Didem (Belly Dancer)

Didem Kinali (born in 1986), known simply as Didem, is a Turkish Belly Dancer. She has been dancing since her childhood. She has gained some measure of international recognition since she started appearing on the live Turkish variety İbo Show, hosted by İbrahim Tatlıses. She is of Roma (Gypsy) ethnic heritage, a fact of which she is proud. Didem's mother is also a belly dancer and her father is a drummer.

Didem and her two sibilings were raised in Kuştepe with her mother who immigrated from Saloniki, Greece, and her father from Yugoslavia. Although her mother was a belly dancer, Didem has said that her mother wasn't the one she learned from. Sema Yildiz, the famous Roman Turkish belly dancer, discovered Didem when she was a young teenager (13-14), and recognized her talent. Sema has also trained other famous Turkish belly dancers, including Asena, who was Ibrahim's belly dancer before Didem. Asena is also Sema's daughter.

In August, 2008, İbrahim Tatlıses announced that Didem will no longer be dancing on his show, which she had been doing weekly for a couple of years. No reason was given, but as Didem, in her very first interview, mentioned going back to school (which she dropped out of at an early age to put all her energy into dancing), perhaps this is the reason. There have been a lot of rumours about her, as well as about Ibo. He talk-banned her when she started, because he wanted people to remember her by her dancing.

[http://bp1.blogger.com/_RzPuNcM7nZ4/R0pFvOdF90I/AAAAAAAAAB0/zSGOlOke-sM/s320/Didem+Kinali+4.jpgClick here for a photo of Didem (external server)]

First Interview With Didem

[ [http://tribes.tribe.net/didem/thread/196e4a00-a9e0-4e4a-afe5-293ea87270a4 "Didem / Something about her history..."] . tribe.net, posted June 24, 2007, 9:00 PM]

I'm Under Protection Courtesy of Mr. Tatlises

Didem, known by many as the belly dancer of Ibo Show, raised much curiosity due to the talk-ban issued on her by Ibrahim Tatlises. Widely known by her smile while dancing, contrary to the serious expression worn by many others, Didem decided to breach the talk-ban and answered many questions about her for Yeni Aktuel Magazine.

* I was born in 1986 in Gaziosmanpasa. Since I was raised in Kustepe, I'd rather say I'm from Kustepe (neighborhoods of Istanbul, t.n.) I have a brother and a sister. We are 'Romans' (oftentimes, 'Roman' people were attributed extraordinary talent in belly dancing and performing music for it, t.n.); mother immigrated from Saloniki, father from Yugoslavia. I spent all my childhood in Roman district, where we still live.

* I dropped out at my third year in primary school, then began dancing. I needed to work, but I loved dancing too much. Everywhere in our house are mirrors. Sometimes I dance for 24 hours on a stretch. When I feel like it, I turn the music on and begin dancing. Also, there's this Roman tradition; they put cymbals under a newborn daughter's pillow so she becomes a belly dancer when she grows up.

* I can't say I had a very happy childhood. I always wanted a bike but never had one due to financial reasons. I dropped out on my own decision, not my family's. I was a successful student except for maths. But I still want to study. I decided to complete my education. I'll even get a university degree.

DISCOVERED IN A CONTEST
* Dancing talent runs in my family. My mother, Tulay, is a belly dancer as well. My father is the drummer Zeki Kinali. My grandfater is a retired ud (a kind of lute in Turkish Classical music) artist. My sister sings in weddings. My mother only taught me how to play cymbals. But I remember very well when my mother used to dance for extra pay; I used to hold onto her skirt. Then, I used to climb onto a table, dancing there while she danced on the stage. I was very enthusiastic about belly dancing. When my teacher asked me what would I be when I grew up, I always answered 'belly dancer'. But I couldn't dance this well if I weren't a Roman. I'm proud of being one.

* In wedding ceremonies, they called me to dance. Since my body is very flexible, my nickname was 'rubber-girl'. Now they call me 'Ibrahim's Belly-Dancer'

* I met Sema Yildiz, a belly-dance instructor. 'Let's find you a stage' she suggested. I was 13 or 14 years old then. I got transferred from the night clubs of Avcilar to touristic venues in Taksim. I used to dance in 7 or 8 different venues in one night.

