Recnadocir

Hmm, well, I still don't know where I said "authentic dance is not creative". But to say there is "authentic" dance implies that there is "inauthentic" dance, and who makes the decision what is "authentic" vs. "inauthentic?" "Authentic" still seems like a buzz word to me, much as modern dance academics and critics use terms like "honest choreography," and "deeply felt movement." To me, as no dance that comes from the heart, however wildly experimental, can be inauthentic.

As for the rest, I think that there are choreographers who are driven to experiment and try to make something new, and those who place more value on preserving the dance as it is, and minimizing experimentation. I think I was clear in the post of reference that I believe both types of choreographers exist, and can and should co-exist. Certainly even traditionalists are "creating," in that they are making numerous decisions and choices during the choreographic process: about music, about costuming, about movements to include or not, about movement phrasing, etc. However, I am challenged to call to mind an artist of note in any genre, with any significant legacy, who was only content to be creative on this level. At the highest level of creativity, I believe, there will be fusion and synthesis, a birth of something new, which may or may not appeal to the masses or to the artist's peers, but which will stand the proof of time and resonate with future generations.

It's like the difference between a Salieri and a Mozart.

__________________
http://a537.ac-images.myspacecdn.com...0267e2f1c0.jpg
Nos es in Hollywood , quod vos es non!

Obsidia

I apologize if I came across as rude to anyone. When you consistently have to defend your right to call yourself a bellydancer, it tends to make you rather touchy.

I am happy if I can provide anyone with some insight on the art of Gothic Bellydance and answer any questions.

I was offended and lashed out as such-for my CHOICE of words, I apologize, the passion and feeling in which I defend my artform as a Gothic bellydancer I do not apologize for.

I do still feel I am being insulted when a person says my form of bellydance is "meaningless" but if one chooses to see it that what, so be it.

To everyone else, again, deep apologies for my exhuberant passion and quick fire. Sometimes "Momma Bear" comes out a bit quickly....

Namaste

sedoniaraqs

I am a latecomer to this thread, but I'd just like to say that I read through the replies twice, and I cannot see where A'isha has been rude or spoken inappropriately at all.

Those who have been at this forum or others where A'isha posts know that she is opinionated, but is always willing to agree to disagree with other opinionated people in a reasonably polite way. I know her personally and I think in many ways she is very open-minded and progressive in her views of the world.

On the other hand, I find the tone of many (not all) of the "pro-gothic bellydance" posts to be very reactionary and defensive, and some of them are rather rude. It seems like the two who took the most offense are newcomers to the forum, and rather than taking an opportunity to get to know some of the locals, have instead decided to take insult where none was intended.

I am always amused/saddened by people who think that others expressing their opinion is somehow oppressive.

Sedonia

Aisha Azar

Dear Rico,
I apologize if I misunderstood your comment and thanks for the explanation about yuur take on creativity.
RE authenticity:
If I am Morris dancer ( about which I know very little but did note some similarties between Takhtib and Morris...) and I still do the dance to Morris patterns, using Saidi music, in a gelebiya, keeping the same little sticks instead of using staffs, except I now use them occsionally in the manner of the Takhtib dancer, am I an authentic Morris dancer or an authentic Takhtib dancer? No, I am a person who is combining two things that cease to have meaning as their orginal forms and become something else.
I stated that the dances of innovation and fusion are also authetnic unto themselves. Perhaps you did not read that far into my post?
Regards,
A'isha

Salome

Hi Obsidia,

thanks for your post It seems that there are several participants in this thread (and probably readers too) who are genuinely curious about the style you are doing. I'm glad you stuck around as I'm sure they'd like to draw on your knowledge! Happy posting.

Aniseteph

...and you never were a proper Morris dancer in some people's eyes, because you're female!

Aisha Azar

Dear Sedonia,
Hello and thank you!!

Dear Aniseteph,
I did not mean me as such,... should have said " a man", or something similar ,but I am also very glad you pointed that out, because there is one more reason why it would not be authentically Morris!! Darn once again... A godmother but not a god!
Regards,
A'isha

Obsidia

Thank you. I appreciate that. I look forward to reading up through some of the topics and learning about other people's styles, learning more in GENERAL about our amazing artform and getting to know everyone.

Namaste

Aniseteph

I know what you meant - but maybe we could infiltrate the Men Only Morris world by sporting fake beards*! Now there's a movie I'd go to see...
A xxx

*idea copyright me 2006 in case any Hollywood mogul gets any ideas...

tim'ema

Thank you for the response and the compliment! As I mentioned, I am not only new to BD, but new to dance as a whole, and many of these things are "eureka" moments for me.
I appreciate the clarificaton!


AT

__________________
My FructMal site My Blog