I’ve long loved the fact that the Arabic word for the modern, but now ubiquitous, two-piece belly dance costume is bedla, which means suit. It made me feel like a worker as a dancer. When I would go to a gig I’d put on my suit and do my job. Even though it was my living for a while it was not taken seriously by many people, even those I worked alongside. But no need to fret or worry or doubt myself, I would think — I was in a suit!
“I’m a worker. I do the work to communicate, and I want people to embrace it, and when they do I’m happy.” ~Patti Smith
P.S. The featured image above says ‘Al Fanana Hermine’ (The artist Hermine).
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