I believe all things change, nothing is static, so BD is not immune to change. Seeing that its origins stem from the times when people were nomadic and used/still used as a means to celebrate various events, or for just a good old get together. I am sure as the people traversed their trails trading, seeking pasture for stock etc, they would have met with other caravans and as humans are wont to do, would have learnt various steps/movements from each other and thus their own traditional dances would take on something new and different ... therefore change took place. Today change moves at a faster pace, with travel, and technology we have change at our fingertips daily. Props may have come through from various non- ME cultures and ME cultures, and some bright enterprising BD'er may see that the use of a prop can add a dimension to the dance that enhances the dancer and dance. If used and incorporated to maintain the essence of belly dance and the music, keeping the passion and heart of the dance 'true', I don't see that it degrades or takes away from the dance at all. I am not sure that dogs/cats/horses/tigers etc ( just a wee bit too circusey for me) fit that well into the dance
But the serpent, veils, jugs/jars/trays/baskets of flowers/ fans/voi ( poi-veil)/sword all look great when the dancer uses them well. Most have their origins in traditional dances from around the world. Maybe dancing a whole set with props could be too much, but from the little I have seen of props, most dancers use them appropriately.
Just my 2 cents worth
Lydia, I think your basket of flowers and handing out flowers sounds wonderful and as for your bird, that must have been something, would loved to have see that
~Mosaic