“Belly dancing is about joyfulness, artistry, emotional elevation and elation. From this perspective it should not be inappropriate for any celebratory or fun event.” <– LOVE!

Belly dance has been around longer than ALL of us have been alive. Sometimes, the level of disdain and/or disrespect toward the REAL cultural roots of the dance just amaze me.

“Oh, but it’s art! Art evolves!”

True, belly dance has absorbed certain non-native influences through the years, but that’s no excuse to deliberately ADD Americanized influences (or flamenco, or Bollywood, or whatever) into your dance until it’s no longer recognizable. If all the fusionistas splintered off and formed their own offshoot of belly dance, under the umbrella of modern global fusion, that would be exciting! But if you think traditional Arabic movements and music are boring, it’s time to ask yourself why you belly dance in the first place…

Also, I think this hyperactive, pop-and-lockfest style of belly dance that everybody’s doing these days is just as uncouthe as WTFusion. But that’s a whole ‘nother rant….

There have been changes and fusions in the dance over the years, even “over there” and as an art, it will evolve. Recently though, I feel as if there are some dance styles and forms that have been using the “belly dance” term and have absolutely no relation whatsoever with the Middle East, Middle Eastern culture, or Middle Eastern dance. If labeled properly, presented in suitable venues and done well, variations in style can be a positive addition to belly dance. Usually those who break the rules also understand them well and spend time studying more traditional dance.

The “big issue” arises because most people in the Western world recognize belly dance as “belly dance” and are unfamiliar with any other name. With so many “belly dance” performances showing up on the internet and at events that leave one wondering “Where is the ‘belly dance’?” I am concerned that some “belly dancers” now have no knowledge of anything actually connected with the origins of the dance and, to me, this is the point where you can’t even call it “something-style belly dance” anymore and it’s just a different style of dance altogether. The more these examples become public, the harder it will be to explain what Middle Eastern Dance is and isn’t to the general public.

All that being said, I’m also not a fan of clones in Oriental dance either – I’m waiting for the coming resurgence of interest within the dance community for “finding your own voice” in Oriental because clones are boring.

This leads me to the conclusion that by calling this wonderful dance form belly dance one immediately places it in the category of art form in which any type of stylistic deviation is acceptable as long as that stylistic deviation is not called authentic. There may be portions of belly dance that is authentic and can be noted as such. But just as one doesn’t call a daisy a rose because they are both red one should not confuse authentic folkloric dance with stylistic fusion.

I most definitely agree people want to work with someone they can connect with on a personal level. I had a florist recently tell me I knew nothing about flowers because a particular blossom she put into a bouquet “came with brown spots on the petals.” The attitude and indifference I felt from her towards a bouquet that had importance for me cost her my business forever. As cliche as it sounds, life is too short and too precious to waste time with mediocrity.

Also, if I don’t know the answer to a question, I don’t pretend to know. I’ll say, “I’m not sure, but can I get back to you with an answer?” This approach proves your credibility far more than spouting out a bogus answer!

I think today, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re a warm, breathing human being with the capacity to listen, ask questions, and give friendly advice. After all, they’re investing in more than just a show, but hopefully something far more meaningful

My $0.02, anyway! Keep up the great blogging, Mary!