hmn... i am drifting 'back' to ATS... it looks so, earthy, so feminine, so "i am gonna dance round the fire with my homegirls". i admit i get bored watching big ATS dances, but i figured out why - it is the sort of dance that makes me want to DO, rather than watch. the repetition, the simple yet powerful moves - this is not a spectator sport. it seems more like something a five year old girl would jump into, in the womens' circle, and keep doing all her life. all the dancers have a connextion that is visible, maybe from the cue mechanisms, i don't know. but it is so graceful and lovely to see. and the idea of the 'chorus', the turn-taking, where every woman gets to showboat a little, and lead, and follow, and get out of the way of the next gal, is so egalitarian. women making way for each other, instead of harsh competition. i felt that with another chica in my dance class, when we had time to freestyle together - each move was a joyful lemme-try-that-too challenge we threw at each other, rather than an i'm-gonna-show-her-up insult.
this 'fusion' thing, i think is getting out of hand. i like mixed drinks as much as anyone, but much of what is coming across the screen lately isn't even bellydance anymore. and yes, i believe there is a thing such as Bellydance (with the capital B), a collection of movements from a specific region and people and such.

speaking only for me - even though i am just beginning, i feel like i need to clean up my act; bring it back to the real deal. i love the costuming, the layers and shiny bits and the modesty of Tribal. and i think i will only learn the zills - all the other stuff is getting gimmicky. fans with silk flares? trying to dress like the entire Asian continent at once? Banghra? hula hoops? wings? glow-in-the-dark cyber dreads? even veils are a bit beyond me [and they are too gossamer and floofy for my personality anyway]. fans are for Flamenco. Banghra is a bit farther to the southeast. hula hoops just don't belong. [i feel the same way about men attempting the female styles of fusion. there ARE traditionally manly 'belly' dances - do those, stop being wishywashy. it's just not right.] and Goth is one thing, silly another - try for ancient priestess of Erishkagal, rather than Blade Runner extra.

these are but the random thoughts in my head tonight. apologies if i offend anyone, i am venting; and i am also still learning and defining my own style. i'm gonna keep taking 'classic/cabaret' lessons, my teacher is great and i learn alot. the first chances i get i will take Flamenco too [i have allways loved it.-the drama! the grace!] and ATS. and since i can't get Depeche out of my system [why should i?], i guess i will call it "Dark Tribal", rather than "Tribal Fusion". hmn. i can feel the difference already...

blessings and biscuits from the Empress, i'm goin'ta bed.