David Dely Necklaces

Girls Tribal Tassel Embroidery Waist Chains Belly Dance Costumes $83.39 Are you looking for tribal belly dance costumes? This is a belly dance costumes which is match the belly dance and natinoal dance. There are many pandent with kinds of color and tassel embroidery waist chains with this adult Belly Dance Costumes. This tribal dance costumes is fantasy and very elegant.

belly dance tribal fairies Art Tote Bag by CafePress $21 belly dance tribal fairies Art Tote Bag Our 100% cotton canvas tote bags have plenty of room to carry everything you need when you are on the go. They include a bottom gusset and extra long handles for easy carrying. 10 oz heavyweight natural canvas fabric. Full side and bot

belly dance tribal fairies Fantasy Long Sleeve T-Shirt by CafePress $35.5 belly dance tribal fairies Fantasy Long Sleeve T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The most comfortable t-shirt ever Our 100% cotton, Hanes Beefy-T is preshrunk, durable and guaranteed. 6.1 oz. 100% luxuriously soft ring spun cotton . Standard fit. Ribbed sleeve cuffs.

Go Tribal belly dance Drummer Zip Hoodie dark by CafePress $45 Go tribal. Wear this tribal belly dancer tshirt proudly. Buy several for your ATS belly dancing troupe. Drummer Zip Hoodie dark Zip around town in style with this zip-up hooded sweatshirt. Made of soft fleece, it keeps you and anyone next to you toasty. Yet it’s rugged enough for impromptu games of touch football.10 oz. fleece blend 90% cotton/10% polyester.

belly dance tribal fairies Fantasy Jr. Jersey T-Shirt by CafePress $25.25 belly dance tribal fairies Fantasy Jr. Jersey T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Turn heads in this hot, hip, curve-hugging tee from American Apparel. Made of ultra-fine, ring-spun cotton, it gets softer with each washing. Lightweight for summer comfort or winter layering, it39;s a casual, effortless way to ensure you39;re stylin

Heavy Hips Tribal Belly Dance Empowerment Sweat Dance Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $48 Celebrate the unity thats created in the community through the circle of dance.Celebrate Heavy Hips Tribal Belly Dance Dance Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend – both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

Heavy Hips Tribal Belly Dance Mug Tribal Large Mug by CafePress $18 Enjoy your tea or java with Heavy Hips uplifting motto. Tribal Large Mug Super-size your favorite beverage or just size-up to avoid spills with our hefty, 15 oz. ceramic Large Mug. Large easy-grip handle. When you need more, mug it up. Measures 4.5 tall, 3.25 diameter. Dishwasher and microwave safe.

Tribal American Belly Dance Entertainment / pop culture Bumper Sticker by CafePress $5 Lots of cool stuff with lovely images of Tribal American Dancers inmany styles of dance garb, to show off your interests without havign to wear bells to work or family functions Entertainment / pop culture Bumper Sticker Tell the world how you feel Our bumper stickers are perfect for expressing yourself while cruising down the highway or just for posting on the wall. Measures 10 x 3. Printed on 4mil vinyl using water and UV resistant inks -

Evolution: Tribal Fusion Belly Dance Music $4.99 For everything you do, there’s a song that hits the spot. MOG brings them all to you: a world of music on demand, unlimited mobile downloads and ways to discover music free from the limitations of Pandora. The music you love, with you everywhere you go.

Tribal Belly Dance Goddess Works Thru Me Tee Art Jr. Jersey T-Shirt by CafePress $22.25 Heavy Hips Tribal Belly Dance supports the sacred circle. Focus, intention and mindfulness will take us where we want to go. Allow this magical circle of hennaed hands state your intention. Art Jr. Jersey T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Turn heads in this hot, hip, curve-hugging tee from American Apparel. Made of ultra-fine, ring-spun cotton, it gets softer with each washing. Lightweight for summer comfort or winter layering, it39;s a casual, effortless way to ensure you39;re stylin

