They all think I’m a bad girl cuz I want to learn how to belly dance. I’m not trying to be all slutty and seductive…belly dancing is just FUN for me. Plus its a good workout. AND I love the music.
But all people are hearing is BELLY DANCING = SLUTTYNESS
How do I convince them otherwise?
Is there a video on youtube or something of a non-seductive belly dance?
Raqs sharqi, Oriental dance, belly dance is performed by people of all ages and both sexes during festive occasions. YES, men do "belly dance". Alot of what is seen performed in the US is American Tribal Style and cabaret style. Much dancing in the Middle East is in the social context not by the glamorous professional nightclub dancers.
Yes, there are some who have been seriously misinformed about belly dance. It is a serious art form. Belly dancers don’t strip, do lap dances, or use a pole. But some seem to think that’s part of what we do. Those are distinctly separate dance forms of their own. Hollywood helped to create some of the confusion by sexualizing the dance.
It definitely wasn’t created to "entertain and arouse" men, since men and women were, and still are, often separate when socializing.
Belly dance is something that I do just for myself. I love music and dance. I love belly dance and have no plans to stop any time soon! I’m almost 50 and know dancers from 7 to 70. 
Hubby doesn’t dance. Belly dance I can do by myself, or with the troupe. He doesn’t have to worry or wonder what may or may not be going on since I’m with other women when we practice or perform. I let him know when we’re performing so he can come along if he chooses.
The best way to educate the misinformed is to conduct yourself with class and good manners. In time some will realize that belly dance may not be what they had previously been told.
Morocco is a belly dancer in New York City who is very well-respected and is extremely knowledgeable about belly dance.
Belly dancers have a wide range of costume options, bare midriff with top and skirt being just one option.
December 9th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Seriously, invite her to observe a class. Most of the studios will permit that.
Or better yet, invite her to take the same class you and your friend take.
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December 9th, 2009 at 10:32 am
we do belly dancing at my dance academy and its soooo much fun and a very very good work out and it is also really beautiful
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December 9th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Tell her that it’s not about showing off. it is like any other dancing. It may be the outfits that she is concerned about. You might have to compromise and agree to wear something a little more covering. Moms will be moms.
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December 9th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Tell her about the orgin of belly dancing.
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December 9th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Of all the forms of dance there is and they think that is slutty? Sit her down in front of any hip hop music video and ask her if she would rather you did that instead.
Traditional belly dancing is with a long skirt only showing middle. When did the belly become slutty. It is about isoloation and control and done well is pretty cool.
Failing that see if a local turkish restaurant has it as entertainment a shout her to a meal.
Goodluck.
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I have 21 years dance experience in various styles and bellydance is one of the safest.
December 9th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Unfortunately, you’ll always have to deal with people who don’t know what they’re talking about.
When I was a young adult, it was a fairly popular form of exercise. It’s still taught at "respectable" places like the Y, I would think.
It’s a serious dance form. Maybe there is something on youtube. Find out where the courses are being offered, and offer that as proof that it’s not remotely in the same league as what is euphemistically called "exotic dancing."
It’s good clean fun.
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December 9th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
becuase like old people do it and they cant be slutty. haha
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December 9th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Raqs sharqi, Oriental dance, belly dance is performed by people of all ages and both sexes during festive occasions. YES, men do "belly dance". Alot of what is seen performed in the US is American Tribal Style and cabaret style. Much dancing in the Middle East is in the social context not by the glamorous professional nightclub dancers.
Yes, there are some who have been seriously misinformed about belly dance. It is a serious art form. Belly dancers don’t strip, do lap dances, or use a pole. But some seem to think that’s part of what we do. Those are distinctly separate dance forms of their own. Hollywood helped to create some of the confusion by sexualizing the dance.
It definitely wasn’t created to "entertain and arouse" men, since men and women were, and still are, often separate when socializing.
Belly dance is something that I do just for myself. I love music and dance. I love belly dance and have no plans to stop any time soon! I’m almost 50 and know dancers from 7 to 70.
Hubby doesn’t dance. Belly dance I can do by myself, or with the troupe. He doesn’t have to worry or wonder what may or may not be going on since I’m with other women when we practice or perform. I let him know when we’re performing so he can come along if he chooses.
The best way to educate the misinformed is to conduct yourself with class and good manners. In time some will realize that belly dance may not be what they had previously been told.
Morocco is a belly dancer in New York City who is very well-respected and is extremely knowledgeable about belly dance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voqHFey-RJM
Belly dancers have a wide range of costume options, bare midriff with top and skirt being just one option.
References :
belly dancer 8 years