Cultural appropriation in Belly dance is quite a complex topic, and one I don't take lightly. The last thing I want in my practice of honoring the sacred feminine is to cause ANY person or culture harm or discomfort, and as a white person in Western society I fully comprehend the privilege I live under in which I am able to practice this beautiful art form free from limitation or stereotype.
Let's talk a bit about what cultural appropriation actually is, as it's become a bit of a buzz word without always being accurate.
From Encyclopedia Britanica: Cultural appropriation is the adoption of certain language, behavior, clothing, or tradition belonging to a minority culture or social group by a dominant culture or group in a way that is exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical. An imbalance of power between the appropriator and the appropriated is a critical condition of the concept. Cultural appropriation often is viewed as a problem of the postcolonial world; in this way, the term commonly is used in reference to Western or white populations’ adoption of aspects of non-Western or non-white cultures.
Cultural appropriation has been identified across a range of fields, including religion, music, sports, fashion, visual art, and film. Cultural appropriation involves some level of ignorance or apathy; that is, appropriators are using a cultural element for their own benefit without fully understanding or caring about the cultural significance of what is being appropriated.
Another common form of cultural appropriation occurs when a member of a majority group separates a cultural element of a minority group from its original meaning. Some instances of this can even be seen as an enduring form of colonization, such as the use of feathered headdresses by white music festival-goers.
Cultural appropriation also occurs when a member of a majority group adopts an element of a minority culture without consequences while members of the minority group face backlash for the same cultural element. Some white female celebrities, for example, have been accused of a form of cultural appropriation known as “blackfishing” after donning dark face makeup and traditionally Black hairstyles or adopting elements of African American English (AAE). This is particularly harmful because white people are able to temporarily co-opt traits for which Black people have historically been ridiculed and can easily abandon those traits if they are no longer in vogue or become inconvenient. The inherent unfairness that the same hairstyle or manner of speech that might be labeled as “unprofessional” for a Black woman could give a white woman social clout is one of the concepts at the root of cultural appropriation.
The term cultural appreciation has appeared as a counter to the original concept, provoking debates about whether a specific instance of adoption is appropriation or appreciation. While cultural appropriation indicates a harmful or thoughtless action, cultural appreciation indicates that care has been taken to respect the culture at hand. For example, it may be considered cultural appreciation for a white woman to wear a traditional lehenga to an Indian wedding, while wearing it as a Halloween costume may be considered appropriative.
Now that we understand what cultural appropriation is, let's explore its relation to the art form of Raq Sharqi (Dance of the Orient), or Belly dance. Practiced for centuries with origins in the Middle East (specifically Egypt and Turkey) and North Africa, Belly dance is deeply rooted in cultural practices, and was initially performed by women for other women during fertility rituals and childbirth. Although this dance was a celebration of the Goddess, who was worshipped during the time of this dance's creation, according to contemporary and historical cultural contexts it is not a sacred dance, but a social once, performed in various situations from informal women-only gatherings to wedding parties. It was these Middle Eastern dancers themselves who brought Belly dance to the rest of the world (including the US) in the form of entertainment, and they happily became teachers for those who wanted to learn this art form. In other words, they shared it with us, we did not steal it from them which is an important distinction. Over time the dance became blended with many other dance forms, such as ballet, jazz and even breakdancing (the arm waves and pop locks are original Belly dance movements) and has been influenced by various cultures including Greek, Persian, and Indian.
Today, Belly dance is a popular form of entertainment and exercise worldwide. Celebrated in festivals and competitions and continuing to evolve and adapt to new cultures and styles has created some controversy around Belly dance as it has become popularized and commercialized in Western culture. Some argue that this has led to the erasure of the dance’s cultural significance and has reduced it to a mere form of entertainment, while others argue that it is a form of appreciation and celebration of Middle Eastern culture.
In the 19th century, Belly dance was introduced to Europe and America as a form of exotic entertainment, and quickly became popular as it was incorporated into circus acts and burlesque shows. In the 1960s and 70s, Belly dance experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to the hippie movement and the rise of Middle Eastern music. It became a symbol of female empowerment and self-expression. Despite its evolution, Belly dance remains a cultural tradition that celebrates femininity and body positivity and continues to inspire and influence Western pop culture in new and exciting ways.
Those who claim cultural appropriation in Belly dance argue that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes, erases the history and meaning behind the dance and that Westerners have commodified and sexualized the dance reducing it to a mere performance. However, others argue that cultural exchange is vital to society and that Belly dance, when done respectfully and with an understanding of its origins, is a form of cultural appreciation and celebration of Middle Eastern culture.
The debate on cultural appropriation in Belly dance is complex and multifaceted, and it's important to understand both sides of the argument and approach the dance with respect and cultural sensitivity. Here at Embodhi Feminine Wellness, we take our role in creating cultural appreciation rather than cultural appropriation quite seriously by:
- Respecting the origins and cultural significance of Belly dance, and of the other cultural dances we are inspired by.
- Being mindful of appropriating or disrespecting cultures.
- Learning about the history and cultural context of the dance.
- Being aware of the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding the dance.
- Respecting the diversity of styles and techniques within Belly dance.
- Cultivating sensitivity to the cultural beliefs through our sessions.
- Avoiding sexualizing or fetishizing cultural dance, dress and accessories.
- Choosing music that is respectful and appropriate for the art form.
- Embracing the diversity and inclusivity of the dance.
- Using Belly dance as a way to celebrate and appreciate different cultures.
- Spreading positivity and respect at ALL times, in session and out.
- Expressing Belly dance within a community of women as an inner practice to connect deeply with each other and our feminine bodies rather than an outward form of seductive entertainment, honoring the true root of its cultural existence. We do not perform for an audience~ we dance for OURSELVES and to connect with each other, our bodies, and Sacred Divine Feminine energy.
In conclusion, Belly dance is a celebration of femininity and empowerment. It’s a way for women to express themselves and feel confident in their bodies, and honor the Sacred Divine Feminine Goddess for whom it was created. It’s a beautiful art form that should be celebrated and embraced. There are FAR more cultural Belly dancers delighted with the sharing of their cultural expression than those who are against it. Either way, respecting the origins and culture of this beautiful art form is key to appreciation rather than appropriation, which is what we strive for at Embodhi Feminine Wellness.
