starrbursts
New member
Also, I forgot to mention that I'm more interested in the beledi style...
Dear Yasmine,
Thanks for the vote of confidence!
Have you tried letting them bring the music they are practising to at home? I find students do better with music they are familiar with, just as I do!
Regards,
A'isha
Dear Yasmine,
I know it certainly helps my students when we work with familiar music.
Dear Ludy,
I am happy to have been able to help a little bit. I am also gratified to hear it when someone finds info of worth on my site.
To get back to discussing the issue, I looked at the video clip of Saida, I think she is a fabulous dancer, too. Do I think she is a fabulous belly dancer? No. Do I think she is an amazing and beautiful fusion dancer? Yes! I would call her style American Oriental, no matter where she is from. This style has traveled the world, nearly as I can tell. Good fusion is a wonderful thing and I have always said so.
Regarding your statement about as long as one knows the difference betweren the dance styles, etc. I would have to say that I disagree. It is not only important to know the difference oneself, but to make it VERY clear to the audience that there is a different thing goiing on, on the stage. In Saida's case, I would announce something like:
"The Middle East and the West have a long relationship and these regions of the world have influenced each other. In our relationship there is sometimes a melding of two cultures and the result can be the creation of something new, inspired by both. Said brings to the stage a unique fusion of dance styles where East and West do indeed meet. We call this new style American Oriental."
This is a tiny example of how easy it is to be honest with our audiences, which is all I am asking. there is certainly room for all forms of dance. But, we have to start being much more clear/honesrt/truthful about what we are presenting and stating so in ways that are understandable to our audiences.
Regards,
A'isha