I am involved in organizing an international show at my university (I am a master's student). This event is a pretty big deal at my school, where many administrators and professors attend the event as well as students. I am considering performing, since belly dancing is part of my heritage. However, I am fearful that I will not only be stereotyped, but also pigeon-holed and thought of as overtly sexual (since that seems to be a typical American view of belly dancing). Yay or nay, and why?
2007-02-27 02:20:01 · 13 answers · asked by vanessabfly 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I say go for it. The best way to counter stereotypes is with exposure and education. If the show allows for it, maybe before you dance you could give a one or two minute explanation of what it means in your cultural heritage.
If you still have doubts you can get the opinions of your teachers or whoever is helping you put on the show. They might be able to give you better information based on the nature of your school (Belly dancing at Penn State? No problem. At Bob Jones University? Big problem)
Also, put things in context a little here. We live in an age where Britney Spears has exposed herself to 'news' cameras twice. Where women consider stripping for money to be 'empowerment' not exploitation. People regularly confuse 'skanky' with 'sexy' (I'm talking to you Miss Lohan!). Compared to that I think belly dancing is almost tame.
You may be stereotyped or pigeonholed by some, but more as 'that girl who did the belly dance' than 'that ho who shook her stuff.' And honestly guys will probably be more intrigued in you (people always seem to be attracted to what they percieve as exotic). Doesn't mean that they think you're any more likely to say, put out on a first date, but they may be more interested in getting to know you than before they saw you dance. (Yes you will most likely be seen as sexier during or after you performance, but like I said, there is a difference between sexy and skanky. It's like the difference between Marilyn Monroe and Paris Hilton) I can pretty well guarantee that your professors won't think any less of you (I'm not making a blanket statement because there are exceptions). The people who know you in day-to-day life know exactly how 'overtly sexual' you are or aren't and one performance isn't going to ruin your reputation among them.
But the bottom line is what do you feel comfortable with? Would you feel comfortable getting up and dancing in front of all those people. (I know I wouldn't - but I'm the whitest white girl there is). If you are going to do it, do it with your head held high.
Hope this helps.
2007-02-27 02:44:48 · answer #1 · answered by LX V 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
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2016-05-19 08:37:31 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love to watch belly dancing and I think it is a very beautiful form of dance, and expression.
(I would love to learn it!) Some people can be very ignorant when it comes to women dancing in general. The way you move and the outfits, suggest to preverts and ignorant people as something sexual, like a stripper. I don't think that way nor do people who appreciate it and the people who are practing and saving their heritage! Go out and forget the morons, have fun and shake it all up! I wish I was there to say thank you for a wonderful performance!
2007-02-27 02:30:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be nice to think that, on a university level, people would be mature and open enough to respect other cultures.
If you have an international student union at your school, bounce the idea around with them.
If you are planning on doing the dance solo - you are a brave girl.
But maybe you could add some multimedia along with your dance to explain your cultural background...make it a learning lesson in the form of entertainment.
2007-02-27 02:57:54 · answer #4 · answered by docscholl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yay! Do it, it's part of your heritage you said, be proud of that. Do you know how many woman would love to learn how to belly dance??? A lot. In fact, I bought a dvd with instructions before I got pregnant. I don't think you'll be pigeon-holed, but you might have some ladies coming up to you afterwards asking for you to teach them!!
2007-02-27 02:26:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Go for it! Some people may form ignorant opinions of you, but that's their problem. Belly dancing is an art form and is also becoming increasingly popular as a form of exercise. Have fun with your performance and make it educational and entertaining!
2007-02-27 02:28:54 · answer #6 · answered by oj 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do not get why some Americans see belly dancing as sexual, Most of the public schools in the U.S have a belly dancing class, and consider it as a sport and have competitions.
2007-02-27 02:29:52 · answer #7 · answered by Lil miss sunshine 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes, there are definitely stereotypes about belly dancers and you will be subject to them, and they will be even worse if you are Indian or come from an Arabic-speaking country.
However, I definitely don't think it's a good idea to let complete morons intimidate you out of expressing yourself and practicing your art.
If you change into your jeans after you're done and join the post-show party acting like yourself, you will probably manage to bust the stereotype.
2007-02-27 02:24:51 · answer #8 · answered by evil little girl 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yay!! I don't think belly dance is "overtly sexual" , I am brazilian so I don't have prejudice against sexual dance, I think that if you know what you are doing go for it!!
Good Luck
2007-02-27 02:33:02 · answer #9 · answered by klalmoon 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The true art of Belly-dancing is a real art form and people with any knowledge know this.
2007-02-27 02:23:27 · answer #10 · answered by daljack -a girl 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