Just a thought on discussions... and some random awesome pics...

I respect pro dancers who (obviously) have issues with other dancers, for addressing the issue/problem publicly, rather than just ignoring it. When it's ignored, it really just snowballs. It doesn't get discussed and then you have people who can continue to ignore what's going on.

A lot of same topics come up for debate. For example, I expected that when the movie Burlesque opened at the end of this year, the familiar belly/burly discussions would come up again--as they should. LOL
In my belly-beginning I wasn't as concerned with definitions. But in the last couple of years, after seeing many Tribal and Tribal Fusion and "Tribal Fusion" acts, I have to say that now more than ever it's important to have definitions. Definitions that we can all start to try to agree on. In the beginning, I wasn't as concerned with definitions at the time, because well, I assume too much and expect too much. I assumed common sense, and expected professionals would be the first to set the example, knowing how others tend to emulate.

I mean, really, people. I don't care who you are, or how popular your name is in the comm., no bellydancer should be on a stage anywhere in panties and pasties, promoting the show as a bellydancer. And just because you throw on a couple of silk panels does not mean you aren't still on stage in panties and pasties. Girl, that shish is see-through. Transparent. Just like certain "styles".

Please stop this foolishness.

It's hard enough for performers to educate their public, as many people still equate bellydancers with strippers and burly-girls. And if you think that's just fine, wait until you're told by a venue they would rather not have you because it's a family venue, or have someone yelling about your "tits" or "taking it off" from the audience. More on that, a post from earlier this year: http://bit.ly/hZhvyn

There are a lot of issues in the bellydance community, and when dealing with creative, passionate people, it can get intense during discussions. What people do and their artistic vision is very important them, and yeah, they take it personally. I appreciate the pros and the more experienced for A: not being afraid to tackle an issue and B: keeping it on point.