lizaj

The real shame is that there are fewer big names who do not fit in a slim toned stereotype. The revered Randa etc.gorgeous and I have even heard her discribed as packing a bit of weight! WOT! There seemed to be more variety in body shape a few decades back Nagwa, Soheir and Fifi: all very different body types. Now we are getting Ms Slim with implants even "over there"...not just the BDSS ( no I don't know if they have real ones or not but that's the method others will use to look like them!)
Well at least organisers of festivals for belly dancers realise that we will applaud older less shapely and still very sexy dancers like Aida and Fifi as well as fantastic specimens such as Asmahan and Ava. And we'll enjoy male figures in all their variety.
Big dancers would be given such a boost if a more ample dancer were centre of an important stage as Fifi was at some stages in her career: sassy and fearless and Shareen in the USA. I have only seen her on film but she is womanly and graceful as a dancer should be.

Yasmine Bint Al Nubia

Having read the original question and the various replies..I'm still not sure the answers reveal the reality of what goes on in belly dance classes around the world.

I've had numerous beginners ask if bellydance will trim their tummy. "I want a good exercise program"....." I need to lose weight" etc. From the outset, it appears women join BD classes primarily for exercise. Why? because it is marketed in this manner, so from the very beginning..women are already conditioned to think their body shape needs to and will change as a result of bellydancing.
As a result, we have created the mantra that it is for every body size and shape. Who created this concept? Western teachers, Middle Eastern teachers? Regardless, it's something we bought into and continue to pay into with each new student that walk into a class.Considering that classes are filled primarily with women, I'm not surprised that cliques do occur along the most superficial lines.

The other level of reality is that once students venture into the amateur performance arena..they will find very few costumes that will fit a larger woman. Anyone who has tried to outfit a troupe of varying sizes realizes this to be true. It's not fair..but it does create a hurdle and sends a subtle message that if one can't find a costume to fit...then one should not dance.

Finally, as we look toward the Middle East and North Africa for inspiration and guidance..one can only find young, thin dancers on the boats of the Nile and in the hotels. Again, it's not fair..but can anyone dispute this?

What we think belly dance is and who it's for, is far different from what is happening in the reality.
Personally, I believe anyone with the desire can learn to belly dance.
Yasmine

__________________
www.visionsofthenile.com

Phoebedances

A'isha - I have your site bookmarked now. I already know Egyptian style, but as soon as I get back to purchasing DVD's I have yours on my list now. I know I could always use a refresher, and you may teach moves differently than I learned them.

Caroline_afifi

I think the answer is ..
99% of the time fat poeples money is the same as thin peoples so therefore 99% are welcome in class around the world.

There are always the exception to the rule, so I have allowed 1%.

Those 1% may not feel they need the money but need to be surrounded by their image of beautiful people instead. Who knows and who cares?
Blast them into outer space where they belong.

Eve

extra classes for the fatties how nice of them to help us.

Does this mean I can call the stick thin dancers 'Annies'? i.e (Anorexics)

da Sage

Why must some people always be on about the implants? Dancers have been padding their tops for thousands of years, I'm sure. I am sick of speculation on this subject.

da Sage

I know a local teacher gave a class for heavy women and those with physical issues. It wasn't one of her usual offerings; I think it was by special request of an already existing group. I heard nothing but rave reviews about her teaching, and the tenor of the class.

And I've signed up for a "Fat Woman" class before, just not in belly dance. Frankly, I appreciated the option.

I doubt calling skinny dancers names will help anything.

Aisha Azar

Dear Phoebe,
I have been studying Egyptian style for 34 years now. There is always, always more to know!! Even the root movements need to be practiced, practiced, practiced in order to keep your building blocks strong. That is why I made my first video a basic movement class rather than a more advanced class, which would have been a wiser financial move!! Someone told me once that in ballet, the dancers practice basic movement vocabulary every time they go to class. I thought that was interesting.
I have occasionally thought that I might want to not teach so many beginning classes, but I realize that keeping in touch with a firm foundation is a good thing!!
Regards,
A'isha

Shanazel

Are there also nice words for people with physical disablities, missing teeth, or small breasts?

lizaj

Oh for heaven's sake..what have I done to you! rueful?????

I did say not necess. BDSS and in Cairo which is from where much of our inspiration comes, talk to anyone who visits and knows the dancers...they have taken to inplants with a vengence. And many of the latest bras are designed with that in mind.So it is a source of interest to dancers. And dancers without fulsome chests have choices.
Yes and for your info I pass no judgement . For centuries women have sought to enhance their looks and this is only the latest chance for that.