The Belly Dance Superstars seem to be controversial in the world of belly dance and I also think they have some pluses and minuses about how they representing the art of belly dance.
Below are the three main reasons that I think they’ve been great for the belly dance community.
INCREASED MAINSTREAM AWARENESS OF BELLY DANCE
The Belly Dance Superstars have put belly dance on the map lately. Seriously, they’ve helped increase the popular awareness of our dance and quite frankly that trickles down into more opportunities for all of us to perform and teach.
The Belly Dance Superstars have also showcased a range of styles, probably more than mainstream audiences even knew existed. Many people might not have ever seen double veil or Isis wings. The Belly Dance Superstars also featured duets and troupe performances, tribal fusion elements with Bollywood or Polynesian influences, as well as the more familiar drum solos, and solo cabaret style most have seen in a restaurant.
I know when I first started dancing I didn’t think there was any alternatives to the glitzy sequined cabaret style soloists.
ELEVATES BELLY DANCE TO A HIGHER ART FORM
The Belly Dance Superstars took belly dance out of the more casual restaurant setting and made it into a stand alone show. In a restaurant or festival setting, belly dance is sort of an ancillary amusement. More entertainment than serious art form, it complements a dining experience almost like a component of the decor.
Large arenas and higher tickets prices, however, create a more formal stetting that elevates the folk tradition into a more serious art form.
PROVIDES AN ONGOING OPPORTUNITY FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT
The Belly Dance Superstars may not be your favorite in terms of style of dance, or even have any performers you regard as talented as other belly dancers you know. Each dancer, however, has some solid chops and style that any dancer should be proud to have perform alongside her at a show.
The first time I saw Petite Jamilla’s double veil performance, I hated her music. It almost made me not want to watch her. But I continued to watch and re-watch her dance and actually, the music grew on me. While it’s not the music I would dance to, I really appreciate her musical interpretation and felt the performance was excellent.
Many teachers and performers, as well as those lucky enough to perform in the Belly Dance Superstars have a debt of gratitude they owe to the show. Any help we can get to further our professionalism and careers is a good thing.
So Bravo Belly Dance Superstars!
