Ohhh my wooord.. CAN WE SAY “FIERCE???” Ums.. Y-E-E-E-S!!!
LOVE that intensity, musicality & precision!! His gramma would be SO PROUD!! ♥♥
Hey Belly Dance Sisters!
Have you found an easier way to pick through those kuchi amulets and pendants?
Have you found an easier way to make a bra?
What about belts?
Come post at Belly Dance Costume Tips!
From this past weekend’s Rakkasah Spring Caravan 2012.
More over on my personal Facebook page - Photo Set
Might this be Irina?
No, I’m not a dancer
But, nevertheless I challenge all of you to REALLY look at the styles and forms that you are lauding here on the internet. No, not everyone uses the word gypsy. No, not everyone uses ‘afro’ or other fusion. Not everyone is guilty of the same degree of appropriation.
But, as far as I am concerned as a Roma woman (a gypsy) and as someone who has encountered, in person, many groups who call themselves “tribal” or “gypsy” it really annoys me.
I do think that the word ‘tribal’ is a problem, especially when paired with words like gypsies. We don’t live in tribes, nor do we have a tribal system (* yes we have something like a clan system in the way our families are organized, but you cannot go as far as to call it “tribal”). Yet, people ask me “which gypsy tribe” I’m from, if I can do the “gypsy tribal dance” or what I think of “gypsy fusion”.
I don’t know how you as dancers can claim that this kind of thing doesn’t exist and claim that simply because you don’t use the word personally, that frees you of all obligation. You say you never “see it” when you search the internet, but I see it every time I look for a dance from my people.
You do a form of dance who’s history is rooted in the “gypsy” people’s of North Africa and the Middle East—primarily the Ouled Nail and the Ghawazee, as well as others. I know many of you claim that ATS is new simply because it’s a fusion of styles—however, all of these styles were appropriated from somewhere.
Now, before you argue with me I am not saying not to use those styles of dance. That would be a little … presumptuous of me. However, I do think it’s problematic when there are many groups—starting with the biggest Ultra Gypsy and Romani—who actively promote their dancing as something it is not. Those two groups are either no longer together or have renamed themselves. However, there are other large groups such as “Urban Gypsy” in Texas, “Gypsy Fire” in Oregon (who actively label their clothing as gypsy and/or Romani), “Anaya Gypsy Dance” from my current city in Ohio, “Gypsy Caravan” from Oregon, who even do “Gypsy Caravan certified Gypsy Tribal teaching certificate… but the list goes on and on…
Gypsy Heart
Urban Gypsy
American Gypsy
Twisted Gypsy
Ultra Gypsy
Gypsy Rain
Free Spirit Gypsy
Barefoot Gypsy
Gypsy Dream ATS clothing
Tanjora Gypsy
New World Gypsy…Gosh, will the list ever end?
This is not something I am making up, it’s a really big problem and you all can go on denying it if you choose. But, I refuse to. I am tired of people telling me it’s no big deal, or I need to not be so serious or sensitive, or that because it’s a fusion it’s not appropriation.
Really? Ugh.
It’s always good to read a different perspective in whatever you are passionate about so I’m reblogging this here. I have always wanted to learn ATS but I know now it’s problematic roots. Truth be told, ATS and Tribal Fusion seemed to be appropriative to me with regards to the costuming and make up. I wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing jewelry from Afghanistan or places in North Africa or styling myself in the Indian fashion (complete with bindi and other facial markings). It’s just…not mine to wear.
I need to do more thinking about this. Any advice is welcome. -Corinne
(Source: mysticdanceoftheserpent)
This is not a “gypsy.”
American Tribal Style is a belly dance form that bases itself very heavily on the styles and costuming of Rajasthani folk dance, as well as Algerian and Moroccan techniques and facial decorations. Introduced in the 70’s, it’s grown incredibly popular within the last 10 years. It’s a completely different form than traditional Arab and Turkish belly dance. But something to keep in mind is that it’s also completely different from Romani dance as well.The first thing to get straight is that the term “gypsy” is a racial slur. When you say “gypsy,” you’re saying “nigger.” Face it. You are, and now that you know that, you can fucking stop. You’re welcome.
So how’d I find this picture? I did a google image search on “gypsy tribal.”
As a belly dancer, I get to weed through mountains of this shit all the time. First of all, you are an ATS dancer— you are NOT doing Romani or Dom traditional dance. Second of all, remember the racial slur part? Stop.
ATS is varied and even more varied when you get to all the tribal fusion folk. Remember that your goal is to perform an art, whether it’s culturally accurate or completely new, calling on varied styles and influences. What you should NOT be doing is propagating shitty stereotypes, racism, and cultural appropriation and mockery. Whenever you call yourself a “gypsy,” that’s exactly what you’re doing.
How do you even reach out to the people deeming their troupes, “gypsy tribe” blahblah and shopping merch sites selling “gypsy” skirts? It’s been so fucked up for so long people don’t even bat an eye. I guess it’s up to you to start changing it, huh?
Thank you for this! As Roma, but not a dancer, I have found it hard to challenge people because they immediately say “you don’t know what you’re talking about”… even though, as a Roma, I know our traditional styles of dance and which groups do which dance.
There is no such thing as “gypsy” dance.
Rajasthani Kalbeliya is about the closest thing to what these groups do, and they are NOT belly dancers. Their style is beautiful and unique and they are considered “gypsies” of India… so, I could see people taking that and just using the word gypsy mistakenly, without knowing it’s European connotation.
But, as you mentioned, American Tribal is something… else altogether. Some weird fusion of styles that neglects to credit it’s origins, instead simply whitewashing the word “gypsy” into some megalithic dance form that never existed until white dancers got a hold of it.
It’s something that really does frustrate me.
I need all this commentary here. Read and learn, dancers. -Corinne
Tini Tatu
