International Controversy!! 'Divorcing belly dance and burlesque'!! - Page 3

Kittie · #21 (**permalink**) 06-26-2008, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luna

... I completely understand reservations about hybridity. Belly dancing is sensual yes, but (at least I believe) that it is more about interpreting the music, dancing from the soul and sharing it with an audience. I don't think it is all about sex or sensuality.... But I think people need to be really aware that it is not in any way traditional and should be viewed in a completely different light.

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.

Miss Luna Eclipse · #22 (**permalink**) 06-26-2008, 10:41 PM

Quote:

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.

I do agree with your point, but at the same time I wouldn't call classical belly dance "sober serious". In fact I think it is the complete opposite.

Miss Luna Eclipse · #23 (**permalink**) 06-27-2008, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luna

I do agree with your point, but at the same time I wouldn't call classical belly dance "sober serious". In fact I think it is the complete opposite.

Hmmm it cut my post in half! Weird. What else I wrote was that I think there will always be issues with the identities of different art forms. I think someone above mentioned that burlesque is struggling to keep its identity because there are just so many interpretations. But that is what I love about dance and performing arts, that it is always evolving, and challenging the boundaries.

Freya Fox · #24 (**permalink**) 06-29-2008, 08:22 PM

I think it's all about entertainment, bellydancing and burlesque. I personally love variety and there is nothing wrong with a bellydance number inbetween. Both can be very sensual. We have a bellydance act for our first York night as well and I wouldn't cancel her because some people say it doesn't fit in.

Sapphira · #25 (**permalink**) 06-30-2008, 11:31 AM

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!

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.

Miss Luna Eclipse · #26 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 12:04 AM

Nice drum solo! One of my fav pieces

Sapphira · #27 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luna

Nice drum solo! One of my fav pieces

Thanks! Are you in London?

Miss Luna Eclipse · #28 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sapphira

Thanks! Are you in London?

Nope, Im in South Australia. A fair distance!! Hehe.

Wild Card Kitty · #29 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008, 12:31 AM

Great thread.
Thought I'd add this for the interested. I find it ironic that it was Belly Dance that assisted in bringing Burlesque to larger audiences through it's appearance on the Vaudeville and Carnival circuits in early 20th century USA (in particular..)

Little Egypt (dancer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Sapphira · #30 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 01:02 PM

[quote=Wild Card Kitty;443693]Great thread.
Thought I'd add this for the interested. I find it ironic that it was Belly Dance that assisted in bringing Burlesque to larger audiences through it's appearance on the Vaudeville and Carnival circuits in early 20th century USA (in particular..)
QUOTE]

I know! Exactly my point but it seems the two have always had an uncomfortable association.

Little Egypt was notorious! I take my hat off to her. She used the newly invented zip to wriggle out of her costume and is also credited with popularising strip tease in America, too!