Comments on: Badmouthing dancers on the internet. Stop it.

By: Kinikia

Kinikia — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 22:31:28 +0000

Thank you for stating these thoughts in such a concerned manner. My openness to what belly dance is “supposed to be” has changed throughout the years and I have unfortunately been a silent listener to those who would gossip about other dancers at times. As I’ve grown as a person, I find it much easier to steer the conversation away and I don’t belong to any list that tolerates such behavior now. It is discerning that these people who choose to “protect” “traditional” belly dance should act this way. Dance no matter what form always changes regardless of how people try to stop it. It only makes them look insecure. I might share this blog. I think making a public article like this that is seen is quite important.

By: Alizarin

Alizarin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:53:25 +0000

Thanks for this. Honestly? Reading this sort of trash talking on the internet is what held me back from learning belly dance for so long. So much of what is supposedly being said in the name of “protecting the art form” is actually damaging. My perception of the dance community as an outsider looking in was that it was NOT a community I wanted to be a part of, although now that I am actually a part of it I know that not all (or most, even) dancers are nasty trash talkers.

By: Mariana

Mariana — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 23:07:49 +0000

Amen

By: Callisto

Callisto — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 21:46:23 +0000

Wise words. Public badmouthing brings nothing good to anybody. One’s ofc entitled to an opinion, but there never is a good reason to go for public humiliation of another dancer. It also makes the badmouthing part look bad. I agree with Asharah, it is far better to spend time improving one’s own dance than to focus on what others do poorly. Then again, in the end we all know which focus makes the better dancer.