Yes, its past Thanksgiving, but I was just thinking how grateful I am that I discovered belly dance back in the 1970's. I witnessed what I call the magical, golden days of belly dance here in California.
There was no tribal or fusion or even Egyptian back then. It was all Cabaret. Most of us made our own costumes. There was no beautiful beaded costumes imported from Egypt or Turkey. My first teacher made coin bras and belts and chiffon shirts and sold them to her students and others.
As far as belly dance music; everything was on an album... and there were few to chose from. If a new record came out, belly dancers scrambled to buy it. I can't remember how many times I danced to George Abdo or Eddie the Sheik. And how I did wear out those records!
I'll post more later about the 1970's but I am thankful I discovered belly dance.
Suzy Evans
IAMED Founder
BellyDance.org