BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Belly Dancing Tipping

I have seen some dancers who accept tips during a performance and allow audience members to tuck the money into the dancer's clothes. This strikes me as degrading, lowering the belly dancer to the level of a stripper. How can we promote this form of dance as art if we allow strangers to touch our sacred bodies? And is there a ladylike way to tell the grabbers to keep their hands off?

Good question. I have seen lots of belly dancers do the same and it really saddens me. When these dancers perform, and they take money, it takes away from the performance itself. However, I have seen belly dancers grab the money and put it in their belt. There are some who know how to keep hands off their body. There are also some dancers who go around with a basket at the end of their performance asking for money.

Ronnette "Rhani" Ramirez, Bellaonline Belly Dance Editor

When my teacher dances with her professional troupe, they go through the audience at the end with a basket. It makes a nice dance prop and it keep the decorum up.

As for intercepting the touchie audience members: I'd let my hand swoop down gracefully and grab the money before they could touch me, but then I think it's important to NOT tuck it into your own bra or belt, as to me that just seems like it's sending a mixed message. Clearly, some sort of bowl or basket is called for in that sort of situation.