Heavy Hips Tribal Belly Dance Goddess Henna Tote Art Tote Bag by CafePress $21 Heavy Hips Tribal Belly Dance loves when you shop with your own bags. Have 6 or more on hand for groceries, library books, videos etc… I guarantee if you have these around, you’ll use them Art Tote Bag Our 100% cotton canvas tote bags have plenty of room to carry everything you need when you are on the go. They include a bottom gusset and extra long handles for easy carrying. 10 oz heavyweight natural canvas fabric. Full side and bot

Tattoo Tribal Belly(Pack of 2) $6.49 Tattoo is that of tribal marks in the perfect shape to go around your belly button.

Black Gem Tribal Belly Ring $11.99 Black Gem Tribal Belly Ring Stand out with this striking tribal belly ring designed with a double gem navel ring. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 3/8″ (10mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball Belly Button Navel Ring Body Jewelry

Red Gem Tribal Belly Ring $11.99 Red Gem Tribal Belly Ring Stand out with this striking tribal belly ring designed with a double gem navel ring. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 3/8″ (10mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball Belly Button Navel Ring Body Jewelry

Heavy Hips Tribal Belly Dance Henna Art Journal by CafePress $11 Write from the heart, your poetry, reflections, doodles, or plans in this handy journal with a stunning photograph celebrating the deepening of center. Art Journal Scribble important stuff – lyrics, recipes, addresses, and more. Our Wire-O bound, 160 page journal has your choice of papers and measures 5 x 8, a handy on-the-go size to fit in your backpack. Get creative and let the muse flow. Back cove

Tribal Belly Dance Goddess Henna Art Tote Bag by CafePress $21 Celebrating women, prayer, mindfulness and saving the Earth, one bag at a time. Refuse to use plastic or paper and buy totes for yourself and your friends Art Tote Bag Our 100% cotton canvas tote bags have plenty of room to carry everything you need when you are on the go. They include a bottom gusset and extra long handles for easy carrying. 10 oz heavyweight natural canvas fabric. Full side and bot

Heavy Hips Tribal Belly Dance Womb Wisdom Art Journal by CafePress $11 Your womb wisdom is priceless – write it down here. Art Journal Scribble important stuff – lyrics, recipes, addresses, and more. Our Wire-O bound, 160 page journal has your choice of papers and measures 5 x 8, a handy on-the-go size to fit in your backpack. Get creative and let the muse flow. Back cove

Bedouin Star Tribal Belly Dance Kitty Cat Cupsthermosreviewcomplete Mug by CafePress $15 Advertise your affiliation while enjoying a beverage Cupsthermosreviewcomplete Mug The perfect size for your favorite morning beverage or late night brew. Large, easy-grip handle. Treat yourself or give as a gift to someone special. Measures 3.75 tall, 3 diameter. Dishwasher and microwave safe.

Pink Tribal Rose Belly Ring $7.99 Pink Tribal Rose Belly Ring Sweeten up your style with this tribal flower belly ring. Surgical steel tribal navel ring designed with a rose charm. Artisan crafted body jewelry. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16″ (11mm), Anodized Titanium, 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball Belly Button Navel Ring Body Jewelry

Black Tribal Spade Dangle Belly Ring $9.99 Black Tribal Spade Dangle Belly Ring Play your fashion cards right with this spade tribal belly ring. Prong set spade belly ring with tribal design cutout. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 3/8″ (10mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball

White Tribal Spade Dangle Belly Ring $9.99 White Tribal Spade Dangle Belly Ring Play your fashion cards right with this spade tribal belly ring. Prong set spade belly ring with tribal design cutout. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 3/8″ (10mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball

Crystalline Gem Tribal Flame Heart Belly Ring $12.99 Crystalline Gem Tribal Flame Heart Belly Ring Get in style with this tribal heart belly ring. 14 gauge double gem belly ring featuring a heart charm with a tribal flame design. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 3/8″ (10mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball

Pink Gem Tribal Flame Heart Belly Ring $12.99 Pink Gem Tribal Flame Heart Belly Ring Get in style with this tribal heart belly ring. 14 gauge double gem belly ring featuring a heart charm with a tribal flame design. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 3/8″ (10mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball

Stylish Diamond Ring Belly Dance Bracelet $10.99 This unique belly dance bracelets will bring an exotic touch to your look. The bracelet with ring can be worn as a belly dance accessory while dancing. The belly dance bracelets are perfect for any belly dance outfit or fashion accessory.

