RSSBelly Dance with Snakes?
31 Aug 2009 2 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: American Tribal Style, ATS, belly dance, bellydance, snakes, tribal fusion
Recently I’ve acquired an addition to my dance routine. It’s not a prop, not by any means! It’s my new co-star, a lovely, beautiful ball python. While it’s not terribly traditional to dance with a snake, performing with a serpent for a co-star does create an exotic feel for the whole performance. It is intensely spiritual and an incredible experience.
I’ve always had a fascination with snakes. There’s something about the way a reptile moves that appeals to any belly dancer. Our own snake-like movements mimic that of nature. We undulate our bodies and our arms in moves that give us that boneless look of a serpent. Each time I put on a slow and sensual song, I invoke that powerful movement. I become the snake.
Many people, however, fear snakes. There is something inherent in our culture and our wiring that tells us to be wary. “Aren’t snakes dangerous?” I’m asked. There is so much symbolism in our world that alludes to the idea that snakes are troublesome, harmful creatures, and very dangerous. There is a fascination with poisonous snakes. There are stories of boa constrictors that can swallow children whole. Then there is the belief that the snake was the villain in the story of Adam and Eve. It has become a part of modern culture to fear snakes.
The snake I perform with is mostly harmless. As with all animals, he does bite. Of course, he’s far more likely to look at you and yawn than to sink his fangs in! He’s very docile, and incredibly friendly. He loves to meet new people and is gentle enough that even my daughter can handle him. He is happy and social, and the only creatures that need fear him are bite sized morsels in mouse and rat form!
“But why dance with a snake?” you might ask. There is something that cannot be explained about the connection between my snake and I. It all began when he would ride in the hood of my sweatshirt, his favorite place to rest. Then he took to hanging on for the ride when I dance. He and I began to form a bond as partners. When I dance with him, I am not dancing with a snake, but we are dancing together. The snake leads the dance and I follow. He is the star of the show, and I am the fancy showcase. It is intensely spiritual.
Many women when they dance with snakes talk about the way they are transported. For many women, it’s true! They feel a connection to temple priestesses of a time gone by. While I have not come across any documentation of women once dancing with snakes in ancient Indian temples, there is no doubt that there is something ancient and primal about the whole experience. It is a connection to nature, and a strong bond to a primal energy from times long before our own. It opens up a whole new range of experiences. In feeling the energy of the snake, connecting to it, and moving with it, there is a chance to connect with a deeper, more primal, intuitive, and confident self. A dancer can shed her own skin, toughened with life experiences, to show the vibrant life within.
Dancing with a snake is an experience like none other. It appeals to body and soul in a deeper way than simply going through the motions. It is a way to connect with the ancient energy of women and dance. For me, it has taught me many lessons in the very essence of what it means to be a woman.
2 Comments (+add yours?)
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Faizeh
Aug 31, 2009 @ 15:24:56
Perhaps not in ancient Indian temples, but definitely Minoan Greek temples! I’ll never forget standing in Knossos looking at the statue of the Snake Goddess, both her breasts bared and her arms lifted in glory. It was an amazing experience. But I’ll probably never dance with them myself.
Rhi
Aug 31, 2009 @ 15:32:19
Love it! Well worded. I eventually want to get a snake I can dance with, My Corn is just too fidgety.
~Rhi