April 10, 2005
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Go to Read: Your Subscriptions and click on Protected. Geez, I’m starting to sound desperate. And thank you Onigiriman. This gives me an idea of where people are coming from, what their understanding and impression of bellydance is. Now I know I need to write a chapter explaining the art form. But what I am most concerned about is the tone. As a narrator I don’t want to color it. And the post I have begun and not posted yet is sounding venomous. I can post it here but I could never let another dancer read it. Or could I? As I let my hair down I see that I have some anger and nothing spoils a piece faster than a negative spin, unless it’s something like la_chatte_gitane‘s letter to the cable company. Maybe what I said about negativity isn’t true, but I want to come from a positive place.
Comments (4)
I suppose the mysterious/obscure nature of your series of recent entries here is because I am not on your protected list.
You haven’t asked for my take on bellydance, but that’s never stopped me from offering my opinions on anything. To me it is a strenuous and highly skilled artform.
May I suggest that you simply come from a “place” of honesty and truth and not try to judge whether it is “positive” or “negative,” because those dualisms are a matter of personal perspective anyway. It’s not something everyone can agree on.
i haven’t read them yet, but will tomorrow. my guess is that you took out the heart. and why does anger spoil a piece? if the anger is real- then the piece rings true… there is a place for emotions in writing…. but i haven’t read them yet- i will!
Being positive is always a good thing. And I hope that I didn’t sound like an idiot… or worse a chauvanistic pig… But the costume does leave an impression on everyone and anyone. And people who don’t know will make judgments first on appearances, no?
Why didn’t you come and poke me with a stick? You know I have a long list to read, and, yes, I even comment on the smallest, most unoriginal posts out there. (Being the supportive blogger that I am.) You should have posted a *smack* on my site to get my attention. *smile*
I think all of this is fascinating. Like entering the private world of movie stars.
I see belly dancing as exotic and beautiful. And, after listening to those twins (you’ve seen them? the ones that sell a video) talk about how you flex your side muscles to move your hips, I will admit I’ve added it to my (private) dancing. And I’ve noticed a lot of girls on VH1 use various belly dancing moves in their performances.
Perhaps it is the exotic aspect that both draws and repels people. Belly dancing calls to mind harems filled with beautiful women…and biblical scenes as shown in the movies. I see “I Dream of Genie” in my mind’s eye and would love to be able to wear such costumes and allow them to add even more charm to my personality.
I don’t know if this is the answer you were looking for. I see it as a kind of dance that allows a woman who has a very positive sexual self-image to flaunt it publically…and for money. While that might repulse some people, I think it’s wonderful. I can understand those people with poor self-images or perhaps some religious problem with women dancing in such a sensual manner not being able to handle it like the artform it is.
Somebody’s always got to bitch, ya know?
I am enjoying hearing about all this…even the little dirty underside of it. It’s part of life that I doubt I’ll get to experience first-hand, so knowing the insiders’ secrets is the next best thing.
Now I’ll go back and finish reading your other comments. I didn’t want them to color my perspective. hehehe
I love you…GFW