National attitudes
Dear Group,
As dancers, we have different attitudes toward the dance than does the general public. Because of this, I think it is very important to clarify what is being done on stage. I would agree that from a dancer's standpoint, the tearing off of the shirt was an unnecessary theatrical gimick. But, the general public has no idea whether or not they have just seen something that qualifies as "belly dance". They will build an attitude toward the dance based on a lot of stuff that is not dance, until WE start taking the responsibility to educate them to what the dance is and is not.
Anyone can put on a costume (of sorts) and say they are belly dancing. My entire campaign to get clarity is all about the attitudes and furthering of the education of the general public in order to not only define the dance clearly, but also to expand knowledge and upgrade attitudes. Before that can be done, WE have to get clear with our various dances. How can we expect a good attitude from the public if we don't know what we are doing half the time?
Regards,
A'isha
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