Originally Posted by Kittie

Yes, Luna - I think your experience/POV highlights the issue in hand - it is one of identity and in this case it comes with a fear of association with the adult or even sex industry which (whether we like it or not) many people associate with striptease. Of course, there is a healthy debate in that association too.

It may be of interest to some to know that one of my oldest routines is a traditional burlesque of a bellydance. It does not contain any stripping - why should it? It is a burlesque - a satire. In fact, the very point of this act is that it is a 'send up' of the often over-serious nature of bellydancers and the pointless, unflattering universal rituals of female 'beauty'.

I have been performing it internationally for over 4 years in it's current incarnation and over 7 in total and I have never received any critique from offended parties over it. In fact, bellydancers have been known to enjoy it.

You can read about my acts here.