Belly Dance Forums - View Single Post - Male belly dancers considered "shameful" by ME males

Demelza · 08-30-2006, 09:39 AM

Sorry guys ! but I have to agree with A'isha on this one......I do understand that coming from a society where free speach, free will, free expression, free EVERYTHING is the norm, you are under the assumption that anything goes, however I believe that as you are performing what you call 'Belly Dance', you should respect the fact (or at least be aware of the fact) that in parts of the middle east (can't speak for all of it as I've only been to Jordan, Palastine, Libya and Egypt) it is classed as taboo. Even if you were to say that you do respect the roots of the dance and the general middle-eastern view on the subject (as it is 'belly dancing' that you are performing right?), but that you are doing your best to move the feelings towards that of acceptance would be good....but to say that you really don't care, I think is a bit harsh. In my opinion 'Belly Dance' is not a dance of the world, it has strong roots. It is a dance of the middle east and that should not be forgotten. Yes A'isha's right, in Egypt even a female belly dancer is automatically thought to be a Sharmuta (hooker/prostitue) and that can even be said about the greats, the rich, the famous (I'm not saying they are but if you ask any Egyptian they will say that they assume they are).

Having said all this, as I mentioned in another thread, I do see (and enjoy to see) men and boys dancing in clubs, at parties etc. However I have NEVER seen a professional Male dancer there (they might exist I've just never encountered one) and certainly not in makeup and a crop-top. Having said that, maybe there are some that wish they could, but that they can't, I don't know....but as for you guys, That is fine if that is what you want to do, my point is not that you should stop, I've seen some of you dance and I personally am impressed at your skills, but you SHOULD know the roots of the subject in hand, and respect that.

Demelza
xxxx
PS. Jamil, which part of Scotland are you from ? xx

08-30-2006, 09:39 AM	#11 (permalink)
Demelza Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Nottingham, UK Posts: 417	Sorry guys ! but I have to agree with A'isha on this one......I do understand that coming from a society where free speach, free will, free expression, free EVERYTHING is the norm, you are under the assumption that anything goes, however I believe that as you are performing what you call 'Belly Dance', you should respect the fact (or at least be aware of the fact) that in parts of the middle east (can't speak for all of it as I've only been to Jordan, Palastine, Libya and Egypt) it is classed as taboo. Even if you were to say that you do respect the roots of the dance and the general middle-eastern view on the subject (as it is 'belly dancing' that you are performing right?), but that you are doing your best to move the feelings towards that of acceptance would be good....but to say that you really don't care, I think is a bit harsh. In my opinion 'Belly Dance' is not a dance of the world, it has strong roots. It is a dance of the middle east and that should not be forgotten. Yes A'isha's right, in Egypt even a female belly dancer is automatically thought to be a Sharmuta (hooker/prostitue) and that can even be said about the greats, the rich, the famous (I'm not saying they are but if you ask any Egyptian they will say that they assume they are). Having said all this, as I mentioned in another thread, I do see (and enjoy to see) men and boys dancing in clubs, at parties etc. However I have NEVER seen a professional Male dancer there (they might exist I've just never encountered one) and certainly not in makeup and a crop-top. Having said that, maybe there are some that wish they could, but that they can't, I don't know....but as for you guys, That is fine if that is what you want to do, my point is not that you should stop, I've seen some of you dance and I personally am impressed at your skills, but you SHOULD know the roots of the subject in hand, and respect that. Demelza xxxx PS. Jamil, which part of Scotland are you from ? xx Last edited by Demelza; 08-30-2006 at 09:42 AM.