I would have to respectfully disagree. I think you have a valid point about trends and people buying snakes because it's "cool". But, I also think that will happen whether or not dancers dance with snakes. All it takes is seeing someone who is "cool" with a snake and voila, everyone wants a snake (or ferret, or iguana, or pit bull, or whatever is the fashionable pet at the moment)......

Most respectable dancers who perform with snakes (as partners, btw, not "props") also attempt to educate their audiences. They are open to questions. They try to tell people about the responsibilities of caring for snakes.....

Darkdove Selimah, while I have never seen her dance in person (only on video), is a perfect example of a respectable dancer. She is always open to answering questions and, from what I've seen, if someone has rosy glasses on about snake ownership, she will tell them the real truth (good and bad).

Another is Serpentessa (who has a wonderful instructional video on snake dancing).

Neither of these women treat or consider their snakes as anything less than a full partner in the dance. And, anyone watching a performance by them would see that concern and respect that they show their partner.

On the other hand, any Schmo can go to a pet expo or reptile show, see a snake being held by someone who is getting attention and decide that's COOL. I don't think bellydancing with (or without) snakes is going to change that disappointing aspect of human nature.