Belly Dancing, the Contemporary Way

On the evening of September 30, my Equal Half called me on his way back from work. That was not unusual. Calling while driving is his usual way of cutting down the boredom of a lonely drive. And also his way of catching up with backlog of conversations. And although we were neighther freinds nore neighbors, and we talked and talked all the time we are together, he rang me up often to catch up on his latest ideas.

But, for the first time in the 5 years I've known him, he suggested something that was unusual. 'Would you get ready, so that we could leave for Bombay Bellywood by 7:15?' Keeping time, and him? How could he be so exact about what time he wanted to leave the house? And before leaving, having a bite of dinner?

It was no surprise when he told me he wanted to see belly dancing. I had always thought belly dancing, the sensual dance form of the Middle East where female dancers wriggled and jiggled mostly their abdominal muscles , wearing shiny elaborate costumes, catered to a male audience. It seemed to me a hand doqwn of a patriarchal form of entertainment, where women were the objects that men admired, and paid for the entertainment.

So, to keep peace, and to make him happy, I agreed to accompany him. So we set off towards the Marjorie Luke Theater on Cota Street, Santa Barbara. By the time we reached, the parking lot had was full. We were guided to a section of the Santa Barbara Junior High School playground to park our car, alongside others.

People had already gathered, some in twos, some in groups. A short line had formed near the ticket table, as many people had already booked online, and did not have to go through the strain of selecting the row or the aisle in the midst of shuffling feet, dazzling colorful dresses, solemnly dressed men who were trying to hide the excitement of the imminence of some exotic belly dancing.

The show started half and hour later than advertised. As it started, to me it changed concept, and impression. And here is what I have to say about it now.

I liked the beginning. The background of computer generated imagery - the pictures of dry trees, plants and run down buildings - transported me into a mix of memory. Memories of India, sounds of Arabic culture, tinkling of Indian temple bells. And I also liked the two dancers with their elaborate headgear and the jangle of jewelry that covered their heads, necks, shoulders, wrists, ankles and waists. The sober color of their dresses also denoted a solemn beginning.

No doubt the group's main aim is to offer a mix of dance forms, not in their purest avatar, but in fusion style. And if anyone was not a purist, they would like to see the easy movements from belly danging, to bharat natyam, to bhangra, to use of the hula hoop and other props. It is obvious that the group constantly changes its presentations, and the appearance of the group on stage by changing the color of their costumes and the props they use.