I'd like to state for the record that when I made my comments earlier in this thread, I was specifically referring to Jehan's music video on the Gothic Bellydance DVD. I found it to be lacking, not only in belly dance but in artistry. However, I am not familiar with her body of work so I cannot expand my comments to her dancing in general nor can I say the same of Gothic belly dance in general. I am not a bigot like that.
First and foremost, I am an artist so I can understand the need for self-expression in your art. And I certainly am not discrediting anyone for feeling the need to do so. That is what makes art what it is; it is interpreting life through an individual's eyes. That being said, as an artist, I have respect for my medium, be it dance or music or anything else. I have no problems with people being inspired by belly dance and wanting to incorporate it within their performance. Hey, creativity is a good thing; more power to you. I do have problems when people do not make it clear that it is not belly dance in its truest form. I don't want to get into a labeling war today. Oriental dance has origins, history, and cultural meaning and it is not respectful to just wipe that all away and change its meanings for our convenience or an artistic whim. I am assuming that Gothic belly dance changes the feeling of belly dance to incorporate Goth subculture and attitude. In this sense, it ceases to carry the real meaning, the intent of belly dance.
First and foremost, I am an artist so I can understand the need for self-expression in your art. And I certainly am not discrediting anyone for feeling the need to do so. That is what makes art what it is; it is interpreting life through an individual's eyes. That being said, as an artist, I have respect for my medium, be it dance or music or anything else. I have no problems with people being inspired by belly dance and wanting to incorporate it within their performance. Hey, creativity is a good thing; more power to you. I do have problems when people do not make it clear that it is not belly dance in its truest form. I don't want to get into a labeling war today. Oriental dance has origins, history, and cultural meaning and it is not respectful to just wipe that all away and change its meanings for our convenience or an artistic whim. I am assuming that Gothic belly dance changes the feeling of belly dance to incorporate Goth subculture and attitude. In this sense, it ceases to carry the real meaning, the intent of belly dance.
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