Long Sleeve Sequins Belly Dance Top $14.99 This belly dance top is perfect for belly dance party. Highlights stretch material is the perfect material for your belly dance. Breathable well, you will not feel hot in the belly dance top. Fun to wear and all eyes will be on you with the belly dance top. As a dancing tool, match with any outfit, shawl, head wrap etc.

Heart Burning Tribal Owl Belly Ring $7.99 Heart Burning Tribal Owl Belly Ring Heat things up and make a wise choice with this tribal flaming owl belly ring. Anodized titanium belly ring featuring a owl cut out in flames charm. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16″ (11mm), Anodized Titanium, 5mm Ball

Floral Sequin Flax Belly Dance Pants $26.69 Looking for a both stylish and fashionable belly dance pants? You have got the right place.This belly dance pants is of great looking pants, perfect for any style of belly dance costume. This belly dance pants is a great pants for belly dance class or performance. Perfect for your next dance class, this versatile style is as bold as you make it. Express your inner power, beauty and feminist in this belly dance pants. Just take a look at this belly dance pants.

Tribal Heart Delight Belly Ring $7.99 Tribal Heart Delight Belly Ring Eye-catching and bold heart belly ring. Full color heart shaped navel ring. Artisan crafted handmade body jewelry. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16″ (11mm), Anodized Titanium, 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball Belly Button Navel Ring Body Jewelry

Womens Dancewear Tight Belly Dance Pants $19.69 This is a belly dance pants, it is for belly dance practice. This womens Dance pants is tight and will make you very sexy. It is bells pants and solid color. If you wear this belly dance pants thatyou like a mermaid. There are falbala with this belly dance pants and looks so cute.

Crystalline Gem Tribal Pot Leaf Belly Ring $4.99 Crystalline Gem Tribal Pot Leaf Belly Ring Be a trendsetter with this eye-catching gem ganga leaf belly ring. This pot leaf navel ring features a surgical steel curved barbell and a tribal design. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16″ (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball

Aurora Gem Tribal Pot Leaf Belly Ring $4.99 Aurora Gem Tribal Pot Leaf Belly Ring Be a trendsetter with this eye-catching gem ganga leaf belly ring. This pot leaf navel ring features a surgical steel curved barbell and a tribal design. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16″ (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball

Heart Tribal Rose Butterfly Belly Ring $7.99 Heart Tribal Rose Butterfly Belly Ring You will bloom like a rose with this tribal heart butterfly navel ring. Artisan crafted body jewelry. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16″ (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball Belly Button Navel Ring Body Jewelry

Lilac TRIBAL DESIGN No. 1 BACK Belly Chain $17.99 Lilac TRIBAL DESIGN No. 1 BACK Belly Chain Tribal Belly Chain. Super Sexy BACK BELLY CHAINS are HOT!. These cool belly chains adorn you backside with style and can be worn by pierced and non pierced bellies. The Back Belly Chain has an ornamental dangle that can be attached to a simple navel piercing or used just as a decorative front for non pierced bellies. Add our cool body jewelry at wholesale prices to your collection today! Specifications : 40� (inches) Adjustable Belly Chain, Non Piercing Adjustable Belly Chain

