Elena Lentini, 1991
- Thread starter Shanazel
- Start date
Greek Bonfire
Well-known member
I am going to tune in to this during the course of this godawful work week. She was incredible.
Shanazel
Moderator
Back in the day, floor work was an expected part of an extended performance. I didn't do much of it because 1) I had knee challenges even back then, 2) I hated dragging my costumes around on a dirty floor, and 3) Some of the venues I danced in, I felt safer on my feet. 
I learned to do it but rarely did it in performance, expected or not.
I learned to do it but rarely did it in performance, expected or not.
Zorba
"The Veiled Male"
I've never done a lot of it, and even less as I've aged. But I sure as Hell admire it when I see it!Back in the day, floor work was an expected part of an extended performance. I didn't do much of it because 1) I had knee challenges even back then, 2) I hated dragging my costumes around on a dirty floor, and 3) Some of the venues I danced in, I felt safer on my feet.
Greek Bonfire
Well-known member
I've done a little but first of all, many of those floors are gross. Secondly, from what I've heard, it's more of an amcab thing, as many Egyptians are not a fan of it, so that audience doesn't want to see it. As far as other venues go, I think the Greeks love it.
its not that the Egyptians are not fans of floor work, its that it was banned at some point. i am starting to see it come back though
Zorba
"The Veiled Male"
Exactly. I was taught that the only time Egyptians were allowed to do floorwork was if they had a Shemadan on their head, thus making it "folkloric". Dunno what the deal is now. I've done (some) floorwork, and I've even done floorwork with something balanced on my head, AND I've danced with a Shemadan many times - BUT - I've never done floorwork with a Shemadan. *RESPECT*
Greek Bonfire
Well-known member
The more conservative do not want it but the younger lesser orthodox are more open to it.