance of the Ghawazee is earthy, grounded, and strong.. They included many shrill cries and zaghareets, some floor work and backbends, an occasional head slide, all the while playing the finger cymbals. The gestures most often implied a calling to the audience to participate and clap with the music, as well as to acquire money.

Hip movements are large, the dance often performed with flat feet. It is the antithesis of the internalised style of modern Egyptian cabaret.