* I danced at the wedding ceremony of a wedding contest TV show. Some epole who watched me then, mentioned about me later. Mr. Ibrahim told them to find me and call me. His agent, Eyup Kanat, contacted me. When he said Mr. Ibrahim wanted to talk to me, I thought someone was pulling a joke on me. When we met, I was very excited and drenched in cold sweat. All of a sudden, I found myself in Ibo Show. I stand witness to how a person's life changes in one day. What I was yesterday, what I am today, what I will be tomorrow...
* I feel like the Snow White. Thank God. Thank God first, then thank Mr. Ibrahim. He is a person whose hands are to be kissed (an expression of respect and gratitude in Turkish culture; t.n.) In fact, even his feet can be kissed (an EXTREME form of expressing gratitude; t.n.) He's a boss who possesses and protects. I'm under protection even if I go to the other end of the world.

* I never thought of working for him but I dreamt of it. I used to loathe myself as nobody noticed me. When I went up on stage, audience used to talk to each other, never bothered to look at me. I used to close my eyes and say to myself: 'Help me, God, to take the stage in a beautiful place, where everyone would watch and applause me'

'IT'S HARD NOT TO TALK'
* I try to distinguish my style from those of other belly dancers. I want to do Cha-Cha or Samba on the stage. I want to dance to the tunes of Indian music. My favorite is artistic gymnastics. Who knows, maybe if I did not drop out, I would be a gymnast one day.

* Mr. Ibrahim issued a talk-ban on me as he wanted the people to remember me by my dancing. In fact, it was good for me. Everybody was curious about me, asking 'Who's this girl, where's she from, who are her parents?'. When I went to Germany, people asked me if I was a deaf-mute. It's really hard not to talk at all. People rumoured about me, saying 'She can't speak Turkish, nor has she any manners'. I asked for Mr. Ibrahim's permission to prove them wrong, he kept saying 'All in good time...'

More Recent Interview

[ [http://tribes.tribe.net/didem/thread/196e4a00-a9e0-4e4a-afe5-293ea87270a4 "Re: Didem / Something about her history..."] . tribe.net, posted June 26, 2007, 8:42 AM]

HERE IS THE BELLY DANCER THAT WILL REPLACE ASENA!..

Introducing his new partner for the first time in his live TV show, Ibrahim Tatlises said: "See how beautiful she is? I have an eye for the beauty anyway" -- Ibrahim Tatlises, whose both love and business partnership with Asena came to an abrupt ending, presented the belly dancer that will replace her the night before during the live broadcast of his TV show. Didem, who faced the live audience for the first time in her life with Ibo Show, will be a permanent element in all programmes of the famous singer.

Ibrahim Tatlises kept Asena by his side for many years. Asena was an integral part of his show during the concerts, stage shows and TV programmes. However, following a rather eventful ending of both their relationship and business partnership, Tatlises was looking for a new talent. The famous singer, who had been after a beautiful and talented belly dancer to replace Asena, finally found what he was looking for.

He carried out his search in his live 'Ibo Show', broadcasted on Star TV channel on every sunday, and even launched a minor contest. However, he finally picked up a divine beauty named Didem. He introduced the 20-year old beauty to the audience during his show for the first time. Tatlises, who introduced Didem during his show broadcasted the night before, stated: "She will be the belly dancer of my show on a permanent basis. Besides, she will take the stage in Aso Bar at the summertime. See how beautiful she is? I have an eye for the beauty anyway."

[ [http://tribes.tribe.net/didem/thread/196e4a00-a9e0-4e4a-afe5-293ea87270a4 "Re: Didem / Something about her history..."] . tribe.net, posted June 26, 2007, 6:44 PM]

Belly Dancer Didem: "My colleagues are envious and my parent are just exploiting me"

Belly Dancer Didem, whom Ibrahim Tatlises banned from speaking, finally broke her silence. She accused her colleagues of being jealous and spreading bad publicity about her, and complained that everybody around her changed all of a sudden when she became famous: 'Even my parents are exploiting me.'

Didem Kinali, the gorgeous and small belly dancer of Ibrahim Tatlises storms around on the stage in 'Ibo Show' each sunday. 21 year old Roman girl greeted us in low-cut jeans, short t-shirt, canvas vest, a piercing on her belly button and braided hair, a sharp contrast with heavy make-up and belly-dance costumes, in which we were used to see her on TV...

'I'M A BIT TACTLESS'

She had a dog in her arms named 'Zeytin', which she found in the street. While she cleaned the dog's litter, she confided in us: "I hope Mr. Tatlises does not see this dog. He's already tired of the animals I found around"...

