| | Gerard Philip Whitestone (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif?v=91.7){kind=small} logogenic) wrote, |
On Belly-Dancers
I harbor a very generalized contempt for belly-dancers. The actual raqs sharqi used as entertainment by the early Mohammedans is a mystery to us; modern interpretations are the product of that very cheap sense of Orientalism which has become popular once again, especially among Europeans who feel compelled to become "exotic" (as they periodically do) -- as if the already-decadent furnishings of European culture are not enough.
October 4 2006, 14:20:45 UTC 5 years ago
Honestly, from an anthropoligic point of view, the evolution of culture in bellydancing here in the united states and other countries in recent times is actually REALLY intriguing.
It is not just about girls wanting to be exotic or pretty, though I'm sure for many it is, but its also about reclaiming a sense of sensuality or just womanhood for many. Its also a dancing style that women feel good doing -- it isnt as stressful as other styles of dance, and focuses on very female areas of the body.
The bellydancing community is diverse across the nation with 3 to 6 different styles of dancing and a great many ways of dressing. But most of all, there is a sense of community among these people.
There is a HUGE group of women here who are a part of the tribal bellydance community here in Atlanta and around the south who are totally interconnected with each other (though the Egyptian bellydancing community still doesnt really involve themselves with us) and work together to put together conventions, teach classes and workshops, and get together and have a good time and dance. Its a community and circle of friendship that honestly our culture needs right now, and its a very healthy circle as well -- encouranging women to get out and exercise, be comfortable in their bodies, etc.
Some videos to watch:
The bellydancing community has celebrities as well.
Ansuya
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRRwzfoC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7fFvFYB
Rachel Brice and the Indigo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWGzT5OL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKBP_TZs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnYYK07l
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcAMnaFM
Suhaila Salimpour
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfvdXKrE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcOKmdMH
Different styles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHsErY-5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kIJjba8
You know, its also fun to note that Middle Eastern bellydance was intrisically influenced by the west, giving Bellydancing a new excoticism for them... and its still alive and kicking in Lebanon, Egypt and many other middle eastern countries. Its only a part of the cycle to have a similar thing come back to bellydancing in the united states. ;) Its an example of global culture exchange I generally like to talk about.