"Would any of you agree that we are in a 'bellydance crisis'? What does this mean to you? "

I think that's a whole new topic! Yes, I think that some of us are in "belly dance crisis". I see a lot of self conflict due to the problems between the Middle Eastern countries and our country, and the Muslim/Christian tensions. I also see that the economic crisis is having an effect on dance. Then there is the "crisis", if you choose to call it that, of the "wannabe dancers" passing themselves off as actual dancers. (This is SO prevalent in some SCA arenas that I have met people who just snort with disdain when someone says "I'm a belly dancer." I was met with one of these snorts once. I didn't understand until he later apologized and explained he thought I was one of those people who "just wanted to wear the costume". After seeing part of my class and a demo, he was very nice.)
Then there is the "crisis" of belly dance being "diluted" with all the fusion.

Crisis? Which one? I'm sure there are more than I listed. Side note: I do love the fusion, but it will dilute belly dance if we are not careful.

I think you will get a lot of different answers on this depending upon how the reader is defining "crisis."

I think we are in a period of evolution/drastic change, but I don't see it as a crisis. I think that belly dance has gotten a lot of attention in recent years and has been influenced by the west a great deal. Some of that I like, some of it I don't, but I think that that influence is here to stay.

Taaj
www.taaj.org

“I would hope that anyone doing that would have some training as pretty powerful stuff can come up and if you don't have the expertise to handle it, it can be more damaging than beneficial.”

Totally agree, Taaj!

I think that technical know-how, knowledge of safe movement practices/anatomy, knowing how to teach, ability to cater to different learning styles, etc. are equally important for the technique based, social/community based, and healing based instructors. I would classify myself as a technique based instructor, but over the years I’ve assembled a network of professionals (counselors, therapists, support group facilitators), that I trust and feel confident referring students to.

Whenever I see class advertisements that promise instant and absolute self-esteem, empowerment, sisterhood, not to mention weight-loss or a “bellydance bod”, it makes me very uncomfortable. I also often found myself caught in the very uncomfortable situation of trying new classes where the focus isn’t quite on dance instruction. Something that is advertised as a “dance class” should be primarily dance, maybe a little bit a history or a cool-down meditation, and taught in a clear, methodical way. I’ve taken classes where students were thrown into spirituality lectures or devotional dance participation. I’ve taken classes that were in-the-round therapy sessions ran by unlicensed counselors with a little dance thrown in. Bellydance is seen as an eccentric member of the dance world, and it attracts people from all walks of life. The lack of formalization opens up a huge window of opportunity for ego maniacs, cultish manipulators, and charismatic quacks to put themselves in positions of authority. I always tell my students to study with as many instructors as possible, but if they find themselves in a dance class that emphasizes dogmatic dance philosophies, a mish-mash of spirituality practices, and outlandish claims of how bellydance will make you a perfect human being, run away!

I would have to agree that positive emotional benefits and a warm community of women are a common side effect of any kind of group exercise and in the case of something as wonderful as bellydance, even more so. Taking more control over your fitness and health by taking *any* dance class can be transformative. The body is getting a tune-up and through more strenuous activities, releasing endorphins, which can improve your overall mental outlook. Instead of zoning out on a cardio machine at the gym, bellydance allows you to include a mental workout that employs a balance of mathematics, problem solving, and artistry. As for camaraderie/sisterhood, just like real life, there are no guarantees that students are going to like or connect with everyone in class. It’s very possible that like minds seeking a similar fitness practice, coming together to dance every week will bond and hit it off.

Great topic and responses! ~Zanbaka