Dangers, Dilemnas, Distractions and Advantages, Inspiration, Oceans and Venues

TOP 10 DANGERS, DILEMMAS AND ADVANTAGES OF BEING RAISED BY A PROFESSIONAL BELLY DANCER

By Jordan | 21-year-old daughter of Jamaica

10. The at-times really annoying—but overall pretty cool—experience of to being opened up to other cultures and religions. And developing an appreciation of over-the-top sequined outfits.

9. No home-baked cookies. Mom made hummus.

8. Being dragged to endless drum classes and hippie parties with huge fires, crazy drummers and dancers everywhere, and falling asleep amidst all the chaos. (To this day, weird but cool old people come up to me, saying, “Oh, you must be Jamaica’s daughter! I remember you when you were little!”)

8b. Knowing Mom can still shake it better than me!

7. Always knowing you should carry yourself with dignity, no matter what your body shape or size.

6. Growing up in a home where it was OK to play with swords.

5. Knowing my mom did not consider my getting pierced or tattooed acts of rebellion.

4. Having to go to belly dance class for punishment. (I got a day off restriction for each class!)

3. Not being able to find our Christmas ornament box one year—and decorating the tree with mom’s jewelry.

2. Trying to buy candy with all the coins I found on our floor and finding out they weren’t real.

1. Glitter in my cereal.