Crystalline TRIBAL DESIGN No. 1 BACK Belly Chain $17.99 Crystalline TRIBAL DESIGN No. 1 BACK Belly Chain Tribal Belly Chain. Super Sexy BACK BELLY CHAINS are HOT!. These cool belly chains adorn you backside with style and can be worn by pierced and non pierced bellies. The Back Belly Chain has an ornamental dangle that can be attached to a simple navel piercing or used just as a decorative front for non pierced bellies. Add our cool body jewelry at wholesale prices to your collection today! Specifications : 40� (inches) Adjustable Belly Chain, Non Piercing Adjustable Belly Chain

EXOTICA Sapphire Blue TRIBAL BACK Belly Chain $18.99 EXOTICA Sapphire Blue TRIBAL BACK Belly Chain Tribal Belly Chain. Super Sexy BACK BELLY CHAINS are HOT!. These cool belly chains adorn you backside with style and can be worn by pierced and non pierced bellies. The Back Belly Chain has an ornamental dangle that can be attached to a simple navel piercing or used just as a decorative front for non pierced bellies. Add our cool body jewelry at wholesale prices to your collection today! Specifications : 40� (inches) Adjustable Belly Chain, Non Piercing Adjustable Belly Chain

EXOTICA Ruby Red TRIBAL BACK Belly Chain $18.99 EXOTICA Ruby Red TRIBAL BACK Belly Chain Tribal Belly Chain. Super Sexy BACK BELLY CHAINS are HOT!. These cool belly chains adorn you backside with style and can be worn by pierced and non pierced bellies. The Back Belly Chain has an ornamental dangle that can be attached to a simple navel piercing or used just as a decorative front for non pierced bellies. Add our cool body jewelry at wholesale prices to your collection today! Specifications : 40� (inches) Adjustable Belly Chain, Non Piercing Adjustable Belly Chain

EXOTICA Passion Pink TRIBAL BACK Belly Chain $18.99 EXOTICA Passion Pink TRIBAL BACK Belly Chain Tribal Belly Chain. Super Sexy BACK BELLY CHAINS are HOT!. These cool belly chains adorn you backside with style and can be worn by pierced and non pierced bellies. The Back Belly Chain has an ornamental dangle that can be attached to a simple navel piercing or used just as a decorative front for non pierced bellies. Add our cool body jewelry at wholesale prices to your collection today! Specifications : 40� (inches) Adjustable Belly Chain, Non Piercing Adjustable Belly Chain

Tribal Dance $5 By Brian Balmages. For orchestra. FJH Beginning Strings. Score only. Full set (score and parts) also available: ST6127. Grade 1. Score. Composed 2007. Published by The FJH Music Company Inc

Aurora Pink Crystal Tribal Belly Ring $7.99 Aurora Pink Crystal Tribal Belly Ring Soften up your wild side with this sparkling crystal tribal navel ring. Tribal surgical steel body piercing jewelry. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16″ (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball

Aqua Pink Crystal Tribal Belly Ring $7.99 Aqua Pink Crystal Tribal Belly Ring Soften up your wild side with this sparkling crystal tribal navel ring. Tribal surgical steel body piercing jewelry. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16″ (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball

Professional Sequin Chiffon Belly Dance Costume Set 2Pcs $25.99 This belly dance costume is of great looking pants, perfect for any style of belly dance costume. This belly dance belly dance costume is a great pants for belly dance class or performance. Perfect for your next dance class, this versatile style is as bold as you make it. Express your inner power, beauty and feminist in this belly dance belly dance costume . Just take a look at this belly dance belly dance costume .

Heart Burning Tribal Butterfly Belly Ring $7.99 Heart Burning Tribal Butterfly Belly Ring Heat things up with this butterfly flaming tribal belly ring. Tribal butterfly navel ring designed with a surgical steel navel barbell and heart charm. Artisan crafted body jewelry. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16″ (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball Belly Button Navel Ring Body Jewelry

Black Heart Colorful Tribal Butterfly Belly Ring $7.99 Black Heart Colorful Tribal Butterfly Belly Ring Take flight with this colorful tribal butterfly belly ring. A heart shaped navel ring designed with a full color butterfly in a tribal motif. Artisan crafted body jewelry. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16″ (11mm), Anodized Titanium, 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball Belly Button Navel Ring Body Jewelry

