Recently I came across a blog post about belly dancing with the title "Belly Dance Aficionados" and a secondary title of "The Underbelly of Belly Dance." I've read this through three times now and I'm still dumbfounded. This is probably the most vicious attack on Belly Dance that I've ever encountered.
This isn't the usual "Belly Dance is stripping" tirade. I'm actually used to that and for the most part I just calmly walk away from that sort of encounter. No, this blog post written a few months ago by Kidist Paulos Asrat, considers belly dance a "limited art form" in which "The hype (sequins) is much bigger than the content."
Miz Asrat studied belly dance for two years as first an exercise and then "as a way perfect a dance form" before quitting because she "realized the limited art in the field."
She refers to belly dancing movements as being overtly erotic, likening them to feats of contortionist, especially where the abdominal region is concerned. This leaves me thinking that she quit because she was frustrated by her own limits within the art form. But that is just my opinion, you'll have to read her post for yourself and make your own decision.
Her final sentence is what confuses me the most. I thought about quoting it here in it's entirety, but I don't want to spoil the surprise.
P.S. I deliberately chose the picture for this post because I love the arrogant and slightly amused look on her face. I like to think that she doesn't give a damn what anyone thinks. Sort of like me.
I... I just don't know where to start. There are so many things I want to say in response to that post.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I'm not the only one who is at a loss for words.
ReplyDeleteIf she used stronger language, expletives, or even fell back on the old belly-dance-is-nasty-dance tirade, it would be so much easier to formulate a reply. Her words are more like a slow acting poison that numbs the brain and soul.
Or even if she had just used a single attack... but she's all over the place. "Belly dance is bad because it's sexy!" and "Belly dance is bad because it requires abdominal acrobatics!" and "Belly dance is bad because it's where people who couldn't make it in ballet go!" Etc etc etc. I can't decide which argument to tackle first.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't forget the parts where she says that women who start belly dancing "are searching for uninhibited narcissism." or are using it as some sort of psychological mask.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure she allows comments on her blog. I've read a few of her posts and I have yet to see any comments.
Either way, be careful. I think she's toxic.
Oh, I wouldn't comment on her blog... life is too short for internet arguments :)
ReplyDelete