Through ignorance, belly dancing has become an art form that breeds judgement and contempt. Some say it’s too hot and too seductive. Some have asked how I feel comfortable in my own skin. Some just look me up and down, slowly.
I have been belly dancing for approximately two years with UF’s Belly Gators. Last year, I threw myself into contemporary and jazz dance via other clubs and classes at UF. It was then that I realized the discrepancy in attitudes and general respect that separates belly dancing from other dance styles.
Belly dance is one of the oldest forms of dance known to man, with evidence tracing back to Egyptian tombs and ancient Roman poetry. Throughout history, distinctive styles of belly dance have formed with varying contexts and motives: Egyptian, Turkish, American tribal, cabaret, etc.
It was Western culture that propagated the idea that belly dance existed to lure men to women. Western culture’s influence on the Eastern side of the world resulted in the pioneering of the two-piece bra and belt costumes, the sequins, glitter and jewels.
But even now that the percussive and fluid movements of one’s body have become more visible with the advent of revealing clothing, belly dance still isn’t more promiscuous than any other. Hip-hop dancers are just as likely to wear revealing clothing and shake their bodies in ways perceived to be inappropriate; tango partners flow around each other in a way that screams the tension of sexual desire in romance; even ballet dancers wear thin, form fitting clothing and little else.
Part of what separates belly dance in perception from these art forms is respect for the difficulty of the dance, for the professionalism of it. Ballet and tango are well-recognized for the years of practice invested to obtain recognizable skill. Hip-hop is a workout, and many gyms use it as such. It’s when I try to teach my friends how to belly dance, however, I see their surprised exasperation. It’s after my male friends struggle to learn how to undulate and do hip lifts, let alone in combos, they admit to me that it’s more difficult than they initially thought. It’s not for lack of ability as there are professional male belly dancers in the world. A dancer’s clothes may be revealing, but they provide the opportunity for distinct movements to be seen and for skill to be appreciated.
So then the question can be asked: Is all dance alluring? The audience’s role, after all, is to watch how a performer’s body moves. Having been a performer and an audience member, I would say no. Dance is a form of expression that happens to be entertaining. The dancer aims to share a story or bring a musical piece to life, and that can take on many forms. While a song or story may be enticing, or a belly dancer may flirt humorously on stage, that act does not define belly dancing or any other dance form. It is not the sole purpose of belly dancing.
That being said, the sexual notions of belly dance brought on by Western culture have also grown its popularity amongst women who feel it represents their strength, independence, power and ability to embrace sexuality as they see fit. Many, including myself, find that it has boosted their confidence while dancing and in daily life.
Belly dance, just like any other dance style, is a visually versatile and skillful art form that should be treated as such. If a woman, or man, chooses to choreograph something flirtatious, so be it. That’s their artistic journey, and this isn’t “Footloose.”
Scarlett Payne is a UF advertising junior. Her column appears Monday.
