'Belly Dance'' is a jewellery, video and performance piece that examines the discourse between cultures, and how this discourse can result in the warping of traditions.
For centuries, belly dancing has existed as a cultural dance centred around celebration and joy within the Middle East. However, following the emergence of western influence and power within middle eastern countries, this tradition has slowing transformed into a corrupted display of female sexuality, ultimately shifting how contemporary societies perceive and interpret the dance.
Drawing upon Edward Said's critical novel 'Orientalism' and the motif of the Egyptian date palm, 'Belly Dance' seeks to remedy this corruption through the medium of jewellery, videography and performance, ultimately aiming to return the tradition back to its origin - a form of celebration, connection and female fertility.
