|
Sorry to be the language police here, but we need (again!) to define terms. And then I think I agree with everyone.
There is a huge difference in being a hobbyist, a professional dancer that makes her living as an entertainer, a semi-professional that works part-time as a teacher, a primarily hafli dancer, a professional internationally known workshop instructor and probably a few other categories.
Yes, I'm 49 and fat. I can change the latter, but not the former. Am I a professional belly dancer (although I prefer the term "Middle Eastern Dancer")? DAMN STRAIGHT! I study, go to and sponsor workshops, take private lessons, check the internet for info, go to shows, choreograph, teach classes, perform where I can and dedicate a large part of my life for the last 26 years to my art.
Can I make it as a professional cabaret performer? NOPE! Too old and fat.
I just had Hadia here this weekend. She's a few years older than me, but has the body of a much younger, toned woman. She's what I expect in a renowned instructor. Would she be as popular if she gained a lot of weight? Probably not.
Unfair? Maybe, maybe not.
Not everyone is cut out to do all types of dancing that's possible. How many women that take a jazz class really expect to make a living by dancing publicly? Not too many, I wouldn't think.
On the other hand, do they have haflis, workshops, local shows, etc. to show off their sparklys?
There's room for all of us. Whatever age, shape, gender, size. But, we're not all going to be able to do the same things.
Kitty
|