lizaj
New member
I sometimes wonder if I am wasting my time by expanding my knowledge of a dance I love and respect.
Over the years my desire for a colourful and interesting way to fill my leisure time changed to full blown intrigue with a beautiful art form and a ever- growing admiration for wider aspects of the culture of the Arabic world.
I travelled to 3 North African countries and Turkey and was vowed by hospitality,scenery, history, architecture as well as music and dance.
When I started to teach I wanted to capture the interest of others and ensure that my students realised this was an expression of ME culture and to duly respect that and also acknowledge that not all the people of that region actaully liked the idea of belly dance.
But I sometimes consider that being a middle-aged , say rather old Celt I may have no right to practise let alone teach this dance.
Are my intentions suspect, am I a figure of fun to Arabs, does my race exclude me from being taken seriously?
I feel safe dancing ATS as Americans have encouraged me and I am happy to call it something other than belly dance.
Am I to be discouraged by negative vibes and comments that hint that because I have no Arab or Turkish blood, I can forget this and should try the Highland fling in my dotage?:think:
Or do I consider that Raqia Hassan, Aida Nour and Khaed Mahmoud are quite happy to teach and encourage middle aged Brits and Americans to dance their dance?:think:
Over the years my desire for a colourful and interesting way to fill my leisure time changed to full blown intrigue with a beautiful art form and a ever- growing admiration for wider aspects of the culture of the Arabic world.
I travelled to 3 North African countries and Turkey and was vowed by hospitality,scenery, history, architecture as well as music and dance.
When I started to teach I wanted to capture the interest of others and ensure that my students realised this was an expression of ME culture and to duly respect that and also acknowledge that not all the people of that region actaully liked the idea of belly dance.
But I sometimes consider that being a middle-aged , say rather old Celt I may have no right to practise let alone teach this dance.
Are my intentions suspect, am I a figure of fun to Arabs, does my race exclude me from being taken seriously?
I feel safe dancing ATS as Americans have encouraged me and I am happy to call it something other than belly dance.
Am I to be discouraged by negative vibes and comments that hint that because I have no Arab or Turkish blood, I can forget this and should try the Highland fling in my dotage?:think:
Or do I consider that Raqia Hassan, Aida Nour and Khaed Mahmoud are quite happy to teach and encourage middle aged Brits and Americans to dance their dance?:think: