ana_bat
New member
Recently I've realized that I no longer feel passionate about ATS which was what I thought to be a true calling. I'm looking for a change, but I find myself unsure how to proceed next. Basically I came to this realization that after 4 years I knew nothing about belly dance at all. I'm upset that I don't understand the cultural significance of several things, I'm upset that I don't know the different style of music from the middle east and appropriate zill patterns when applicable, gosh I'm just upset at how culturally devoid this belly dance experience has felt for me! I'm tired of making costumes that bare what feels like little cultural significance and emulating this blend of cultures yet understanding none. I don't see how all these cultures that are fused together in dance, make any sense. I feel self conscious and wrong about performing and participating in ATS. I don't mean to offend anyone out there who dances ATS/ITS or Tribal fusion, I'm just referring to my own experience not to the dance form as a whole.
I want to really learn belly dance, I want to learn about the many cultures of the middle east but I don't know how to go about this. I'm not sure if I want to quit or if I want to start the search for a new teacher and start all over again. I just feel lost, like I'm having an identity crisis of sorts :shok:. Have any of you gone through something like this before? I would appreciate any advice or perspectives.
I want to really learn belly dance, I want to learn about the many cultures of the middle east but I don't know how to go about this. I'm not sure if I want to quit or if I want to start the search for a new teacher and start all over again. I just feel lost, like I'm having an identity crisis of sorts :shok:. Have any of you gone through something like this before? I would appreciate any advice or perspectives.