Why is belly dancing not as common in the US as it is in other countries?

[Anonymous]

I'm sure you can ask any dancer what type of dancer they are here and none to barely any will say belly dancer, if I had to guess it originates in the middle East right? For some reason it's not common here, I don't know how common it is in other countries tho but maybe it's the side of the country I'm at, or my state? I don't know

What country do you live in and how common is it in your country?

[NathanDavis]

it is more of a cultural thing... rather than a popular thing, I believe

even when Shakira overdid that, all around the world... most people didn't copy it, because it is more of a cultural thing...

[Asker]

Ooh that makes sense, that sounds like an interesting hypothesis on why it's not that popular, interesting 🤔

[NathanDavis]

it is similar to how many of the different types of dancing (and music) all across America, these are not all copied and popularized... when they carry more of a traditional or cultural aspect with them

[Asker]

Why would that be tho? Is it cause it's seen as disrespectful to the countries that made it part of their culture?

[NathanDavis]

probably so... if we think about it

there's the dance and the moves, but you also need the music that goes for it... and then, you would also need the attire, and the accessories... lol

the more you think about the more you realize that you have to keep copying more and more, lmfao

[NathanDavis]

might end up like that time when that American chef from the TV... tried to make a Mexican recipe, and she ended up making chili and added Corona and Doritos to it or something crazy like that, lmfao...

[Asker]

That makes sense, that kinda sucks tho cause now I can't watch American women belly dance because people be trippin 😂

[NathanDavis]

well, I think you can... I've sure seen it, just need to find the right crowd... lol

[NathanDavis]

it's just less popular, that's all

[NathanDavis]

oh by the way... it does take a certain skill to do it right as well

my ex could do it

[Asker]

Nice flex bro lol

But maybe I'll just move to the middle East or buy a home there when I'm rich so I can live there whenever I want lol

[NathanDavis]

lmfao... I mean, how else would I know...

[Asker]

You can speak out of your ass like I do lol I'm playing

[NathanDavis]

lmao

[HouseMoat]

In traditional Muslim society, women often gathered to perform a dance in the evening. Known as Raks sharki ('dance of the East'), this type of belly dance helped women to ready the stomach muscles for childbirth, and was also danced by young women to display their readiness for marriage.

https://www.arabianrose.co.uk/the-origins-of-belly-dance/

[Asker]

Ooh that's pretty interesting, is it like a tradition?

[HouseMoat]

Yeah

[Asker]

Then it makes sense why it's not so common

[Chandelier8]

I knew a woman that took lessons.

The Dancing Boys of Afghanistan are probably why it's not popular. They don't want the word to get out.

[Asker]

The whaa? Boys? That's weird af, they deserve to be hidden 😂

[Chandelier8]

Believe me, you don't wanna know. We'll just leave it at that.

[Asker]

I'm not even curious on this if ima be foreal, it surely does sound like something I can live perfectly not knowing 😂

[Chandelier8]

Probably for the best! 😂

[Asker]

Lmao

[BoopBoopBeep]

I met several of them. When people say "all cultures are equal" I say "you haven't traveled much"

[Lisia]

It's sad 'cause it's a fun dance style

[Asker]

Yep but unfortunately it's not a common dance style ☹

[Lisia]

Yeah indeed ://

[Asker]

You doing alright Lisa?

[Lisia]

Just bad thoughts but it's fine 😊

[Asker]

Something I've learned is that many of the times when people say they are fine, they aren't Hmm 🤔

I'll take your word on it this time, don't get too lost in your head Lisa, what we think isn't always correct, don't let it change how you feel, we don't know what the future holds 💯

[Lisia]

That's true, thank you! :))

[Asker]

💯💯

[RedInnocent68]

But Shakira is incredible! 😍❤️‍🔥 She could hold her own belly dancing with any of the Arabian stars. Not sure everyone knows she’s half Lebanese.