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yonisha · 02-01-2007, 06:05 PM

It is very difficult to define what is or not "gypsy", first of all the Etymology of the word comes from the shortening and alteration of Egyptian, because it was believed that they originally came from Egypt, when they actually originated from India.

Gypsy is also a perjorative denomination for different ethnic groups, in between them the Roma people is one of these groups, which is also devided into different groups as they spread through different parts of the world. Here are some of the groups:

Romani - an ethnic group in Southern and Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Gitanos or Ciganos - Roma people in Spain, Portugal and southern France

Kalderash - most numerous of the Roma people, from the Balkans, Central Europe, and North America.

Romnichal or Rom'nies - mostly in Britain and North America.

Sinti or Zigeuner or Zingari - Roma people mostly in Germany, Austria, and Italy.

There are also Gypsy people not directly related to the Roma people, like the Lyuli (Central Asia), Pavee (Ireland, Great Britain and USA), Sea Gypsies ( Sautheast Asia), Yeniche (Germany, Austria, Sweitzerland, France, Belgium), Dom people (Middle East), and Lom people (Eurasia).

Etymologically, the word Flamenco comes from Andalusi Arabic fellah mengu, "Peasant without Land" - which would be a reference to "gypsy" or nomads. So the choice of the "latin" song on the video clip was probably done in reference to the Gitanos or Ciganos or Roma in Spain.

It might have been an offensive performance for some, when referred to a specific group of gypsy people, but not if referred to another group of gypsy. Anyway, fusion exists to explore art creativity. So I suggest that we relax and have fun with the possibilities to perform.

Although the performance was a fusion belly dance to a gypsy rumba (this song is from a music group from Spain, who made Rumba famous in Spain, and most likely he descent of Gitanos, the Spanish Gypsy people) I enjoyed, they seem to be making a parody at first, and having a lot of FUN!

02-01-2007, 06:05 PM	#25 (permalink)
yonisha Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Kelowna, BC - Canada Posts: 42	It is very difficult to define what is or not "gypsy", first of all the Etymology of the word comes from the shortening and alteration of Egyptian, because it was believed that they originally came from Egypt, when they actually originated from India. Gypsy is also a perjorative denomination for different ethnic groups, in between them the Roma people is one of these groups, which is also devided into different groups as they spread through different parts of the world. Here are some of the groups: Romani - an ethnic group in Southern and Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Gitanos or Ciganos - Roma people in Spain, Portugal and southern France Kalderash - most numerous of the Roma people, from the Balkans, Central Europe, and North America. Romnichal or Rom'nies - mostly in Britain and North America. Sinti or Zigeuner or Zingari - Roma people mostly in Germany, Austria, and Italy. There are also Gypsy people not directly related to the Roma people, like the Lyuli (Central Asia), Pavee (Ireland, Great Britain and USA), Sea Gypsies ( Sautheast Asia), Yeniche (Germany, Austria, Sweitzerland, France, Belgium), Dom people (Middle East), and Lom people (Eurasia). Etymologically, the word Flamenco comes from Andalusi Arabic fellah mengu, "Peasant without Land" - which would be a reference to "gypsy" or nomads. So the choice of the "latin" song on the video clip was probably done in reference to the Gitanos or Ciganos or Roma in Spain. It might have been an offensive performance for some, when referred to a specific group of gypsy people, but not if referred to another group of gypsy. Anyway, fusion exists to explore art creativity. So I suggest that we relax and have fun with the possibilities to perform. Although the performance was a fusion belly dance to a gypsy rumba (this song is from a music group from Spain, who made Rumba famous in Spain, and most likely he descent of Gitanos, the Spanish Gypsy people) I enjoyed, they seem to be making a parody at first, and having a lot of FUN! __________________ May the Magic of Dance be with You! Yonisha - http://www.yonisha.com Last edited by yonisha; 02-01-2007 at 06:09 PM.