Dance Belly dance Journal by CafePress $11 Document your dance journey. Makes a fantastic gift Belly dance Journal Scribble important stuff – lyrics, recipes, addresses, and more. Our Wire-O bound, 160 page journal has your choice of papers and measures 5 x 8, a handy on-the-go size to fit in your backpack. Get creative and let the muse flow. Back cove

Heart Pink Tribal Butterfly Rose Belly Ring $7.99 Heart Pink Tribal Butterfly Rose Belly Ring Perfectly pink tribal heart belly ring. Butterfly flower belly ring designed with a anodized titanium surgical steel navel bar. Artisan crafted body jewelry. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16″ (11mm), Anodized Titanium, 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball Belly Button Navel Ring Body Jewelry

Sequin Chiffon Belly Dance Scarf $18.69 Looking for a both stylish and fashionable belly dance scarf? You have got the right place. This belly dance scarf is simple and special, perfect for practice or just as a fashion accessory. The belly dance scarf creates loud and lovely sound when the dancers move and shakes hip. Express your inner power, beauty and feminist in this belly costumes.

Tribal Dance – Tribal Drums $4.99 For everything you do, there’s a song that hits the spot. MOG brings them all to you: a world of music on demand, unlimited mobile downloads and ways to discover music free from the limitations of Pandora. The music you love, with you everywhere you go.

Desert Jewels Belly Dance Women’s Raglan Hoodi Women’s Raglan Hoodie by CafePress $37 The Desert Jewels tribal fusion belly dance troupe. Women’s Raglan Hoodie Our Womenrsquo;s Raglan Hoodie is sporty, stylish and ultra-soft, so it feels great against the skin. This zip up hoodie is side-seamed for a contoured fit. Itrsquo;s an easy way to look great after a workout, or hanging out in comfort. Preshrun

Leaf Gemstone Belly Dance Necklace $12.69 With Leaf Gemstone decor, the belly dance Necklace is so suitable for every romantic night! Enjoy your dancing from this moment on! It will sure add much confidence to you. Made of superior material, this belly dance Necklace looks great. If you are a dance lover and still looking for a right costume for yourself, this professional belly dance Necklace is strongly recommended for you!

Tassels Dancing Belly Dance Bra $21.39 With Tassels decor, the Belly Dance Bra is so suitable for every romantic night! Enjoy your dancing from this moment on! It will sure add much confidence to you. Made of superior material, this belly dance bra looks great. If you are a dance lover and still looking for a right costume for yourself, this professional Tassels Belly Dance Bra is strongly recommended for you!

Crystalline Gem Star Tribal Cutout Wings Belly Ring $10.99 Crystalline Gem Star Tribal Cutout Wings Belly Ring Spread your fashion wings and take flight with this tribal belly ring. Prong set gem star belly ring with tribal cutout wings. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 3/8″ (10mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball

Black Gem Star Tribal Cutout Wings Belly Ring $10.99 Black Gem Star Tribal Cutout Wings Belly Ring Spread your fashion wings and take flight with this tribal belly ring. Prong set gem star belly ring with tribal cutout wings. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 3/8″ (10mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball

Fringe Sequins Lace Up Belly Dance Top $9.39 A must for amateur and professional dancers! Simple, elegant, lightweight belly dancing costume is made of good quality material. Express your inner power, beauty and felinity in this belly dance top. Conjure images of sultry nights and exotic locations with this belly dance top. The belly dancing costume is absolutely perfect and comfortable for performance dance.

Silk Sequins Lace Up Belly Dance Top $17.99 A must for amateur and professional dancers! Simple, elegant, lightweight belly dancing costume is made of good quality material. Express your inner power, beauty and felinity in this belly dance top. Conjure images of sultry nights and exotic locations with this belly dance top. The belly dancing costume is absolutely perfect and comfortable for performance dance.

