Alias...Using arabic names...wrong or right - Page 2

Midoria · 06-20-2008, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarik Sultan

It's neither wrong nor right. We do it for the same reason that Norma Gene became Marily Monroe. Most actors have stage names, but because we do an art form from another culture, I guess it helps us to connect, honor the culture from which it comes. Its interesting to note that many dancers in the East adopt Western names.

Yes, I noticed that. I saw a dancer from Egypt named "Candi" once. I was just...confused.

But I guess it makes total sense. For a Middle Eastern woman to take another Middle Eastern name would be like "Susan" taking "Sara" as a stage name.

Sita · 07-13-2008, 01:01 AM

I also feel using a stage name can help you feel more secure and free on stage. I had a friend who was a DJ and her cards had her full name and number which caused her grief from the occassional wierdos and since then I've regarded anything that creates a subtle distance between performer and audience as an extra safeguard helping to enforce existing boundaries.
As for using arabic or exotic names Ithink its suitable for the type of dance we perform and that an audience member would perfer to see Farah belly dancing than say Maureen as it helps feed into the fantasy of the performance. Just like it may be disconcerting (though not wrong by any means) to have Scottish or Morris dancing performed by a Horacio or Tariq

Sita

Sita · 07-13-2008, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midoria

Yes, I noticed that. I saw a dancer from Egypt named "Candi" once. I was just...confused.

But I guess it makes total sense. For a Middle Eastern woman to take another Middle Eastern name would be like "Susan" taking "Sara" as a stage name.

I did once see an arab belly dancer on tv who had the unfortunate moniker of Pussy - poor thing! I guess it goes to show how much research needs to be done before choosing the name particulary in regards to slang.

Sita

Farasha Hanem · 07-13-2008, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aniseteph

Of course it's OK - you can have different names on different sites if you like, or use the same one. People have stage names, forum names, dance names (sometimes even if they don't perform - some teachers name students apparently)... for all sorts of reasons.

The only thing to be very careful of is that your name doesn't mean something rude or silly or inappropriate in Arabic!

Exactly, that is why I asked everyone here to help me choose an Arabic name that would suit my dance persona when I wanted to change my forum name. Since I don't know Arabic, but wanted an Arabic name that fit my personality, they came up with "Farasha Hanem," which means "Butterfly Lady." I'm very happy and grateful to my friends for helping me choose a name I love.

Of course, since I'm still a "chickadee," or a newbie dancer, I still dance like a hiccupping caterpillar wearing all-left combat boots...

Caroline_afifi · 07-13-2008, 08:52 AM

If people ask my advice on this I usually tell them to change their second name as it is easier and less complicated. i.e. Emma Ehsen,
Julie Jamal, Gemma Ghazal etc.

My name is my married name but before I was my previos married name.
I have had enough name changed without forgetting who am today!

I chose to keep my own name as the restaurant I worked in invented a name for me which was Leila. I was know by this name on the restaurant circuits for quite a while but I hated it when people quizzed me about my name or thewre was someone I knew in the audience etc.
At the end of the day it is important to do what suits you and your needs rather than follow some sort of trend.

I will probably get into trouble for saying this but I really dont see the point in having a stage name unless you are on the stage (or something similar).
You dont need an exotic name to be a student or teacher or Haflah performer.
Just my opinion, I am open to change, so dont stone me!.

lizaj · 07-13-2008, 09:21 AM

Not being a professional performer, I don't see the point. If I am to be known in connection with belly dance in my area it's as a teacher or as part of a troupe .
I often wonder why Egyptian Lucy chose her name or Liz and Lynn.9The golden Age twins) I suppose Western names sound exotic! So if I were young and embarking on a professional dance career Liz would be good enough for me!
But there's no harm done..it's a nice bit of fantasy and more seriously if you are thinking about staying anonymous outside of the community it's a way to go.

Reen.Blom · 07-13-2008, 11:38 AM

Also sometimes it is weird to see a light skinned blue eyed blond intoduced as "Oriental Dancer Azeeza/Farhidah or Yasirah"... I think first of all the name must suit one's personality and image.... LOL (Not to say that there is a "standard" for what fits who, and still especially western audience would sort of expect the "Middle Eastern" type women to come under ME name.... One the Other hand I have met more than one dancer that dyed their hair Black and overused self-tan stuff to "fit the image")

I like the idea of dance persona name, it is more fun like that!

Mosaic · 07-13-2008, 12:49 PM

I use my own name because I am not a professional dancer, and dance with a group when I dance, in cyber space I use mosaic mainly because I have a small business which is Mosaic -La Quinta Essentia. Mosaic to honour all cultures, and all people, all, ages, shapes and sizes, humanity is a mosaic, and we all fit together creating wondrous patterns and colours. La Quinta Essentia is 'The 5th Essence' (sorry gents) that is for the feminine spirit which is the 5th essence

. I have and still do use sagira on bhuz, I started with that name because it means 'little one' and my given name also means little one - I think I outgrew that name many years ago

Now I am "oh medium one". I keep meaning to change my handle on Bhuz to mosaic, but I don't go there that often these days, I'll get around to it one day. I personally prefer not to use my given name in cyber space.
~Mosaic

Aisha Azar · 07-13-2008, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reen.Blom

Also sometimes it is weird to see a light skinned blue eyed blond intoduced as "Oriental Dancer Azeeza/Farhidah or Yasirah"... I think first of all the name must suit one's personality and image.... LOL (Not to say that there is a "standard" for what fits who, and still especially western audience would sort of expect the "Middle Eastern" type women to come under ME name.... One the Other hand I have met more than one dancer that dyed their hair Black and overused self-tan stuff to "fit the image")

I like the idea of dance persona name, it is more fun like that!

