AboutGia al Qamar Expertise I am a fulltime, professional Belly Dance Performer and Instructor. I can answer questions about Middle Eastern dance. I can discuss topics such as technique and history, performing, music, props, costumes and more! I will not answer questions about the misconceptions about this dance of a sexual nature.
Experience I am, literally, a life-long dancer, having studied dance in its many forms since the age of 3. My college degree was in theater arts from Rutgers University. I have studied with a myriad of well known belly dance master instructors (all listed on my website... www.IDreamOfGia.com )and I continue to study with teachers from around the world. I have extensive performance experience and teach group and private classes in Northern NJ and the NY Metro area.
Expert: Gia al Qamar Date: 6/3/2008 Subject: Dancing on a table
Question My neice was hired to do 3 songs at wedding last week for a middle eastern couple getting married (Sorry not sure of the exact country the family is from). After peforming her three dances, the Grandfather got her a table and asked her dance on it for them. My Neice was very reluctant as she was uncomfortable with the idea, but after much insisting she performed a couple of dances for them. Is this a form of respect for the dancer, or was she correct to feel uncomfortable dancing on a table?
Answer Merhaba...Hello Pam!
What a VERY good question that you pose!
There are MANY, MANY, MANY 'schools of thought' on what is proper and improper conduct for Belly Dancers in this country.
I am very 'old fashioned' and prefer to err on the side of being caution at all times.
To answer your question...it depends.
Yes, it CAN be a sign of respect to 'elevate' the dancer by putting her on a table...a wedding is a good time to do this if requested by a family member as was the case at your niece's show.
On the other hand...
If this was a nightclub where she was being goaded into dancing on table tops, I would say that the mood, and the audience's intention, may have been different...I don't think that it's ever done to show disrespect, but, it also may give a message about the dancer that your niece was correct in not wanting to portray.
SOOOooo...your niece did nothing wrong by granting the wish of the grandfather at this very wholesome and happy occasion. I am sure that it made special memories for one and all.
HOWEVER...having said that, I would also like to give your niece permission ALWAYS to refuse to do anything that makes her uncomfortable. Dancing on a table can be dangerous (you'll never know how sturdy the table is or what the crowd will do) and knowing how to refuse with grace and charm is the benchmark of a pro.
Tell your niece that she did a good job...and ell her to learn how to say 'no' in such a way that it leaves the person asking with a smile...
www.IDreamOfGia.com
Gia