Eembroidery Beading Belly Dance Bra $22.69 Simple, elegant, lightweight Bra for Dancing is made of good quality material. Express your inner power, beauty and felinity in this Belly Dancing Bra. Conjure images of sultry nights and exotic locations with this Belly Dancing Bra. The Belly Dancing Bra is absolutely perfect and comfortable for performance dance. A must for amateur and professional dancers!

Heart Pink Black Tribal Belly Ring $7.99 Heart Pink Black Tribal Belly Ring Give your look a boost with this heart belly ring. Anodized titanium surgical steel tribal navel ring fashioned with a heart charm. Artisan crafted body jewelry. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16″ (11mm), Anodized Titanium, 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball Belly Button Navel Ring Body Jewelry

Purple Gem TRIBAL CULTURE Belly Ring $7.99 Purple Gem TRIBAL CULTURE Belly Ring Sparkling Gem Tribal Belly Ring.. Add our unique body piercing jewelry and accessories at wholesale prices to your collection today! Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16″ (11mm), 316L Surgical Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball Belly Button Navel Ring Body Jewelry

Copper Toned SKULL TRIBAL WARRIOR Belly Ring $4.99 Copper Toned SKULL TRIBAL WARRIOR Belly Ring Skull Belly Ring. Tribal Navel Ring. Add our body Jewelry at wholesale prices to your collection today! Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16″ (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball Belly Button Navel Ring Body Jewelry

Time is the Only Critic Without Ambition

This particular subject has attached itself to every belly dancers hip since the beginning of time. So let’s start looking into this topic with one of my first questions that has plagued me for years; are we entertainers or are we dancers? Interesting question because so many women through out the years have commented to me that to be a dancer is better than to be an entertainer. And some dancers have given the opinion that we are entertainers up on stage that dance. So here we have two different opinions and that is what makes our world go round. Even more so we will have a specific group or person say one way “their way” is better. This is understandable because no one can walk a particular dancers’ path for them or in their footsteps. With experience comes opinions and with opinions come life statements of what works and what doesn’t work. Is this the building block of criticism? What happens when we create a community that is critical of specific dance groups, dance styles, dance ability and dance venues?  How healthy is the air we breathe in our environment when we contaminate it with criticisms and censorship?  Is this necessary or does it do the opposite which is to clear the wheat from the chafe?

As time progresses along two things happen for dancers, either they keep up with the changes or they look around scratching their heads saying, “Where am I”? If you are lucky enough to be in the group that has kept up, I’m sure there are changes that have occurred that you may not care for. To tell you the truth I’m a little bit of both groups because I kept up and than some how got left behind. But sometimes when you get left behind you can hear the echoes and whisperings of those walking ahead of you and it’s really interesting what you can hear.

I’ll never forget a dance acquaintance of mine that said most of the shows that she had seen recently were just horrible. Since I was in most of these shows, she got me scratching my head wondering if this was a round about way of insulting me or if she just wasn’t thinking. Ah huh, well lets just say I let it slide but what was interesting was that the producer of these shows is a friend of hers but I’m pretty sure she didn’t tell her what she thought. Actually I’m wondering what it was about me that made her confide in me. Sometimes to be oblivious is a good thing. 

Experience has taught me that looks especially packaged in a beautiful body can create a disadvantage when it comes to equal consideration. The world reacts differently to beautiful people. I experienced the other side of this coin when I was rehearsing with a friend for a show we were doing together. She is very striking and the band catered to her and kind of forgot about me.  After awhile of dealing with this predicament I had to laugh because the musicians were crowding around my friend chatting with her. Before I knew it they were all getting ready to leave and we didn’t rehearse yet. My dance friend didn’t feel like rehearsing so everybody decided to go home. From back in the abyss I told them in a loud voice that I wanted to rehearse and we weren’t leaving. All of a sudden I became visible again and everyone realized that I too was in the room.
As women do we look harsher on beautiful women because we feel they have an advantage over us? Or do we help them become successful because we want to see the symbol of our dance in a beautiful woman?  Is our dance form really women friendly?  When I say women friendly I mean all types of women. Do we as women censor our belly dance image?

