Too often the conversation about "authenticity" when it comes to belly dancing turns into a huge debate that sounds too closed minded or to nationalist in its nature which is the reason I try to stay away from it. Being Arab, I am usually boxed into this idea that I am supposed to cater to but I don't. I am my own woman! I have my own style and it is not purely Arab at all and I never claimed it to be.

I bring the perspective, the experience and the culture I grew up with and try to introduce non Arabs to the art as is done in the Arab countries I grew up in and visited but in no way do I claim to be authentic! I prefer fusion in many ways and I try to make my style my own. I don't fit in a box and I don't believe anyone does or should.

However, there is one thing that I believe non Arab dancers cannot interpret well when dancing.... watch the video and leave a comment . Let me know what you think.

Hugs & shimmies.
Tiazza