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| "Hafla" at Lidia Dalida's |
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Stepping Out
Melodi |
In an era where size and age matters and where youth is preferred to maturity, belly dance offers women of all ages and sizes to be seen and heard. Beauty cannot be measured by just size, skin color, or circumference. Genuine female beauty should be measured by the degree of self-confidence within their own skin.
As a male, father (of both daughters and a son), husband, and brother (of two "mature" sisters), I can appreciate women who are beautiful in more ways than one. You see, bubble gum chewing youth is replaced by knowledge and warmth and insecurity is replaced by the wonderful confidence that they've matured, raised a family, and still can be attractive both outwardly and inwardly.
The belly dancer is not only aware of her own body but she is able to overcome the stereotypes that an obsessed society imposes. She is exposed to minute criticism of her appearance and body. However, these women learn to transcend that criticism. The beaming confidence that follows is absolutely amazing to me. There's no room for the faint. Your body is exposed as is your heart.
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New Me
Melodi |
As you know, I love a story and storytelling. One of my readers made a negative observation about belly dancers. You know the typical comment about waistlines, curves and rolls etc., but it really showed how little they knew about this dance discipline and muscles used. Truthfully, it's a different kind of muscle tone because of how they are used and trained. Regardless, women do themselves an injustice with those comments. Woman should not be so harsh with other women. This is hard work both physically and mentally. The beauty of belly dance it includes and not excludes women of all ages, cultures, and size.
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Having Fun
Melodi
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No sooner had I digested the negative comments, when one of my dancers informed me about how proud she was and how she wanted to see her new images of herself. She had a major accomplishment and she wished to share it with me. She lost 100 lbs over a period of two years. During that time, she danced and exposed herself to criticism. I witnessed her dance and all I could think about was her confidence and smiles both during and after her performance. So to the women in my life, family, and circle of friends. I encourage you to just be you and let whats inside of you simply be and surface. Take pride in simply being you.
Truer words have never been written. I've spent the past to years with the woman who lost a 100 lbs. It's been a tough road for her yet she perseveres with the elegance of a fine southern lady. Spending time in the belly dance community has shown me a side of sisterhood that rivals any "Man Bond." If you haven't had the joy, nah, the honor of catching a show I strongly suggest you do. If your looking for Al he's the gentlemen with the camera and backwards hat. Thank you Al for all your hard work and dedication.
ReplyDeleteMitch
Sorry Mitch, I am not the gentlemen you are referring to. I don't where a hat but you are referring to another photographer who is also a nice gentleman. I am the one sporting a goatee. It's a pleasure to meet you and it was great pleasure to have met your your fine partner, Melodi. When she shared her story, I knew that I had to write as well as show her beaming smile. My name is Al Hernandez.
DeleteBy the way, I agree with your comments 100%.
And Mitch, I wouldn't hesitate to shoot your and Melodi's ink.
DeleteI am a new belly dancer. I just started in January and have performed in the Shimmy Mob, our annual Striped Bass Parade, our own Recital, and I also performed for a gentleman who is the CEO of his company and his entire work force. It is nerve wrecking yet exhilarating to learn this style of dance and share it with others that may not understand what this dance is truly about. I have watched other women join my instructors class both before and after I joined, and I have watched as those that stayed on have blossomed into these confident and shown their inner beauty to those around them. I am proud to dance with these women and to have such a great instructor, Donna Marie Alsbrooks. We have struggled with the criticism in our small town since they do not quite like anything as different as this. Most think it is another form of strip tease and do not want us around. But we have persevered and will keep on. We have also had ladies join just to lose weight and have done wonderfully. We are planning on multiple functions coming up as well. Tell your ladies to keep up the great work! Tiffiny
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for providing your insight and sharing it with others. It's difficult to overcome the opinions of others. Everyone has one. The key is to understand that and press on regardless.
DeleteDesert safari Dubai the best ever belly dancing show i had seen in Dubai Desert safari.
ReplyDeleteDesert Safari Dubai amazing blog.
ReplyDelete