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"Isn't That Like Stripping?" - Why They Ask - Page 5

© Shira

So what do you say when someone says, "Isn't that something like stripping?" Well, it depends on the person. Maybe they're interested in a history lesson, but maybe they're not. The best thing to do is initially respond with either a lighthearted dismissal, a brief reference to its ethnic history, or a brief comment tying it to the Bible: "Actually, no, getting ready to take a shower is more like stripping," or, "No, it's actually a folk dance that people do to celebrate weddings and other family occasions," or "No, it's a dance of celebration, just like the ones that women did for Jesus on Palm Sunday in the Bible." Then invite them to come watch a performance with you so they can see for themselves that it's an activity that "nice girls" do.

Don't go into a long explanation unless you're certain the person you're talking to wants to hear it. You might alienate the other person if you go on and on with a boring lecture.

Related Articles

If you're interested in exploring the topic of how Western society views Middle Eastern dance, here are some other articles:

• Public Perceptions: A Double Standard. Explores the question of why the public accepts nudity and openly sexual behavior in Broadway musicals, but still views belly dancing as sleazy.
• A Dance For The Whole Family. How belly dancing fits into the social lives of people in the countries where it comes from.
• Bringing Middle Eastern Dance To Your Community. Thoughts on ways to cultivate opportunities to perform Oriental dance in your community. The more the public sees Oriental dance portrayed in a family-oriented manner, the more they'll understand that it really is different from stripping.
• A Dance By Any Other Name. Explores how continuing to use the term "belly dancing" instead of the correct name of "Oriental dance" may make it harder for you to gain respect for this art form in your community.
• Classy Or Tacky: Which Are You? Thoughts on how to portray belly dancing in a positive family-oriented light in your own community.
• Opinion: Men Who Ogle Belly Dancers. Opinion piece regarding men who have a sexual fetish regarding belly dancers.

Related Books & Videos

• Looking for Little Egypt. Book by Donna Carlton. ISBN number 0-9623998-1-7. Published by IDD Books. Detailed historical research focused on the appearance of Middle Eastern dance at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and the evolution of it in the decades that followed.

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