~INTERVIEWS~
A common problem in cultural studies is: how
does the researcher present the truths his or her research encounters
as objective as possible while staying true to the interlocutors’
realities? This can be a tricky process, and this researcher did not
want to put words into her interviewees’ mouths. In order for me to
best display my findings I thought it best to let my interlocutors
“have at it.” Instead of overly analyzing the discourse, I wanted
to give the people who so kindly helped me with my project, a voice of
their own. Some will be quotes, some will be paraphrasing, but the
content is of their own words. I have the comments organized
under headings pertaining to the type of question I asked during the
interview. Some of them I have made my own interpretations and a little
analysis (couldn’t get away from it with a research project!)
The Pull of Belly Dance
The number one answer to this question was:
UNIQUENESS. Belly dance is a very different style of dance that
very few people know how to do. Most females in their late teens
or in college may dance jazz, tap, or ballet, if they dance at all. For
girls Gina’s age, 19 years, belly dancing is a way to stand out of the
crowd and it happens to be something she’s very good at. Not only is it
a way to be distinctive, but it’s a great exercise and burns a lot of
calories. It’s a fun workout while at the same time being graceful
• Gina,
“There are so many styles to enjoy, so many types of moves.”
• Eman, “My
life is belly dancing. It has so many moves. You can move your body in
so many ways. It’s not boring or only for thin people. It’s the
fire and the way you can move with the music that goes with it. It
reminds me of my culture every day while I’m here. Every new beat I can
choreograph new moves.”
Side note: Is belly dance a form of
resistance? Quite possibly. Women, especially mothers, of all ages are
partaking in this art form that is so different from anything United
States culture has seen, let alone widely accepted. I don't know how
many times I've had people, particularly men, ask me, whether
jokingly or not, if belly dancing is like stripping, or as a belly
dancer, does that make me a lap dancer? Belly dancing goes beyond the
norms of society to a much deeper, spiritual place that many don't feel
comfortable to travel to. I've actually had a friend call me a 'Pagan'
because I belly dance. To resist the bonds of society people go against
the norm to stand out. Much as the women who belly dance try to
do.
How does it make you feel?
This psychological question actually pertains to belly dance!
Every woman I asked this question, including Eman, Gina, Laura*, Beth*,
and Susan, answered with HAPPY. It makes you happy by taking away the
stress and duties of being a mom. It helps anybody who feels depressed.
It’s a way to let go of the seriousness of life. The second number one
answer was: SEXY. It’s another way of expressing your body and face.
• Susan, “
It’s helped me to express myself as ME, not as what people want me to
be. I’ve connected with my inner self as a woman—me, myself—not as a
wife, daughter, or mother, but ME. It let’s me be free. Dance is the
one place where I can be free and away from life, all its worries.”
• Eman, “You
can’t dance and not express your feelings.”
• Gina, “
There’s so many different ways to dance, that it’s a variety of
movements from your arms to hips to feet to your head, everything you
incorporate in your dance is through your personality. Each dancer has
their own characteristics which are shown through their dance.”
• Beth, “I
feel happy, like I’ve accomplished something, I’ve learned a new skill.
It’s a high and a thrill.”
When performing in front of others the women sometimes get nervous but
take are fairly comfortable with themselves enough now that they can be
open with it and feel comfortable. When people watch, they’re more
aware of their moves and which will look good with the music and how
best to perform. And when dancing alone there’s more freedom.
• Gina,
“When dancing alone, I can control my moves and do anything I want. I’m
comfortable, free to express myself and feel sexy. I just let myself
go, relax, and think about the music.”
• Eman, when
dancing alone, “I think about how sexy I look, how my body moves with
the music, to a certain beat. Happy thoughts, happy feelings, listening
to the words of the song and enjoying them.”
I’ve Got All My Sister’s
With Me
Belly dancing in the studio is like being a club
where you meet your friends to have fun and dance, to be young again.
To feel sexy and happy. To encounter new people and become close with
them, bonding over such an ancient and natural dance for their bodies.
It began as a social gathering for women in the community and has kept
those ties through the years.
• Gina, “I
like to come to the studio just to socialize.”
• Beth, “It
helps women by giving them confidence, have fun, and meet new friends.”
What is Sexy?
You asked it Victoria’s Secret, and we answered with
gusto. WE ARE! Belly dance not only tones and builds muscles you never
knew you had, but it builds confidence as well. It’s allowed women to
express themselves, to get to know different sides of themselves.
• Gina, “If
I didn’t belly dance I wouldn’t have gained the confidence I have now.
You feel sexier, your body interacts with your mind and as you progress
you feel you’ve matured physically and mentally. Through the studio,
women have learned to ‘unleash the demons’! Women always feel sexier
when they lose weight, can express themselves, and socialize with other
women in a comfortable atmosphere.”
• Beth, “I
never thought of myself as ‘girly’, but now it’s ok. I can wear cute
tops and be attractive in a feminine way. I can be graceful and
womanly. I’m no longer just ‘one of the guys’, or a tomboy or boxer,
but a female who feels no shame in shakin’ her booty!”
• Eman, “
Belly dance is for all ages, all sizes, all shapes. The bigger the
better! Shake anything you have and express your feelings. Many heavier
women have better moves and more flexibility than thinner women.
(Sorry, models). Pelvic circles, figure eights, shimmy breasts: they
all show the femininity in the body of a woman. Nobody can believe you
could isolate this part of the body and circle it. It’s very feminine.
Women as Machines
So does American culture need this form of dance?
• Eman, “Big
time. I could see how they’re all drawn to it. One class shows them
what it’s all about. Many come up to me and say, ‘We had no idea! We
wish we knew way before!’ Many think they have to be in good shape
before the class, but they learn they burn while dancing. Americans are
very stiff, very much like a machine: going to work every day, no high
heels, no feminine walk or shoulder and breast moves. All those moves
help women feel feminine and appreciate themselves. They’ve forgotten
and lack those moves. They’ve forgotten how to move and isolate the
body. There’s beauty in it.”
• Beth, “You
learn about the culture while you keep healthy and have fun doing it.”
