Can Boys Dance?

Well YES, and NO.

FACT: Boys dance. The 'male' species are capable of doing any kind of dance they choose. There are male dancers and legends of all kinds of dance.

Culturally, men do dance. Go to a latin, persian, country-western, arabic or greek party. Go to a happen' night club or wedding dance. You will see men dancing there. They dance alone, with a partner and in groups. But, do they ever do 'bellydance'? That's a good question.
photo courtesy of Saveena

Historically, there have been times when boys dressed up like women and imitated the feminine and exotic movements of "bellydance". However, this was only because women were forbidden to perform publicly. In fact they were stoned or decapitated if they did. But a niche was created for the boys and their families because of the The European fascination with bellydance. Without knowing it, they paid good money to see boys dance like girls. Imagine their surprise when they discovered the truth!

So......

Where are the Male Bellydancers?

It's true, there are very few male belly dancers.

photo courtesy of Andreakw

Boys love to dance, but most men do not want to bellydance. Their male children tend to follow suit. Is there something wrong?

Youssry Sharif, and the late "Bobby" Farrah are two of the 'great' teachers and entertainers of our time. Yet, admittedly, there have been other men who chose to embody the feminine 'mystique' of the dance.

For those seeking masculinity and avoiding femininity, the male bellydancer is not an easy mentor to find.

Besides, it is very difficult to make a viable income as a dancer, and many men still find themselves responsible for providing for families.

What My Sons Taught Me

"We like the music. We like to dance. But, we are different - not girls."

Men's 'Bellydance' is full of jumps, stomping and aggressive gestures. It demonstrates the nature of 'masculinity' to guard, protect and provide.

Their limbs still trace the Elemental shapes of bellydance, and they move passionately from the 'gut'. This is what constitutes the common thread between 'boys dance' and 'girls dance'.

photo courtesy of SeanDreilinger

What My Daughters Taught Me

Women's Bellydance honors the life-giving capacity of a woman's body. It celebrates her creative center and the power that flows through her. Monthly cycles, sexuality, and birth are honored in the movements of 'Feminine' Bellydance.

Eureka!

Boys Dance is Complimentary

Guess what?

The male Center of Gravity is located in their chest. For a woman, the Center of Gravity is in her belly/hips!

It all makes sense!

See "Anyone Can Dance" to get dancing!

photo courtesy of crommacomm

Women Enjoy the Dance of Men!

If only they knew....

Dancing for each other is fun. It's free entertainment.

There is a certain vulnerability in performing that creates intimacy, so it is wonderful for couples.

When we perform, we have the opportunity to raise the energy of an entire room. It's transformational.

If only they tried....

Dancing together fosters unity in a relationship.

As we learn to share space and move together, we learn to share our lives together.

Dancing together gives us the opportunity to be complimentary instead of separate. 1t offers the opportunity to see the beauty in each other, and create a strong and beautiful bond.

photo courtesy of Arbron

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