Many women want to be well known but can they handle it if a dance friend gets there first? Women gage how they are doing by other dancers that are at their level of success. This is where I have seen criticism lurk. You know what I mean, the eyes roll, side glances occur at an alarming rate and that look of total antipathy comes across the face. At this point even if a dancer did well the blur of aversion would keep another from seeing a performance well done. Who at this point is at a disadvantage? This especially occurs when the dance style is different from what a dancer prefers. Is there rivalry amongst dance styles? Let’s be honest here, yes of course there is. With the different styles follows change especially in the belly dance costume. Our belly dance costume is almost like a rite of passage for women especially when they wear their costume for the first time. Does the costume state who we can hang with? When dancers perform together the saving grace for all of us is that the audience can see how diverse we are. So maybe the shows that I performed in showcased other dance styles than what my dance acquaintance preferred.  How can we educate our audience on the diverse elements of our dance if we can’t accept the changes that are taking place in our dance world ourselves?

There have been occasions that I felt like a fish out of water. I was performing in a show this past year with all the dancers on stage together and it hit me just as the curtains were about to open that I was the only cabaret dancer on stage with tribal dancers.  I looked to my right and than to my left and was overwhelmed by this kaleidoscope of color. It was the most amazing site I can remember seeing and I could only imagine the gasps from the audience at seeing the array of color unfolding before their eyes. I knew from this particular show that our times were changing. The troupe dynamic is very popular now especially with the edgy tribal vibe. Todays‘dancers are willing to take more risks and push the traditionalists’ boundaries. Each generation has to make their own way and as they do there will be dancers wanting to keep the old ways in tack by pushing back. Solo performing for me has always been an art because it takes tenacity and bravado to get out infront of people and perform. So you can imagine going out and performing after the stage was full of dancers performing in unison with grace and perfect timing. Your soul has to be willing to take up the whole stage. But I came to realize that dance is dance and if we don’t put censorship on it and try to define it than we can allow it to grow in the way that it needs to.

My next question has been on the front burner for awhile; how will the nightclubs deal with the new styles of dance becoming so popular?  Music has changed too so this does help with the variety of dance styles occurring in our midst. Where does tradition and change exist together? I think this is where the stage comes in. It’s the one place where dancers won’t criticize each other at least until the end of the show. Creative expression is usually judged harsher by our own insecurities but than I’ve heard stories of inappropriate choreography in shows. Since we live life in so many different ways it is bound to happen that creative expression gets caught in between individual principles and values. Shock value isn’t usually what people go to a dance show for especially if they are bringing family and friends. I remember being a part of a show where a dancer had a flashlight and her dance was created around turning her flashlight on and off. I didn’t get it and neither did the audience but she had a really good time which I have to admit was disconcerting for me. So even an idea can cross the line of the bizarre and make an entire audience scratch their heads. One time I was dancing at a restaurant and my skirt was tucked into my underwear (by mistake). And I danced part of the first song with my right cheek saying hello to everyone. I did feel a breeze but than I was doing turns so I thought it was normal. The waitstaff cracked up laughing and one of the waitresses came over and pulled out my skirt, thank God!  Just so you all know the owner of the restaurant was yelling at me through the bathroom door that my music was starting……ugh! But I did start dancing on time with my music even though I was giving the customers a show I never intended to give them. Fortunately there were no dancers for miles to giggle at me or give me that “Oh, I’m so embarrassed for you” look.  The waitstaff was enough. Life can be a comedy where the jokes on you.

