How to get the message across?

Question

I have a little problem. I'm a bellydancer and every time I perform I get at least a few women who think I'm a hoochie and at least a few men who think I'm dancing for male sexual attention. They don't approach me and actually SAY those words, but it's obvious as to what they're thinking. My husband almost got in a fight once with a guy because the guy was talking to me like I was a common whore. Some women tell me I have low self-esteem because they say I'm not respecting my body.

What is a nice polite way to tell them they're wrong about bellydancing and that in reality it's a female-empowering spiritual art form?

**I asked this in the "dancing" section, but this section is much more inhabited than that one and I'm looking for some suggestions.

An answer to "me"'s question: I do it because it's healthy and spiritual and empowering. It has been known to help with joints and circulation in women as well as muscle and menstrual cramps.

Hand-of-Justice: Bellydancers are not "half dressed". Their stomachs show and that's all. Sometimes even the stomach is covered. It's about the dance, not the body doing it.

Answer 1

I have heard that when women learn to belly-dance they get in touch with a femininity that they never suspected they had. These women who criticize you are ignorant. They do not understand what being a woman is all about. A misguided feminism has skewed their view of their sex. Feminism used to mean all women are free to be themselves and express their feminine side in any way they chose. Keep it up. Be an ambassador of belly dancing.

Men are all going to get ideas if they see a woman do anything. Don't worry about them. Your husband handled things well.

Answer 2

Is this a situation where you're giving demonstrations or are you just hired entertainment in a restaurant or something? If you can, take a few minutes either at the beginning or in breaks between songs to explain some of the history and meaning of bellydancing and why you love it. And take the time afterwards to talk to people, to make sure that they know you aren't some glorified stripper. A little education goes a long way!

Answer 3

first off, dance on a stage. in a nice place. (i.e. a stage that does not have a pole on it or is attached to a casino)

Hookah lounges are great for this because the people that are there are already there to relax.

stay out of the audience. once you break the barrier of the stage, you are in closer contact with people and they will equate you with a stripper (not a PC term, sorry ladies) and treat you as many do treat these dancers.

and last, your husband needs to understand that what you are doing may be spiritual for you. and i understrand the art and know what it is about. but to most men that will watch you perform is it sexual and nothing else. if you are not in the audience then there will be nobody to speak to you and your husband will not have to worry. if you are in the audience. then he needs to understand that people will say nasty things to you.
personaly i find this fact sad. but you cant go around knocking teeth out of every guy that says something to your wife that you do not approve of. because then you end up in jail and no purpose is served.

Answer 4

Below is a link with some answers. In saying that, pole and strip tease dancing can also be considered female-empowering spiritual art forms. When flaunting your body with your dress and movements, fully expect people to think less of you. If you're not seeking the attention, perform in private with like minded individuals. I think you like the male attention though otherwise knowing how the male mind works, why else would you do this?

Answer 5

Use the words you just said at the lower form of your question. Hula dancing falls under the same situation and sometimes gets sexualized. Maybe there could be an announcement made before your performance about the origin and meaning of belly dancing.

Answer 6

The fifty one% is extra to do with peoples perspective in the direction of God as an alternative than the lifestyles of a God or the effectiveness of his phrase. Remember, while Christ was once on this planet, he played miracles, traditionally in entrance of his enemies, however they selected to execute him. Don't disregard that a million John five:19 says that 'The international is mendacity within the vigour of the depraved one.' So there may be stress upon individuals to selected a path of existence opposite to the only advocated within the Bible.

Answer 7

Well, I would consider a couple things:

Remind people that belly dancing is an art form, much like ballet and you are a serious dancer.

Wink at the women while you are dancing, then they know that you see them, you are having fun and are not a threat.

When men approach you, speak to them as if they were a small child - nothing cools the mood faster than a woman who acts like his disciplining mother (and oh how it makes the wives giggle!).

Peace!

Answer 8

" a female-empowering spiritual art form"? What is that?

You do this in public, in a church? at a night club? No wonder!

As a man, I cannot help thinking, at the least, that no morally upright person would be engaged in such a public display of sexuality and sensuality. How exactly does this 'art form' advance your spirituality?

Sorry, but you need to move to another culture where this is acceptable. Your current environment views this somewhat to strip club performers, who may, in all honesty, be honest, hard-working people trying to earn some extra money to finish college!!

Answer 9

Tell them that belly dancing is a simply a form of expressive dance.

Answer 10

If a girl dances in front of men half dressed, dont hand me that youre not dancing to get male attention. Please.

You are dancing sexy and you are getting what any sexy dancer is going to recieve; the things of this world.

But if you work for God and serve him, you recieve the things of God! I would encourage you to follow God more instead of doing the things the world loves.