Originally Posted by Suheir

Yep. If I don't like something, I don't clap, whether it be dance, music, comedy or whatever. Ooh, what a bitch, eh? I've seen a recording of what must be the worst performance ever in belly dance history and the audience are going crazy, whooping and clapping like it's the best thing ever - I don't get it at all. I think that sometimes people feel sorry for the performer(s) and try to make a fuss - thus making bad performers believe they've done a good job. I've heard people say oh, you must be *nice*, you must be *kind* - no, there's being nice and kind and there's acknowledging that there are self-styled professionals who are no good at their job. A lot of it seems to be because most performers are female - we're supposed to be a "sisterhood" and any criticism of bad teaching/performing isn't allowed. The conspiracy of silence, or, indeed, false praise, just serves to buoy up bad standards. Bit of a rant there!