Male Belly Dancers

[Duvet]

I went to an all boys school where anyone who did any kind of dancing was guaranteed to get the s*** kicked out of him on a regular basis. I played music, did drama and acting and only just managed to get away with that because I was also captain of the rugby team.

But dancing would have been a social death sentence. For just the reason you said. You would be labelled as "gay" and the environment was ridiculously homophobic. Probably a bunch of repressed closet cases ruining it for everyone else.

I ended up protesting to my parents until the eventually agreed to send me to a coed school, but I guess the damage was done because I've never been able to dance. I've tried, at times in the past, but all attempts have gone badly and only served to emphasize and support my belief that dancing = social suicide, at least for me.

And so now I have this irrational fear about dancing. Especially in front of someone else. The mere thought terrifies me. And since my upbringing is probably not entirely dissimilar to a lot of other men, I can only assume that I'm not alone in feeling like this. It's much easier to hide behind the excuse that men shouldn't dance, than it is to face that fear.

Sounds like the only person stopping you, is you. I had the same problem. Drama, music & sports at school? I ran a mile from anything that might have involved someone looking at me, or me asking to be looked at. You're lucky to have the support of a partner who can hold your hand, and even furnish you with a good excuse to join in. So go for it, if its what you want to do.

[Duvet]

As for the statement a few people made about sexual dynamic in male/female duets, I have to say I honestly have not seen much of that at all in any of the many partner belly dance performances I have seen. Perhaps I am naive and my idea of "sexual dynamic" is different from other people's, but I've always found these performances to be fun and playful, sometimes maybe a little flirtacious but almost never sexual. I can only think of one or two that crossed into that realm.

I'd agree with you, Yame. None of the duets I've seen or been in have felt overtly sexual. Flirtatious and fun, definately. Sometimes its in the eye of the beholders - the audience want male/female duets to be sexy, so thats what they see.
I've seen plenty of female/female duets in various styles, but when will we see a male/male duet? I don't think I've ever seen one outside the tahtib stick (which I was lucky enough to do once with a chap from Italy - albeit reluctantly as a class showpiece). Dancing with a partner can be extremely fun, not to mention challenging and a learning experience, regardless of the genders involved.

[Zorba]

Certainly, an excellent idea. I haven't heard anything "new" from your side of the pond since that article was written.

I'll get right on it!

Thanx!

[khanjar]

I'd agree with you, Yame. None of the duets I've seen or been in have felt overtly sexual. Flirtatious and fun, definately. Sometimes its in the eye of the beholders - the audience want male/female duets to be sexy, so thats what they see.
I've seen plenty of female/female duets in various styles, but when will we see a male/male duet? I don't think I've ever seen one outside the tahtib stick (which I was lucky enough to do once with a chap from Italy - albeit reluctantly as a class showpiece). Dancing with a partner can be extremely fun, not to mention challenging and a learning experience, regardless of the genders involved.

The only one male/male duet I know of is;

Cycle of Life - Nath Keo - YouTube

[Yame]

I'd agree with you, Yame. None of the duets I've seen or been in have felt overtly sexual. Flirtatious and fun, definately. Sometimes its in the eye of the beholders - the audience want male/female duets to be sexy, so thats what they see.
I've seen plenty of female/female duets in various styles, but when will we see a male/male duet? I don't think I've ever seen one outside the tahtib stick (which I was lucky enough to do once with a chap from Italy - albeit reluctantly as a class showpiece). Dancing with a partner can be extremely fun, not to mention challenging and a learning experience, regardless of the genders involved.

There was one of Tito and a little boy, I think his nephew? They were standing on top of 2 darbukas. Very cute.

[Pirika Repun]

There was one of Tito and a little boy, I think his nephew? They were standing on top of 2 darbukas. Very cute.

Here is the video.
Yes, this little boy Mimo is Tito's nephew, and he is more into soccer than dance. Maybe Tito's son will start dancing you never know.

[Shanazel]

The only one male/male duet I know of is;

Cycle of Life - Nath Keo - YouTube

That was nice. Thanks, Khanjar. Does bring out my pet peeve about costuming: don't do it half naked, guys. Wear a top of some kind to complete the ensemble.

[Zorba]

Wear a top of some kind to complete the ensemble.

Yea, the bare chested look is all the rage in Greece and Turkey right now (on male dancers). A top looks better...

[Yorkshire Lass]

Yea, the bare chested look is all the rage in Greece and Turkey right now (on male dancers). A top looks better...

I'd agree. I think male dancers look significantly better with some form of top on. It just completes the look.

[Tarik Sultan]

[QUOTE=Yame;205201]Is this an invitation for a partner dance, or are you just making sure I realize there is at least one male dancer in my "area"?

I'm available. It would just be a matter of logistics. Maybe we could make it happen one day.