Quote:
Originally Posted by Mosaic
Reading an article like that on how people view & treat bellydancers is sad. I know dancers want to dance there, but goodness! to be treated so badly, maybe only sometimes, maybe a lot of the time, it doesn't matter, I just don't see why anyone would put up with it, when you can be accepted and appreciated in so many other countries.
I can understand the draw and the desire to dance in the "cradle" of BD, but I sure don't get the fact that so many stay and allow themselves to be badly treated.
Mind you I can't wait to go to Egypt in January  But I certainly wouldn't be dancing there, I just want to take in the history and maybe see 1 or 2 shows. I might even get brave enough to do a workshop, and of course buy a couple of costumes. But overall the main draw card is the historical value for me.
As for the neighbours poisoning the dancers cats, that is horrific and disgusting! But so many of these countries, don't have the same respect for animals as the Western world does and I can't see that changing in a hurry. Putting aside the emotional aspect of animals, I can understand that people are seeking their own survival in many cases, and animals in such situations take 2nd place or less in the scheme of things.
~Mosaic |
I think articles like this need to be put into some kind of context.
The foreign dancers that I personally know in Cairo dance and live there because they are happy, those who are not tend to leave.
It is hard work keeping the gigs and having to perform when they are ill etc. There is no such thing as getting your mate to cover like we do in the UK etc.
The dancers work hard at it because they want too. The ones who stay long enough learn the hidden grammars of the society and learn to adapt.
For many it is a dream and for others it becomes a nightmare.
I think you have to be made of stern stuff to do late nights like they do.
There is bull*** to contend with and it is a highly competative area but
it has its pay offs.
I personally couldnt do it as as I am far too lazy to maintain the amount of energy required. I do admire anyone who sets a personal goal and achieves it for no matter how long it lasts.
I have seen mediocre dancers perform in Cairo and no amount of training seems to make a difference but they tend not to last very long.