Another tattoo thread!

[BreaMorgiane]

I am curious about opinions on this. I am looking into getting two more tattoos, one of which is a full-back. I've been planning these for about six years now.

Do you think having tattoos hinders your dance life? That is, would gigs be lost because of them?

[mahsati]

I am curious about opinions on this. I am looking into getting two more tattoos, one of which is a full-back. I've been planning these for about six years now.

Do you think having tattoos hinders your dance life? That is, would gigs be lost because of them?

It depends a lot on your location and the specific cultural context. I danced Middle Eastern parties, weddings, and restaurants before my tattoos....and just the same after. I just made sure that my promo shots always included at least one where the tattoos were visible so that they would know in advance and everyone was fine with it. I know there used to be a lot more resistance to tattoos in some ethnic communities and that there are still some areas where a tattooed dancer will lose work. My vote on it is to take it into consideration that you may lose work, but choose whether or not you get a tattoo based on all of your thoughts and feelings.

I have heard negative things when a dancer's tattoo is something that the viewer didn't consider feminine (bleeding, flaming skulls specifically in this case) from the same people who don't mind my tatts (ankh, feathers), so it could depend on the type of tattoo as well.

[tattood1]

i have a full back piece BUT i'm old & fat soo i don't think i'm a good barometer for whether it will hinder a career. when i decided to get it i assumed i was done anyway.

i have done a few gigs & nobody had a problem with them but i REALLY doubt if i was trying to get hired for a restaurant especially with a ME clintele i would get hired.

of course there's the whole style thing. if you are tribal/fusion it's no big deal if not expected. having said that i would GUESS they aren't looking to do bellydance grams.

tinah

[tattood1]

at the risk of being the tattoo police but i feel i have to say this. having a lovely flower or whatev in a pretty location is not the same as being sleeved out or having a back piece. even other tattooed people will back up over that.

[Azhia]

Your Thoughts on Showing Tattooes thread.

[lana]

I have some on my feet and that's the only place I can get them. If your audience is traditional Middle Easterners, they won't like tattoos.
If your audience is non-Middle Eastern, go for it!

[tattood1]

Your Thoughts on Showing Tattooes thread.

your point?

i was *raised* that a bder that wants to get work should not be tattooed or have minimal tattoos. i've been pretty consistent in my position.

yes it is market driven. you do not see bders with large tattoos working in S Cal.

thx for resurrecting the bestest insult i ever got on bhuz too!!

tinah

[Azhia]

your point?

i was *raised* that a bder that wants to get work should not be tattooed or have minimal tattoos. i've been pretty consistent in my position.

yes it is market driven. you do not see bders with large tattoos working in S Cal.

thx for resurrecting the bestest insult i ever got on bhuz too!!

tinah

Point is that there was previous discussion on the topic. If there was an insult embedded in this thread, it was not my intention to resurrect it.

[BreaMorgiane]

Thanks Azhia for the earlier-thread reference.

I am planning on another upper-arm tat (I have one on my right already, this one for my left) and a sword down my spine. It's the sword that worries me.

To tattooed1 and mahsati: I am vintage orientale (old school) style, so I wondered if that would make a difference. If I were tribal style I probably wouldn't be too concerned.

[mahsati]

Thanks Azhia for the earlier-thread reference.

I am planning on another upper-arm tat (I have one on my right already, this one for my left) and a sword down my spine. It's the sword that worries me.

To tattooed1 and mahsati: I am vintage orientale (old school) style, so I wondered if that would make a difference. If I were tribal style I probably wouldn't be too concerned.

It's a know your audience kind of question. I have done lots of Egyptian weddings and parties and have tattoos on my back - they haven't minded them at all. However, I was aware when I got the tattoos that I might be cutting myself out of that market. Thankfully they had no problem with it in my area, but I know that in some places it is a huge deal.

If you are dancing for an American audience, you will probably be fine, even in vintage orientale style, but the reaction of the middle eastern audience in your area isn't something I can really help with - In central and south Florida the Egyptian, Moroccan, Persian, and Lebanese communities had no issues with my tattoos. In Tennessee, the Egyptians were ok with them, but the Saudis didn't like them (though I still got hired).

I haven't seen your particular tattoo designs, but if you plan on having them visible when you dance - think about it in the context of the design as well to make sure you are happy with where your straps will fall on the image. Good luck!

[BreaMorgiane]

Thanks Mahsati! The sword tat is the one I am most concerned about because it will be so obvious when I dance, this is why I haven't had it done yet...I want to make sure I find the perfect artist.