Quote:
Originally Posted by Luna
I think it is the same situation with tribal and fusion belly dance. When these styles started first emerging, there was a lot of criticism, and now fusion has taken over the world!
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I have to say that in the time Shimmy Shake has come to frutition, it is bringing a positive thing to both sides of the equation because it is opening up belly dancing to a more mainstream audience and inspiring a new league of students and fans.
My point is this - belly dance & burlesque attract like minded performers who enjoy being sensual and dressed in lovely glittering costumes.
In the UK there is a whole belly dancing community that I have been part of for 5 years, whenever I mention I do burlesque, they are all enthralled and want to know more. But belly dancing events mostly attract a niche belly dancing community.
Burlesque dancers love the fact I do belly dancing, they are always asking me to show them tips and tricks. Burlesque reaches a much wider audience.
By bringing the two together through Shimmy Shake I have seen a 'meeting of minds' between the performers and the audience members. Some have now taken up belly dancing and some belly dancers are totally hooked on burlesque. I am just pleased to have seen this connection and brought the two together!
In response to Miles, we decided to do a burlesque send off about Miles' comments and the whole debate at the last Shimmy Shake and actually have our own 'inspector' and a 'dance off'!
Check out our footage on youtube! As you can imagine, it has ruffled some feathers but we loved doing it..
Video
I am all for variety, too. At the next show we have the amazing tribal dancers and also a very talented Cancan troupe. I plan to continue the show and a whole range of artists involved.