Andrea Deagon

I was wondering this about tipping practices --- With respect to "teasing" the tipper by whisking the hip away and so on -- is this a mainly American thing? Does it occur in the Arab world, or is it a part of the Arab thought-world with respect to tipping? My impression is that it isn't, but I'd appreciate feedback from others. Also, is this common for dancers in other countries than the US? I have done this in my time, but after a while developed a distaste for it as a form of audience interaction, even though a lot of people enjoyed it. What do other people think of this? (All this is long in the past BTW -- haven't danced in a restaurant for a while, or taken body tips for even a longer while.)

__________________
"I am not contradictory, I am dispersed." (Roland Barthes)

Aisha Azar

Dear Andrea,
I have never appreciated that little game. I thought it was rather cheezy and I know that some audience members do appreciate its cute or whatever, but I think it is rather demeaning.
I actually never did go out for tips much after about two years of dancing, when I realized how much it interrupted the flow of the dance. Even in clubs I avoided going out for tips. The Arabs would usually come on stage and throw money over my head, which meant the band got most of it since it went onto the floor. Sometimes the other dancers or a couple of the few westerners in the audience who were not dancers would follow suit. I got a $$ necklace once or twice, which meant the $$ were all mine. In the restaurant, the occasional person would want to tip me and I accepted only because it seemed like the gracious thing to do...
I do not encourage my students to go out for tips, either. But.... I do know of several dancers who managed to feed their kids on tip money, when they might otherwise have not been able to afford to take care of them. I try not to be too judgmental about what other dancers do in this area.
Regards,
A'isha

Shanazel

I dislike cute and coy, and think tipper teasing is right up there with boobs on a string in terms of appealing behavior.

masrawy

it is most definitely an Arab thing, I would think it started out their not in the US. in a wedding guests are expected to tip el raqsa as a form of gratitude. But as Aisha well put it sometime it looks cheesy when its done in a tacky way to or from the dancer. but hey if it pay the bill so be it, live and let live!

__________________
"Be beautiful , the universe will turn beautiful in your eyes!"

masrawy

Here is saad el sager سعد الصغير working the crowd for tips~Mahmoud

YouTube - ????? ??? ??????

__________________
"Be beautiful , the universe will turn beautiful in your eyes!"

jenc

Don't think I'd want to show the audience my bum for tips!!!