Isn belly dance a disrespected art form?
Raqs sharqi is based on social dances (raqs baladi) performed by men and women of all ages in the Middle East, but it is generally not highly respected as a profession. However, many dancers all over the world focus on the family friendly, entertaining, and artistic value of oriental dance. Oriental dancers are an essential staple at many weddings, celebrations and festivals both in and outside of the Middle East. Belly dancing is based on a folk dance. And folks have been doing these movements for a long time, and still are today. Belly dancing is a dance form that women of all sizes and body types often feel comfortable doing. For some women it is a really empowering form of physical activity. The retirement age for professional Arabic style dancers (and indeed for many ethnic dancers) is much higher than it is for western style dancers. Sometimes certain movements are seen as sexy, and that is okay, but it is not the point of the dance form. Due to the potentially negative connotati