If we all pull together and create a community that makes each and every one of us feel safe than our diversity will make sense not only to our audience but also to ourselves. Self creativity that is selfish or blind to the comfort of others is the real issue here. We live in a world where we want to toot our own horn but we need to understand that we also fit in with a community that symbolizes all of us. So we have to understand that our new generation of dancers are bringing in their views of the world. 
There are also world views that have been around for years and if we can bring together the old and the new than our future will be a potpourri of ideas and styles that compliment each other without clashing. There’s a quote that says; a critic is a man who knows the way but can’t drive the car.
Sometimes we drive and other times we sit in the backseat. But either way the goal is to get to our dreams and aspirations all in one piece together. We represent a culture that reflects the realities of us dancing and working together every day. In a way we have always been diverse maybe we just didn’t know it. It seems to me diversity is the one thing we all have in common and knowing this makes the view from the back of the car or the drivers seat that much more beautiful.

About the Author

Leyla Najma is a professional belly dancer with 26 years experience teaching and performing as well as writing articles recently published in “The Chronicles” Belly Dance Magazine

Rebecca Folkdance – Tribal Belly Dance

Amira’s Bellydance 101 Belly Dancing Basics For Beginners $11.58 Radiate your feminine beauty! This DVD is a perfect gift for a woman in any age, size, and shape. Bellydance has become a revolutionary exercise form which is gentle on joints, low-impact but very effective way to loose weight and tone the body along with creating a better self-image and boosting the self-esteem. Discover Fitness and Fun Through Belly Dance! No matter your age, size or shape,…

Tribal Fusion – Yoga Isolations & Drills for Bellydance $10.08 Yoga and bellydance instructor Rachel Brice hosts this program that offers routines designed to improve strength and flexibility. Includes chapters on warm up, core strengthening and spine flexibility, basic bellyance isolations and drills, and yoga for flexibility. 78 min. Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo….

Top 40 Bellydance – Classic Belly Dance Bar Grooves plus continuous DJ Mix $6.99 …

Tribal Basic: Video Workshop Vol. 2 ~ Make-up & Costume Make-up and costume are magic and transformation. Through out history, women have used this art to both create and enhance the aura of natural beauty. The basic elements of stage makeup, contem-porary and traditional costuming techniques and the wisdom of folklore are reflected in our distinctive style. Recommended by Alexandria, 1995 Bellydancer of the Year!…

Tribal Basics Video Workshop Volume Five – Cues & Transitions …

Paulette Rees Denis Presents Tribal Technique Volume 1 Tribal styling is a fusion of several influences based on dances from different countries and modern day urban, folk, ritual and trance, modern, among others. With a classical dance background, Paulette has created a rich blend of contemporary dance which is esthetically pleasing, spiritually grounding and physically rewarding….

Belly Dance For Beginners $6.98 Belly dance is fun, exciting, sensual and suitable for all body types and fitness levels. With this centuries old art form you’ ll improve muscle tone, increase flexibility and range of motion while achieving better posture and a new sense of confidence and self-expression. Taught by world-renowned Egyptian belly dancer, Leila of Egypt, Belly Dance for Beginnersis divided into three sections:…

Serpentine – Belly Dance with Rachel Brice :: Bellydance Technique & Yoga for Strong, Relaxed & Sinuous Movement $14.21 Serpentine – Belly Dance with Rachel Brice: Belly Dance Technique & Yoga for Strong, Relaxed & Sinuous Movement is a unique blend of yoga conditioning, belly dance technique drills, choreography and mini-classes designed by Rachel Brice, star performer and instructor of contemporary belly dance, whose technique, artistic style, and warm personality contributed to the rise of Tribal Fusion belly da…

From A to Zoe – 4 disc tribal fusion set $36.02 With Spanish subtitles – con subtítulos en español. This 4 disc set has over 7 hours of totally original content that touches on everything that Zoe Jakes personally focus on in her own dance. She has taken her favorite exercises, her favorite warm ups, and her favorite moves and combinations and put them into a format that you can put into your own style of dancing. Each DVD is a progres…

Gypsy Dancer – Womens Belly Dance Sexy Halloween Costume Open Cup Bra Top with Coin Trim and Matching G-string. Includes Matching Head Band and Neck Band with Attached Cape and Wrist Bands….