When we reminded her of the talk-ban, she replied: "To be honest, he has a point, as I'm a bit tactless". Though she chose all of her words very carefully during our interview, she also talked a storm as if to belie all those who claimed that 'she did not know how to talk'. Didem said that her biggest dream was to resume her education, which was cut short when she dropped out at the third grade.

* Were you a fan of Ibrahim Tatlises before you began working with him? I usually listen to hip-hop, Western pop and rock music. I liked his songs as well but it never occurred to me that I might be working with him one day. When I received the offer, I first thought if it was a joke. Then asked myself if I was in a dream. I first confided in a very close girl friend. Told my mother three days later.

* Why you didn't share the news with your family first? We were not in very good terms with my family. We were living separately anyway. I was earning my own money.

* Are you in better terms with your family now? Yes, but we still are not living together.

* Is working with Mr. Tatlises hard or easy? There are hard parts as well as easy parts. It's hard as I can't live my age. But then, sometimes one has to make a sacrifice. He always gives me advise. Telling me to 'Keep your money, buy yourself a house, save it for the hard times, etc.'

* Do you heed his advice, then? I just bought myself a car, not a house. I can't save much. I'm spending what I'm making (laughs)

* For how longer you will be talk-banned? To be honest, it didn't start so it can't be over. It just developed spontaneously. I'm not a very talkative person. I feel stressed while talking next to a camera.

* Do you get excited? I'm just afraid that I may say something wrong. I'm a little tactless (laughs)

'TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE JEALOUS OF ME'

* What are you going to say when you had a chance to speak for the first time? I'll let everyone know I'm a good person. Many people claimed so many things about me, some of which are real bad. This makes me sad.

* Don't you like to say something in defense? No. I believe some people are a little perverted.

* Who do you think is promoting such derogations? Definitely my colleagues. Probably out of jealousy.

* Did anyone else help you on your way to fame other than Mr. Tatlises? Yes, Sema Yildiz, my belly-dance instructor. I met her when I was about 15. I started workin in the night clubs in Taksim. She spent a good deal of effort on me. I was very ignorant. Many bad things could have happened if it wasn't for her.

* Were or are there any belly dancers you perceive as your role model(s)? I wanted to be another Tanyeli when I was a kid. However, I was not after fame. I just wanted to have a decent job.

'EVERYBODY AROUND ME CHANGED'

* What has changed in your life when you became famous? I haven't changed but people around me have, and this includes my parents.

* For better or for worse? Gee, honestly I don't know.

* Are you helping your family financially? Yes. Sadly, they are exploiting me. I have a little problem about that (Didem's agent, who was present during the interview, prevented her to talk any further on this subject.)

* Are you still seeing your friends from your old neighborhood? None left. All of them got married and had kids. Only I'm left.

* How do your fans react when they see you in public? Honestly, they don't recognize me much. I wear hats to change my looks. In either case, I look very different on TV, taller, heavier.

* If you leave Mr. Tatlises one day, how would you like to live your life. I'd love to stand on my own two feet! I always managed to accomplish some things on my own, and would like to go on this way.

"I'M IN LOVE WITH A DARK, MUSCULAR SPORTSMAN"

* What about love? Love... Nice name, but no presence of itself (laughs)

* You're still young and surely will love someone, someday... I'm not saying I'm not in love. I love someone but he himself is not in my life (laughs)

* What do you mean? You're not together? Yes, he's both in my life but at the same time, he isn't. Anyway, let's leave it as it is. Long story.

* What do you look for in a man? I'm not considerin marriage but my boyfriend has to be honest with me. I do not tolerate a lie. He has to be interested in me as much as I'm interested in him. He shouldn't cheat on me. He should be very open with me and tell me if he doesn't like something directly to my face.

* What about physical attributes? He must be dark and lean. I don't like stocky men. Must be a little muscular also. If I go on with the description, it will be too evident who he is (laughs)

* Oh, come on! More than half of the Turkish male population is dark and lean already (laughter) For example, he must be a sportsman

* OK, so this 'nonexistent' lover is a sportsman (laughter) I think I better shut up...

Notes

External links

* [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=didem+belly+dancer&search_type= YouTube Videos]
* [http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=didem&emb=0# Google video search of all Internet video sites]
* [http://www.myspace.com/didem_kinali Didem at Myspace.com]
* [http://tribes.tribe.net/didem Didem at tribe.net]