offensive lyrics/offensive movements

[dancingleaf]

These questions have been rattling around in my brain for some time and I thought I'd post them here and see

Part 1) I'm currently enamored with a particular song. The problem... it uses the f-word, once- maybe twice. Which means no matter how much I love the song... I don't use it when teaching. I also have other favourites that deal with subjects... that ...while I might love the song - but I don't want to explain the lyrics and so it doesn't make it on to my playlist. ( I save it for myself & my own practice time ;-) )

I've been taught that ideally, bellydance music should be instrumental only with no lyrics at all - but I know that dancers frequently do disregard this convention and do dance to music with lyrics.

So... I suppose the answer is to know your audience, maybe try to see if you can edit the word out. Or just face facts some people will be offended no matter what.

Do you pay attention to the lyrics of a song? (assuming, of course, it is in a language with which you are conversant?)

Part 2) When I was a baby bellydancer, I had a teacher that was very ... emphatic about what was proper and what wasn't. Now she taught us that ommis, and hip circles and in general all round movements started at the side and went to the back first - because... to go to the front first was 'improper' and you did not want to thrust your pelvis at your audience. It is okay to finish the movement to the front but to start it to the front sends the wrong message. Since then I've encountered many instructors that not only do not hold with this convention but I've even met one that insisted that ommis should always start to the side, then front.

I've long since taught my body to do either direction, either start point without difficulty but... now and then... my mind cringes when I hear someone insist that an ommi or hip circle should be done to the front. I can hear the voice of that teacher in the back of my mind saying "no, no, no. always to the back."

I was also told that dancing with the arms open and palms turned up was ...an invitation to intimacy ...(basically, now accepting offers- see me after the show) so you should always dance with hands turned downwards or expect unwanted attention.

I'm wondering if I just had an ultra conservative first teacher or if this is something that we don't really pay attention to in our modern adaptation of middle eastern dance.

Are there movements that you were taught you should never do?

I'm just curious to see if my experience is unique or if there are others who have had similar taboos instilled in their brains.

cross posted to bellydancing community

Comments

Re: offensive lyrics

[dancingleaf.livejournal.com]

I wonder if that isn't a reason why we like those songs. The unexpected use of a word, that some may find offensive.

Fat Chance! OMG! you're so lucky! Although California is a hot bed of bellydance opportunities. If I lived there - I probably wouldn't be able to teach though because there are so many awesome & talented instructors. Trade off.

:)