The Stereotypical Infamy of Sexual Expression in Belly Dancing
“Danse du ventre” translating specifically to belly dance, dates back to 25,000 B.C. In ancient Egypt and India, the paintings of pregnant women found on stone walls and terracotta statuettes of people in poses that portrayed dancing were the first archeological facts to be coined as connected to belly dancing. “Middle Eastern dance (aka belly dance) is an ancient and expressive form of movement, associated with feminine and community-based celebration and ritual. However, it is also thought of as erotic, seductive, and titillating” (Moe). Throughout history oriental dancers have made a stereotypical infamy of sexual expression for themselves while moving through a bounty of countries …show more content…
The influence of Islamic culture was a key part in the process of how belly dancers and the movement they performed to be perceived as sexual. “The Islamic practice of polygamy [one man with multiple wives] may have given rise to harem life and belly dancing in the Middle East” (Van Nieuwkerk, 129). Belly dancers lived in a harem within the household, which was secluded to confine the women and protect this idea of “delicate sex” they possessed. The harem lifestyle became a mysterious, yet luxurious way to live. It was full of decadents such as food, oils, incense, etc. At times, the harem was only known as the place that women and children would stay in, but belly dance expanded here. The sultan would request for dancers to perform for him, and his male guests. During these performances, the musicians typically would have to be blindfolded while the women danced to prevent any sexual temptation. Based on these practices …show more content…
As time progressed this became more evident because of the strong stereotype dancers had made for themselves because beyond staying hidden their movement and demeanor gave them such a mysterious and desirable way After belly dance came to America, the art form oriental dancers had once created for their own personal entertainment and sexual expression was now seen as erotic entertainment. Due to stereotypical infamy that was created over “oriental dance” it is now compared to a striptease, or burlesque-style show. “The dance reflects a more complex message that pure exhibitionism, an abreaction to the rule of seclusion. Women in modern Arabian society are defined as be creatures who are unable to control their sexual appetites (this is also true for men) and must be secluded in order to protect them and society from sexual chaos. ...female displays her wealth an ability to attract a man- the source of wealth. Thus, belly dancing is a status display mechanism in addition to being a form of entertainment and a display of sexual prowess” (Deaver,
“Danse du ventre” translating specifically to belly dance, dates back to 25,000 B.C. In ancient Egypt and India, the paintings of pregnant women found on stone walls and terracotta statuettes of people in poses that portrayed dancing were the first archeological facts to be coined as connected to belly dancing. “Middle Eastern dance (aka belly dance) is an ancient and expressive form of movement, associated with feminine and community-based celebration and ritual. However, it is also thought of as erotic, seductive, and titillating” (Moe). Throughout history oriental dancers have made a stereotypical infamy of sexual expression for themselves while moving through a bounty of countries …show more content…
The influence of Islamic culture was a key part in the process of how belly dancers and the movement they performed to be perceived as sexual. “The Islamic practice of polygamy [one man with multiple wives] may have given rise to harem life and belly dancing in the Middle East” (Van Nieuwkerk, 129). Belly dancers lived in a harem within the household, which was secluded to confine the women and protect this idea of “delicate sex” they possessed. The harem lifestyle became a mysterious, yet luxurious way to live. It was full of decadents such as food, oils, incense, etc. At times, the harem was only known as the place that women and children would stay in, but belly dance expanded here. The sultan would request for dancers to perform for him, and his male guests. During these performances, the musicians typically would have to be blindfolded while the women danced to prevent any sexual temptation. Based on these practices …show more content…
As time progressed this became more evident because of the strong stereotype dancers had made for themselves because beyond staying hidden their movement and demeanor gave them such a mysterious and desirable way After belly dance came to America, the art form oriental dancers had once created for their own personal entertainment and sexual expression was now seen as erotic entertainment. Due to stereotypical infamy that was created over “oriental dance” it is now compared to a striptease, or burlesque-style show. “The dance reflects a more complex message that pure exhibitionism, an abreaction to the rule of seclusion. Women in modern Arabian society are defined as be creatures who are unable to control their sexual appetites (this is also true for men) and must be secluded in order to protect them and society from sexual chaos. ...female displays her wealth an ability to attract a man- the source of wealth. Thus, belly dancing is a status display mechanism in addition to being a form of entertainment and a display of sexual prowess” (Deaver,