Dear Reen,
There are many Arabs who do have light skin, blonde hair and blue or green eyes. Lebanese and Syrians are known for that and I think Dina has green eyes, but I do not know if they are contacts or not. The word "Blonde" has quite a different meaning among Arabs as well. It refers to anyone with lighter skin. My hair is dark brown, but I am considered to be blonde by many of my Arab friends.

I agree with Caroline that it is rather presumptuous to have a professional name before one is professional.
Regards,
A'isha

janaki · 07-13-2008, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarik Sultan

Its interesting to note that many dancers in the East adopt Western names.

Yep, Lucy and Dina a couple to quote. I have always wondered why? If dancers out side middle east are taking arabic names to connect with the dance/culture etc., What are mid east dancers trying to connect with by taking western names???

07-13-2008, 01:01 AM	#12 (permalink)
Sita Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: UK Posts: 118	I also feel using a stage name can help you feel more secure and free on stage. I had a friend who was a DJ and her cards had her full name and number which caused her grief from the occassional wierdos and since then I've regarded anything that creates a subtle distance between performer and audience as an extra safeguard helping to enforce existing boundaries. As for using arabic or exotic names Ithink its suitable for the type of dance we perform and that an audience member would perfer to see Farah belly dancing than say Maureen as it helps feed into the fantasy of the performance. Just like it may be disconcerting (though not wrong by any means) to have Scottish or Morris dancing performed by a Horacio or Tariq Sita __________________ ~Life is like a ghaziya, she dances just briefly for each.~ - Egyptian proverb

07-13-2008, 11:38 AM	#17 (permalink)
Reen.Blom V.I.P. Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: SA now UK(Newmarket) Posts: 2,251	Also sometimes it is weird to see a light skinned blue eyed blond intoduced as "Oriental Dancer Azeeza/Farhidah or Yasirah"... I think first of all the name must suit one's personality and image.... LOL (Not to say that there is a "standard" for what fits who, and still especially western audience would sort of expect the "Middle Eastern" type women to come under ME name.... One the Other hand I have met more than one dancer that dyed their hair Black and overused self-tan stuff to "fit the image") I like the idea of dance persona name, it is more fun like that! __________________ Join WORLD BELLY DANCE DAY! www.worldbellydanceday.com

07-13-2008, 12:49 PM	#18 (permalink)
Mosaic Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne Australia, but a Kiwi Posts: 594	I use my own name because I am not a professional dancer, and dance with a group when I dance, in cyber space I use mosaic mainly because I have a small business which is Mosaic -La Quinta Essentia. Mosaic to honour all cultures, and all people, all, ages, shapes and sizes, humanity is a mosaic, and we all fit together creating wondrous patterns and colours. La Quinta Essentia is 'The 5th Essence' (sorry gents) that is for the feminine spirit which is the 5th essence. I have and still do use sagira on bhuz, I started with that name because it means 'little one' and my given name also means little one - I think I outgrew that name many years ago Now I am "oh medium one". I keep meaning to change my handle on Bhuz to mosaic, but I don't go there that often these days, I'll get around to it one day. I personally prefer not to use my given name in cyber space. ~Mosaic

07-13-2008, 08:52 AM	#15 (permalink)
Caroline_afifi Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Liverpool UK Posts: 824	If people ask my advice on this I usually tell them to change their second name as it is easier and less complicated. i.e. Emma Ehsen, Julie Jamal, Gemma Ghazal etc. My name is my married name but before I was my previos married name. I have had enough name changed without forgetting who am today! I chose to keep my own name as the restaurant I worked in invented a name for me which was Leila. I was know by this name on the restaurant circuits for quite a while but I hated it when people quizzed me about my name or thewre was someone I knew in the audience etc. At the end of the day it is important to do what suits you and your needs rather than follow some sort of trend. I will probably get into trouble for saying this but I really dont see the point in having a stage name unless you are on the stage (or something similar). You dont need an exotic name to be a student or teacher or Haflah performer. Just my opinion, I am open to change, so dont stone me!.

07-13-2008, 09:21 AM	#16 (permalink)
lizaj Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: UK Posts: 876	Not being a professional performer, I don't see the point. If I am to be known in connection with belly dance in my area it's as a teacher or as part of a troupe . I often wonder why Egyptian Lucy chose her name or Liz and Lynn.9The golden Age twins) I suppose Western names sound exotic! So if I were young and embarking on a professional dance career Liz would be good enough for me! But there's no harm done..it's a nice bit of fantasy and more seriously if you are thinking about staying anonymous outside of the community it's a way to go.