Nur Al Leyali

Is it just me or do male dancers just seem more talented then female dancers????? I mean I have done some comparisons and I see some real Movements from the core in males that are not in females unless they are extremely well known. And it seems to me that the moves are more difficult for males to learn also. And if thats so isnt that the males are learning it in muscle memory rather then just memory? because it seems so natural in muscle memory . But im sure this topic has came up before soo if any one feels like replying to this thread It would be great .. Im very interested in hearing replys . I am a female dancer and it seems to be a more natural movement to me rather then learned. Is it the same for male dancers?

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Nur Al Leyalitmagill@ymail.com

Aniseteph

Zorba

Speaking for MYSELF, I don't really have any talent at all. Seriously. What little dance skill I have, I've had to learn the HARD way - and it takes me forever to learn it.

I'm pretty catty when it comes to male dancers - as I've seen my share of them get by on "stupid male tricks" rather than actual dancing. Some of these are QUITE well known. Others, such as our own Tarik, have enormous skill and beauty.

It also really depends on what one defines as "good male dancing" - my personal belief and goal is that "good male dancing" is the exact same as "good female dancing" AND that they should be indistinguishable from each other as far as possible given anatomical (read: Hip structure) differences - i.e. no so-called "male style" or "masculinzations". Others, however, have differing views - so it really depends on who you're talking to!

As for raw talent - as a dance teacher of a TOTALLY different dance form (Greek Folk Dance), I can tell you that IN GENERAL, most males are clumsy bumblers compared to most females. OTOH, my clumsiness - and the corresponding quest for grace and beauty - is what keeps me coming back for more. I dunno about other males. You bring up "natural movement" vs. "learned" - an extremely good point. There's been NOTHING "natural" about ANY kind of dancing I've ever done - I've had to learn it all.

Aniseteph is quite right to get out the popcorn, this thread could get really hot! As your moderator, I want to remind everyone to just remember to keep it civil.

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-Zorba
"The Veiled Male"
http://www.doubleveil.net
"There is nothing sadder than a veil, that is for sale."

Shanazel

Having babies is gender related. Talent and grace are not.

Pass the popcorn, Aniseteph.

Mya

*squeezes between Anisteph and Shanazel in the front row*

kayshier

kayshier

could you name some examples for comparison? whose dancing did you hold up to scrutiny?

are you sure that you're not just fascinated with the novelty of seeing a male dancer because the typical image that comes to mind when you think of belly dance is female?

Sara

I must say I have noticed this myself. Not that they are better dancers, rather stomach movements do seem more pronounced on them.

But not just in male dancers also with women who have very toned flat abs, like Didem, and Amar Gamal. I think it is because there is less fat over the abdomen which can sometimes hide the movement in the belly for women.

Ie/

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Yasmine Bint Al Nubia

The word 'more' implies a comparison that occurs along a spectrum. Talent also implies in this case a relationship to gender rather than inherent ability to excel at a chosen activity.

From what I've seen of both male and female PROFESSIONAL dancers..they are equally talented. They each possess the requisite power, grace, emotional depth and musicality.

Maybe what you're seeing is stylizations that is different between men and women. Obviously, we are built different locations for center of gravity.

Certain moves may take a different effort.

Shoulder shimmies-look very powerful on men..as they are often done more vigorously. Hey if I didn't have breasts, my shoulder shimmies would look different too. But because I do..I'm a bit less vigorous and therefore appear more demure

Figure eights hips-Appear more fluid on women because of the built in curves. Women can effect the move with minimal effort and still produce the soft motion, whereas some men may need to bend their knees more and push their hips out farther to create the curving wave.

Men for the most part have bigger feet than women, which covers more floor space when standing still. With one foot on demi-point the larger foot requires the knee to lift higher than someone who wears a size 6.

These are simply generalizations and do not take into account the individual differences that occur among dancers of either gender.
Yasmine

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jenc

Could it be also that there are more mediocre female dancers, because there are more female dancers. Any male who wants to do this has to be more driven whilst I know scores of women who go for a good time and don't even practice between classes.
No difference for me between really good male and female dancers in terms of talent. Although Tito does some very strentgh related moves that he can keep, I find him inspiring how I want to dance