I would like to address these three questions.
What is the reason Belly Dancers join groups of other Belly Dancers and why are groups organized?
Why would I Choose to join an Belly Dance organization?

I would like to express my opinion of some of the organizations I do belong to and have belonged to.. Their missions being to unite dancers, musicians, and fans. The support of each other in the learning process no matter what the age or level the dancer may be. Promote events, each other, as well as ourselves. A great dancer is forever a student of the dance. The objective having fun together.

I teach and have taught many women to dance for the past 19 years. I have seen the excitement of students being drawn into a world of self expression and self realization where the Dance is a vehicle to express themselves. The dance is not only a spiritual experience, but a form of low impact exercise for toning, flexibility, and strength. The dance is way as an outlet for relieving the stresses that life presents. I have seen ladies so excited they spend their free time researching as much information on the dance as they can possibly absorb.

What I do not understand is the energy of a group that unfortunately brings out some negative aspects of people. Issues of Jealousy, Competition, Back stabbing, and speaking derogatory comments about each other to potential clients.

I being an active Belly Dance Instructor, Performer, and Costume Designer for the past 30 years have not joined the Arizona Middle Eastern Dance Association for the negative reasons stated above. I have had verbal direct insults from the president in person and by phone. I have heard of her spying and asking for people to spy on other professionals in the Valley. I have heard that she is controlling and unreceptive of new ideas and energies within the group. She has sabotaged and degraded dancers that want to perform or hold events at the Greek and Middle Eastern Restaurants where she performs or sends performers to. Today I received a phone call from a client looking for a dancer . This person explained to me the derogatory comments she made about me. In essence I am old, not a good dancer and cheap because of this. This is exactly why I do not participate, or promote your events. This is why I do not join a group as local as my native home town.

My questions are this a group that is supportive of each other? Is this a group that is fun? Or is this a group to promote Mahin?
Thank you Mahin.
I have had the unfortunate expereince of being treated with disrespect at events, through telephone calls and from phone calls from possible clients with