Quote:
Originally Posted by A'isha Azar
Dear Machiavellia,
AND allowing change to happen within the countries of origin and within certain cultural boundaries is very different than taking a free hand with someone else's art form and still referring to it as the original product. Fusion and other styles can be wonderful when well done, but they need to have their own definition, and not just be lumped into "Middle Eastern Dance", which most are not.
Now that I have said that, I also want to say that I lived in Stevenville, Newfoundland when I was a child,and I started school there at St. Steven Catholic school. I went there 1st grade and part of 2nd. When I got back to the states, I did not know how to say the Pledge of Allegiance, as they made us do every morning to start the school day in America. I have a sister who was born there, too.
Regards,
A'isha
|
A'isha,
Personally, I feel that, as you said, there are boundaries to what is and is not bellydancing, but that everyone draws their own line in a slightly different place. In my view, that involves imbuing my art with my own cultural and personal experiences. When I started studying, it was Algerian style, but in no way would I call myself an Algerian-style bellydancer anymore, although that is the origin of most of my bellydance vocabulary. I certainly don't call what I do Middle Eastern Dance, but I do call it bellydance, because I do feel that the terms are not synonymous, although they may overlap significantly. In fact, perhaps that's the best way to make that differentiation between traditional and fusion, since strictly speaking the term bellydancing is a Western invention in any case. If someone works hard, is respectful and self-identifies as a bellydancer, I am generally willing to accept that. But I respect that not everyone feels that way and some wish to preserve. I think respect is key to everyone getting along.
I'm intrigued that you lived in Stephenville, as that is not a place people tend to move. I've passed through there several times, although I'm from St. John's. There are seven bellydance troupes in Newfoundland today! One is actually in Corner Brook, only a short drive from Stephenville, and is Egyptian Cabaret. They're quite good- the troupe director, as I understand it, is amazingly well traveled and studied. If you ever find yourself back in the province, I am certain there would be a lot of interest in workshops.
