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Ambitious, I know! but still...

topic posted Thu, September 11, 2008 - 1:14 PM by  Kanika 		Share/Save/Bookmark
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Hey, what do you lovely ladies say to the idea of a professional touring Black Belly Dance group? One that gets together for a season ( a short one more than likely) and tours around the US (for starters). Black Belly dancers from alllll over with various dance styles. I think this would energize and edify us while intriging many. Perhaps most beneficial, it will make black belly dancer way more common place, and allow beginning dance students something to strive to join. It will usher in a new awareness and acceptance of women of color who dance. In this world, when something is different about you, you can either attempt to hide it or flaunt it. I think we all pretty much agree that being a black belly dancer is not too common place (when viewing the belly dance community at large). If we shine a light on this difference, make it bold and beautiful, I believe we can change so many of the negative stereotypes surronding black belly dancers. I dunno, what do you think? We all have our connections and our expertise, if we combine them, what can't we do?

So...tell me what you think, if you're up to it. I know I am. Bring on the greys, I can handle it.
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Kanika
offline Kanika
San Antonio
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  • Razi
    Razi
    offline 32

    Re: Ambitious, I know! but still...

    Thu, September 11, 2008 - 1:56 PM
    Touring sounds good to me! I'm interested in the idea although I don't know how much help I could be.

    ...But did I miss the memo about Black Bellydancers and stereotypes? Can someone drop a clue as to what these might be??
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    • Kanika
      Kanika
      offline 16

      Re: Ambitious, I know! but still...

      Thu, September 11, 2008 - 2:24 PM
      I am for sure willing to take on the BULK of planning, but would request help from others. I want this to be far to big for one person to plan :) And when I say stereotypes, I refer to the all too common "your a black belly dancer?" or "this is belly dance not booty dance, are you sure you can handle it?" I hear first hand and from other upset sisters. Moreover though, I speak to the general lack of mainstream black belly dance. When most people hear belly dancer, they do not picture a black woman dancing. It would be my goal to put that image in as many people's minds as possible. Also, we have the unique advantage, being relatively unknown to the majority of society, to shape how the world views black belly dancers.

      So ladies, pass the idea on, when I get more time, I'll cross post it into other tribes that might be interested! How exciting! two replies in 2 hours isn't too shabby.
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  • Aaminah
    Aaminah
    offline 53

    Re: Ambitious, I know! but still...

    Thu, October 23, 2008 - 8:46 AM
    I love you! lol. I think this is a great idea! My troupe is the only belly dance group in our area and of that there are only 2 black women and Im the youngest (im 20). It would be great to be able to maybe draw in some younger black women to this beautiful dance form. Don't know what I can do out here in Ky but if theres anything you can think of let me know and I'll see what I can do. I think this is a fabulous idea and I would love to be a part of it. =)
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  • Radhiya
    Radhiya
    offline 285

    Re: Ambitious, I know! but still...

    Wed, November 5, 2008 - 7:57 PM
    You are not being too ambitious, we need to have a Black touring belly dance group. It's not an easy task to sell belly dance to some Black women. It's sad, many women feel if they are just alittle over weight, they should not dance. It's all in body image and accepting of self. We do belly dance, but belly dance has many misnomers associated with it. I have had many people say, wow, you are Black belly dancer! Yes, we dance too, so why not belly dance. I've done mini classes for Girl Scouts in my area, we can not have enough opportunities to exhibit the dance to our younger women. I MAKE it a point to let them know this is part of your history, get involved! Belly dance is different and can unlock the minds of others. The basic image of a belly dancer is not US, we need to get this changed. I'm willing to assist you in your goal. Go for it, Black girls and women do belly dance, they can belly dance, they just need to be exposed and attend classes! I'd love to do a show!
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