“I think many people in this country still think of belly dance as something like stripping, especially in Milwaukee.”

What is your background in dance, more specifically belly dance?

I have been belly dancing for 10 years. I also have a background in ballet and some jazz. My main instructor was Nadia Sahar here in Milwaukee. I also try to travel as much as I can and take seminars from teachers around the country, especially when the Egyptian teachers come to the states.

What else have you learned since studying belly dance?

I have learned many things about the Mideast: the music, how men and women relate to each other in the culture, and the history of how the Middle Eastern culture has developed. Belly dance — or Raks Sharqi as it is properly known as, which translates as the “dance of the east” — is generally not a respectable career. However, the top dancers or stars of the dance are more respected. They perform with live bands in large venues and are paid thousands of dollars for a performance.

What are some of the misconceptions about belly dance?

There seems to be a double standard as far as the dance is concerned. It is viewed as part of the Middle Eastern culture and is enjoyed as entertainment, but most Middle Easterners would not want their daughters to do it. It is the consensus of many that the U.S. and countries in Europe and South America are doing more to keep the dance alive and elevate it to an art form than the Middle East. I think many people in this country still think of belly dance as something like stripping, especially in Milwaukee where it hasn't gained as much popularity as in the East and West Coasts.

Do you think belly dance has become more popular since the time you have started?

Since I started performing, I have seen a change in our area. More people have a better understanding of the dance, its history, and respect it as an art form. Since the ’60s, when it first became popular in the states, the dance has waxed and waned in popularity. Right now I believe it's on an upswing. People are discovering that it's a fun way to exercise and learn about the Middle Eastern culture.

On the Net: Samantha Fairuz

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