Disclaimer: I write this from my perspective as a cis-gender woman deeply involved in a female-dominated dance form. This viewpoint shapes my understanding.
Have you ever encountered statements like these in the dance world?
- “Belly dance is exclusively for women.”
- “This is inherently a woman’s dance form.”
- “This dance was designed for the female body.”
- “Men are not allowed in our belly dance classes.”
- “Can men even belly dance?” (often implying they shouldn’t, or if they do, it questions their masculinity, suggesting they are somehow less of a ‘man’ for embracing a ‘feminine’ art).
- And the classic classroom greeting: “Okay, ladies!”
Across various dance styles, there’s a growing awareness that these kinds of statements are limiting and exclusionary. Perhaps these ideas are new to you, or maybe you’ve been considering what we’re calling here, the “Belly Binary”—the outdated notion that belly dance is strictly for women.
Many voices in the belly dance community have already spoken out, highlighting the long history of male-identified and gender non-conforming individuals participating in solo improvisational dance in the Middle East and Central Asia. They remind us that not every belly dancer identifies as a woman. For insightful perspectives, consider exploring resources like Kamrah’s blog post on queer belly dance.
gender, sex, belly dance, femininity, male, female, trans, queer
Beyond the Binary: Embracing Inclusivity in Dance
The idea that belly dance is “for women only” rests on several flawed assumptions. Firstly, it assumes rigid gender roles, suggesting that women and men possess fundamentally opposite characteristics. While it’s true that we can observe spectrums and polarities in archetypes – consider concepts like anima/animus, yin/yang, or dark/light – these broad categories don’t neatly apply to the complexity of human beings and their bodies. You can delve deeper into archetypes like anima/animus here.
Gender, importantly, is performative and exists on a spectrum. Our interpretations of clothing, hairstyles, makeup (or lack thereof), gestures, and movement as “masculine” or “feminine” are shaped by culture, society, and learned behaviors. Judith Butler’s work on performative gender, such as this video, offers valuable insights into this concept.
When someone claims belly dance is solely for women, it often reflects societal tensions around gender, particularly prevalent in cultures influenced by Abrahamic faiths. Even those who aren’t religious are often raised in societies where these faiths impact social and gender norms. In many Western contexts, the assertion that belly dance is inherently feminine can stem from a desire for women to create a safe space, free from the daily realities of living in a female body – experiences like street harassment, objectification, and violence.
However, the need for safe spaces shouldn’t overshadow the reality: belly dance is not inherently “female.” Our perception of it as a feminine art form is a result of cultural conditioning, both within and outside the Middle East, rather than biological determinism.
Dance is for Every Body: Celebrating Diversity
Of course, some might point to biological differences between men and women. But this argument conflates sex with gender and is riddled with inaccuracies. As this Stanford article explains, even chromosomes don’t always conform to a binary. Remember the non-binary cardinal in the news, or the intersex butterfly? Biology is far more diverse and nuanced than simple binaries.
Fundamentally, if your body has the capacity for movement, you can dance. This doesn’t require a “perfect” body or even all your limbs to be conventionally abled. Organizations like AXIS Dance Company in San Francisco beautifully demonstrate the power of dance for all bodies.
By limiting belly dance to “women only,” we not only exclude men but also marginalize gender non-conforming individuals – gender-queer, non-binary, gender-fluid, questioning, and trans* individuals – who might find joy and empowerment in exploring this dance form.
Challenging Orientalist Views and Embracing Authenticity
The notion of belly dance as inherently feminine is also rooted in Orientalist perspectives. The romanticized image of a feminized, passive, mysterious “Orient” has been perpetuated through Western interpretations of belly dance.
While it’s true that professional belly dancers in Cairo’s upscale hotels are predominantly women, the social practice of belly dance is not exclusive to those who identify as female. Historically, there has been a rich tradition of male dancers who have performed solo, improvisational, and pelvic-centric dances.
It’s crucial to understand belly dance in its historical and cultural context, rather than projecting our own fantasies or limited views onto it.
Inclusive Language: The First Step Towards Change
In belly dance classes, both as students and instructors, we encounter a wonderful spectrum of bodies, identities, and expressions. Everyone learns the same techniques, movements, and combinations.
As an instructor, consciously avoiding gendered language is a priority. Using terms like “dancers” or “everyone” instead of “ladies” is a small but significant way to create a more inclusive environment. Respecting individual identities is paramount.
Breaking ingrained language habits takes effort. However, the momentary convenience of saying “ladies” is far less important than acknowledging and respecting each person’s unique identity.
Women-Dominated, Not Women-Exclusive: Reframing the Narrative
While acknowledging the realities faced by professional performers in the Middle East – where female belly dancers are considered the “norm” yet still marginalized, and male dancers are often seen as deviations – we shouldn’t replicate exclusionary binaries in our own dance communities.
Belly dance today is accurately described as a women-dominated subculture, a term coined by the respected dancer Sabriye Tekbilek (@salimpoursweden on Instagram). However, solo, improvisational dance in the Middle East, throughout history, has been performed by women, men, and gender non-conforming individuals across professional and social settings.
Why Inclusivity Matters: Dance for All
You might ask, “Why should a cis-gender woman belly dancer be concerned about this?”
The answer is simple: Inclusivity. Equity. Justice.
Dance is inherently for everyone. It’s a gift of expression and connection through movement. Belly dance, with its rich expressiveness, technical depth, and cultural significance, offers profound benefits. The movements central to belly dance are part of folk traditions and professional performance across genders. Why deny anyone the opportunity to explore culture, self-expression, and body confidence through this beautiful dance form? Embrace the sensuality and power of belly dance – it’s a journey open to all.
Explore Further…
Butler, Judith. “Your Behavior Creates Your Gender.” Big Think. http://bigthink.com/videos/your-behavior-creates-your-gender.
Dox, Donnalee. “Dancing Around Orientalism.” TDR/The Drama Review 50:4 (2006): 52-71.
Karayanni, Stavros Stavrou. Dancing Fear and Desire: Race, Sexuality, and Imperial Politics in Middle Eastern Dance. Ontario: Wilfred Laurier University Press, 2004.
Said, Edward. Orientalism. New York: Vintage, 1978.
Shay, Anthony. The Dangerous Lives of Public Performers: Dancing, Sex, and Entertainment in the Islamic World. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2014.
Van Nieuwkirk, Karin. ‘A Trade Like Any Other’: Female Singers and Dancers in Egypt. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1995.
If you found this article insightful, consider buying the author a coffee!
