Thread: What do you call yourself?

Nanda, those are really good parameters you've placed. But when you put it in terms of construction I have these visions of you having a CV of performances where one of the key selling points is always that you did them on time and under budget.

*wrote too many ad features for construction companies in a previous incarnation*

Ha. All I'd need was a slogan. Perhaps something about my sustained growth. Outwards that is.

NANDA: experiencing sustained growth and excellence in the field of belly dancing since 197-something. Nanda's team of tradesmen zillers are second to none. She prides herself on bringing in every dance on time, under budget. Negotiated contracts preferred. Can also put on a roof.

Rofl. Perhaps I can build my own dressing room if all they have for me is a dingy toilet to change in.

Nanda -
Building bigger, better shimmies.

Nanda -
Building bigger, better shimmies.

See, that's a GOOD slogan, the kind that contractors usually reject for not being businessy and boring enough.

Stolen from another thread: 'Bellyvangelist'. Hee hee, I love it. Now, off to change my business cards...

(which otherwise say 'Bellydancer', because that's the term commonly used by the GP here, and I dont' strike too many problems with misconceptions of what that means)...

{Paraphrasing here}

Originally Posted by Shakifan

So some people call themselves a "bellydancer" when they take classes but don't perform or teach?...I always attributed "bellydancer" to someone who bellydances beyond a classroom setting (getting "out there" kind of thing)..."bellydance student" somehow sounds like I'll eventually become professional and "bellydancer" sounds like I do more than just take classes. :)

Sure, why not? As a student/amateur dancer, I still perform through mostly teacher-obtained outlets (nursing homes, haflas, recitals, ren fairs, etc.). I say mostly because I am also involved in a charity fundraising team and we have done some performances outside of teacher channels.

I monikered those who dance in restaurants, grams, shows, etc. with "professional bellydancers" which I do not consider myself.

Just wanted to explain my personal opinion. ..l;,

Originally Posted by Shakifan

So some people call themselves a "bellydancer" when they take classes but don't perform or teach?
I didn't feet worthy of that title because I always attributed "bellydancer" to someone who bellydances beyond a classroom setting (getting "out there" kind of thing). The analogy I go by is I'm studying psychology and love to sing (when no one is around!), but I wouldn't call myself a psychologist (yet!) or a singer...?

I just tell people that "I take bellydance classes" since I'm "just" a student. To me, "bellydance student" somehow sounds like I'll eventually become professional and "bellydancer" sounds like I do more than just take classes. :)

I'm with you. I've only referred to myself as a bellydancer one or two times, just in passing because it seemed easier than explaining that I am a "bellydance student," "bellydance hobbyist," or "bellydance enthusiast," which are the terms I normally use to describe myself.

Someone from the GP might look at my dancing and call me a bellydancer, but I have seen "real" bellydancers, so I know better! I think I have a long way to go before I could ever consider myself even close to being in their league. Referring to myself in the same way that they refer to themselves, I think, would be doing a gross injustice to their expertise.

Yaalini, your opinion seems to side with my rough interpretation of "bellydancer" since you have indeed performed on numerous occasions, so we agree! :D Especially since many performers and tearchers continue to be students themselves.

Originally Posted by nimah

I'm with you.... I think I have a long way to go before I could ever consider myself even close to being in their league. Referring to myself in the same way that they refer to themselves, I think, would be doing a gross injustice to their expertise.

Yes! Those were my thoughts exactly, Nimah!