I'm going to interrupt the
rba talk for just a minute and I hope no one minds. It's off topic about Belly dance and the issue that's come up is something I feel strongly about and I'm going to ask my Vapeland family for some support. Not for me, but for a troupe out of MN that I feel was treated incredibly poorly.
A troupe out of Rochester MN was recently part of an event and was asked to "cover up", they were also told that ALL troupes were being asked the same thing. OK no problem. Except, there is a problem. No other troupe was sent the same request and these ladies were asked to do this for no other reason than their appearance (i.e. not societal norms of thin). Rather than reacting in anger, they've started a positive movement. A page on Facebook called I Belly Dance Because. Now give me a minute to explain. I know I'm the only Belly dancer here. What I'm asking of any of you that would like to, is go over to
https://www.facebook.com/IBellyDanceBecause?ref=ts&fref=ts like the page, read some of the dancers stories and maybe drop a few likes. In solidarity and support for women who are part of this beautiful artform. No woman, or man for that matter, should feel less because of their size, race, gender, sexual preference or any other silly qualifier that society tacks on to us. Some of the stories are so inspirational and to read them has even helped me to feel better about myself. To know that I'm not alone. Yes, my picture is there too but it's Wayyyy down the page LOL.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for accepting the little awkward goth chick who's found herself in your midst.