Dancing with snakes? - Page 4

jen28 · 01-15-2008, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Auntie Crazy

I have bred ('though I wouldn't today), raised, rescued and rehomed snakes from little bitty corn snakes right up to large pythons (part of the reason my family dubbed me "Auntie Crazy"); I would not dance with one, nor would I enjoy watching a show that included one.

Brea, we've talked about our mutual love of animals, so I'm sure you know that reptiles aren't capable of affection. They can become accustomed to certain environments and events, but there's not really any enjoyment factor involved. For me, that nixes performances that use snakes because, in my mind, that's exactly what it would be.... "using" the animal for whatever wow factor was possible.

I dislike other performances that involve exotic animals for the same reason. Zoos, too, for that matter.

In fact, if we got right down to it, I'd ban the sale of reptiles, other exotics, and avians completely, but that's a whole 'nother topic.

A.C.

I think I must be your niece because I'm also a crazy animal welfare girl! I agree 100% with banning the sale of exotics....hopefully that bill banning the sale of some parrots will pass in PA.... but back on subject.....

To me it also kind of seems like animal exploitation. I know you would never intentionally do that, but I just feel uneasy with the whole concept of using animals in gigs. It blurs the boundaries of what's acceptable to do with animals and what's not.

Plus, disease is a huge issue. Most reptiles, including snakes, carry salmonella (and giardia and coccidia, to name a couple others). Dancing with one could possibly stress it out, compromising its immune system and causing it to shed more salmonella. Freaked out snakes will also poop on you, and there's lots of fun little bacteria in poop.

Serpentessa · 01-16-2008, 01:39 AM

Hello all,

I have enjoyed this forum as a lurker for awhile now. It is an excellent source of information, cultural exchanges and healthy thought provoking debate. I rarely write in to forums however as I am a very slow typist and generally someone states my opinion anyway. However, as I am a belly dancer who dances with snakes and there are not too many of you on this forum, I feel it is time to introduce myself and my inter species work with "red tail" boa constrictors via my Dvd.

Yes I have a Dvd titled: Belly Dance with Snakes: Embody Your Inner Serpent. Here's a link to info about it including some video excerpts and a personal Intro that you can access as you scroll down the link page. http://www.templebellydance.com/DVD.htm

DVD Main Chapters: 3 hrs RT total
• Performances
• Snake Dance Instructional - includes Bonding - Slow - Fast - Floorwork Sequences plus Shimmies and more
• Serpent Wisdom featuring transformative ceremonies on film for the first time, a relaxing Inner Serpent meditation, Serpent slide show

Many have been finding it an excellent resource on 1. how to dance w constrictor snakes, 2. various snake dance performances including a piece I teach in snake dance wkshps 3. a slide show with some of well known bellydancers with snakes and 4. info about serpent wisdom and mythology.

This is not meant as a blatant ad for my Dvd. Rather, the dvd is a legacy of the work I've done as a 21st c snake priestess in inter species communication and physical connection with "red tail" boa constrictors. I have danced many forms of dance with belly dance being the one I chose to do professionally with snake dances as my specialty.

Over the 27 yrs I've lived with my snakes, I've learned that there are many opportunities to bring them into the public sectors without stressing the serpent. In particular, "red tail" boa constrictors are very willing to be our teachers upclose and personal if we are willing to learn and honor their needs. My serpents have graced the bodies and hearts of over 10,000 people in the last decade through my various workshops, the theatre, hotel gigs (but very few restaurants for obvious reasons) and large festivals, ceremonies and new age retreats. Never have they bitten, defecated, constricted or otherwise injured themselves, myself or anyone. But I have not seen that to be the consistent norm in entertainment situations which is why I have created the Dvd and given away all my "snake secrets."

Currently, I have received written confirmation that I am on Shira's list for a Dvd review. Imt- she has an oipinion poll listed for it on her web site. Also Hollywood Music Center is now carrying the dvd as well as Amazon and FilmBaby.

I am currently booking snake workshops. My most popular in belly dance is Serpent & Moon Temple Belly Dance. Please PM me if you are interested in wkshp content, resume and video materials. Of course, my web site is also available, but I am in the midst of giving it a serious update.

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself via the topic of dancing with snakes! I look forward to feedback and healthy debate.

Sssssssss,
Serpentessa

KuteNurse · 01-16-2008, 01:51 AM

Accckkkk!!!! I hate snakes! lol (Someone quick cover Slinks eyes up.) I am sorry, but like you have a problem shopping, I have a phobia of snakes Brea. I wish you luck with your snake shopping and interests, but please count me out of it

01-16-2008, 01:39 AM	#32 (permalink)
Serpentessa Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Rifton, NY Posts: 12	Dancing with Snakes Hello all, I have enjoyed this forum as a lurker for awhile now. It is an excellent source of information, cultural exchanges and healthy thought provoking debate. I rarely write in to forums however as I am a very slow typist and generally someone states my opinion anyway. However, as I am a belly dancer who dances with snakes and there are not too many of you on this forum, I feel it is time to introduce myself and my inter species work with "red tail" boa constrictors via my Dvd. Yes I have a Dvd titled: Belly Dance with Snakes: Embody Your Inner Serpent. Here's a link to info about it including some video excerpts and a personal Intro that you can access as you scroll down the link page. http://www.templebellydance.com/DVD.htm DVD Main Chapters: 3 hrs RT total • Performances • Snake Dance Instructional - includes Bonding - Slow - Fast - Floorwork Sequences plus Shimmies and more • Serpent Wisdom featuring transformative ceremonies on film for the first time, a relaxing Inner Serpent meditation, Serpent slide show Many have been finding it an excellent resource on 1. how to dance w constrictor snakes, 2. various snake dance performances including a piece I teach in snake dance wkshps 3. a slide show with some of well known bellydancers with snakes and 4. info about serpent wisdom and mythology. This is not meant as a blatant ad for my Dvd. Rather, the dvd is a legacy of the work I've done as a 21st c snake priestess in inter species communication and physical connection with "red tail" boa constrictors. I have danced many forms of dance with belly dance being the one I chose to do professionally with snake dances as my specialty. Over the 27 yrs I've lived with my snakes, I've learned that there are many opportunities to bring them into the public sectors without stressing the serpent. In particular, "red tail" boa constrictors are very willing to be our teachers upclose and personal if we are willing to learn and honor their needs. My serpents have graced the bodies and hearts of over 10,000 people in the last decade through my various workshops, the theatre, hotel gigs (but very few restaurants for obvious reasons) and large festivals, ceremonies and new age retreats. Never have they bitten, defecated, constricted or otherwise injured themselves, myself or anyone. But I have not seen that to be the consistent norm in entertainment situations which is why I have created the Dvd and given away all my "snake secrets." Currently, I have received written confirmation that I am on Shira's list for a Dvd review. Imt- she has an oipinion poll listed for it on her web site. Also Hollywood Music Center is now carrying the dvd as well as Amazon and FilmBaby. I am currently booking snake workshops. My most popular in belly dance is Serpent & Moon Temple Belly Dance. Please PM me if you are interested in wkshp content, resume and video materials. Of course, my web site is also available, but I am in the midst of giving it a serious update. Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself via the topic of dancing with snakes! I look forward to feedback and healthy debate. Sssssssss, Serpentessa

01-16-2008, 01:51 AM	#33 (permalink)
KuteNurse V.I.P. Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Duluth, Minnesota Posts: 2,986	Accckkkk!!!! I hate snakes! lol (Someone quick cover Slinks eyes up.) I am sorry, but like you have a problem shopping, I have a phobia of snakes Brea. I wish you luck with your snake shopping and interests, but please count me out of it