Metal Gypsy- Body Language

Welcome back to The Expressionist Magazine

In the Middle East, Turkey, and even Italy, belly dancing is a way of life for some.  It’s popular all over the world, including Brazil and other South American countries, however, in the United States some people believe this to be a taboo form of dance.  Belly dancing has received a bad label because of the exotic form which is branded “seductive” and also the exposing outfits.  I know this dance is just misunderstood.

For Jennifer, a.k.a. Metal Gypsy, belly dancing is her passion, a passion that started when she was very little.  She first saw the dance at a Renaissance Faire and it was love at first sight.  Since then she has performed for live audiences and now teaches this romantic dance of the gypsy.  We had a chance to interview Jennifer so she could explain what belly dancing is all about, and tell her story for all to read and maybe, just maybe, take the negative tags off this ancient dance.

Besides belly dancing, what other forms of dance have you learned and performed?

I have performed ballet since the age of six, then after ballet during that same time frame, saw a gypsy show at the Renaissance Faire that had many other forms of dancing.  So I went to a class called “Ms. Linda’s.”  (Ms. Linda teaches jazz, tap, and ballet, however, Jennifer “Metal Gypsy” knows and is fluent in swing dancing, but learned elsewhere.)  Right now what I am doing professionally is belly dancing. I started off at the Renaissance Faire, and I performed at other local places, then the word got out and now I do it all over the place. Plus, I love doing it.

Give the history behind belly dancing.  A lot of people misinterpret it, when really it’s an ancient dance that tells a story with your body movement.

Going back further than the Sultans who these women danced for, it was known as a maternity dance as well.  People take it today on a different level as it should be… their fantasy.  Belly dancing, however, is an expression just like any other dance should be.  It became popular around the turn of the century when it became more glitzy and glamorous, and it was used in movies.

Despite the form of belly dancing, there are many unique styles to the dance.  There is Turkish and Bedoan which started being popular in the 20s, and gypsy dancing.  I prefer the Fusion which is a collaboration of each.

There are so many different movements in the art, like gypsies are more open and expressed freely.  Egyptian belly dancing is more finer movements, and many of the watchers may not have the appreciation of it because the movement is refined  and unnoticed.  However, the intense concentration and control needed over your body really makes it the standard for all belly dancing.

In belly dancing, correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t everything from the movements down to the costumes tell a story?  What does it mean?

The costuming today in the theatrical world is more glitz and glam; each style has it’s own style.  Bedoan, for example, has a head dress and dress from head to toe, so they don’t show skin.  It’s not about sexuality, but about performance and expression.  Every single form has costumes, from Tunics who have pants under their skirts. Tribal has Tibetan and Moroccan with different jewelry, and bras with metal going across the front. In cabaret there are more beads and perfect shiny jewels. It just shows that each one has it’s own story and style. In America we’ve made it more sexual with the glitz and glam. Really it’s like back in school, categorizing the jocks from the preps and so forth.

How much discipline goes into this dance form?

Oh, I would say it’s a lot of discipline.  If you don’t already have the natural talent for dancing, it’s best to take classes on the different forms of dancing to try to round yourself to know your body.  For instance, like lifting your arm and really feeling intensely each muscle when you do a snake arm, and doing a body anglation, chest hips then chest hips down. It’s different for each person, and can take a few weeks to master to many years.  Nobody can say they are professional with one class.  Once you can master the dance, then you must also have fun with it just like any theatrical performer.

Do you teach belly dancing?

Yes, I do. I teach children at a very young age to advanced students.  I try to teach them to understand the different styles, and how to coordinate with their body, as well as how to perform.  They must pretend that you are in the audience, and how will they feel when you perform.  You want it to be a clear message; you want to connect with them even if it’s a sad message.  I try to clarify the difference between a “dancer” and a “performer” when I teach.  Anyone can be a dancer, but only those who really want to perform are the performers, but anyone can perform if they want it.

Where have you performed?

I’ve performed my belly dancing at 8:00 theater and then I tried to pursue acting. I was in a movie produced by Andrew Allan.  I go to different restaurants and see if they need a belly dancer there as well, so you may see me in a local restaurant that you favorite.

How did you come up with Metal Gypsy?

I wanted a screen name and I wanted to be unique.  I was a huge metal fan; I love metal music and I’m a gypsy so I coined the name “Metal Gypsy” and that’s what it shall be.

What is your definition of what a gypsy is?

There are two definitions. My alter ego, Sereena, is a character in a band of gypsies that travels around and performs for anyone that wish to drop a couple coins in her hat, as well as try to be the show-off of the group.  In reality gypsies do travel around, and they tend to steal to avoid starving, but they are not evil.  Gypsies can be dangerous, but I am not dangerous.  Well, maybe a little… no, just joking.  I would never trick someone; I would never steal because I am a performing gypsy.

If you want to get to know this wonderful “gypsy” and have her perform her magical theatrical belly dancing moves, check her out at www.myspace.com/metalgypsy or www.deaddollsociety.com