Belly Dance Forums - View Single Post - Dina worries about the future of belly dancing in Egypt

Aisha Azar · 07-02-2008, 03:53 PM

Dear Reen,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reen.Blom

That's a very interesting idea, since the 2 piece costume is a Hollywood invention....

I think there are several opinions about the origin of the costume that do not agree with the Hollywood suggestion.

Quote:

That's exactly what I mean about "mainstreaming" as I think dancers who care about the dance should be careful about the way they present it, so why not use mainstreaming as promoting a better standards???

Can you define what you mean as "mainstreaming" here? I may not be understanding what you mean exactly. I see the dance as pretty much mainstreamed already, since you can see it at any county fair, on the large stage, in restaurants and lounges and sleazy bars, in movies, at parties, etc.

Quote:

As for "anyone can do it thing" I agree that not anyone can become a professional, but learning to dance for fun...frankly I have more chances with bellydance than with ballet!

I see the dance as every bit as difficult as ballet...... I agree that everyone can learn to do it for fun, but that the dancer who is learning for fun only ought not to be confused with the professional dancer, which is one of our main issues currently.

Quote:

And although I might learn to play a couple of tunes on the piano its not to say Im gonna give vituoso concerts! As for stage... well... tastes differ I have seen it done on stage and frankly with the right sound and lighting - it is almost like going to opera!

I agree that the dance can be presented on stage and can be spectacular. But often that intimate connection with the audience is sacrificed. I believe that Jihad Racy referred to the musical equivalent as "Sultana". My opinion is that for the dance to be its most effective, that is a very important part of the mix. This rarely happens on the big stage in the same way it does in a more intimate and cozy venue.
Regards,
A'isha