AZIZ: Reflections on being a male Belly Dance Artist
Interview by Zarifa Sa'id (Libby Parker)     January 1996

I asked Aziz to comment on issues related to learning and performing Raqs Sharqi as a male dancer because I have been reading an extensive exchange on this subject on the Internet. The general discussion has centered upon the difficulties of learning technique from female instructors and adapting it to a male body and male presentation style and on the difficulties of having few role models from which to learn. In other contexts I have heard of the difficulties for male dancers in finding performing venues. I thought that Aziz might have some comments on these topics and so broached these subjects to him.

Z- How were you drawn to Middle Eastern dance as a performance art?

A- I began studying and performing Middle Eastern dance in San Francisco in 1972. I had seen a dancer perform in Salt Lake City. Her name was Shamara and she had been a student of Bert Balladine's. She had a mysterious presence and intensity on stage which greatly intrigued me. She encouraged me to come to San Francisco and see other dancers. When I did, I also began studying with Bert.

In those days, I was not particularly interested in Middle Eastern culture or in Belly Dance, per se. I was interested in the sinuous movements and intensity of expression possible in this art form. Bert, in particular, helped me to learn how to express personal power and penetrating energy through dance. I was also attracted to the mystique presented by Jamila's "Bal a Nat" troupe. I worked to develop a similar level of intensity and emotional expression. It was later that I became interested in Egyptian music and technique for themselves.

Z- Are there difficulties for men in learning belly dancing?

A- I think the main point is that a man must retain a mental image of masculine strength. Fluidity does not have to be feminine. As he learns movements, he should retain a mental image that is masculine and the movements will follow. Movements do look different on male vs female bodies in part due to the differences in structure. This is not a detriment. It is simply a difference.

Z- Have you found difficulties in being accepted as a male belly dancer?

A- I have not found it to be an obstacle. Although it can be a drawback at times, I feel that my purpose is to break the stereotype that men don't belly dance. I do so by being a free spirit, that is, being who I am, and letting the chips fall where they may. I decided early on that if someone had a problem with that; it was their problem, not mine. I believe that there is room for male belly dancers and that in fact we carry a special energy or gift in our art form. We bring something special to the art, a difference in perspective.

In essence, one has to develop a strong sense of self and of one's art and not need approval from others. When I pursued this philosophy, I was well received. For example, I have heard that Mid Eastern men do not accept male dancers, but I haven't had a problem with it. I have performed at the same Greek Club in Salt Lake City for twenty years and have received a lot of support from Arab students in the local universities. I believe in a way that dancing was the modus operandi for learning how to live my life. Dance has been a powerful factor in helping me achieve a strong sense of self and of art.

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