Please note that the title doesn't say Diva... that's another topic all together.
 
Never really thought of myself as a snob, until a few things occurred over the past week.
 
I'm not a bitchy snob, nor am I an, "I'll Ignore You," snob.
 
I am a bellydance snob --- and it's ok. In fact, that 4-letter word used to make me cringe.
 
Been to the gym and seen a posting for a bellydance class?  Gone in?  That's how I started taking my first classes.  NOTHING wrong with that... unless the teacher thinks that a dumbek is another name for a hillbilly.
 
Not saying that all bellydance students need to know the names of all the top legends of bellydance, or that Hossam Ramzy is one of the best percussionist EVER!
 
What I am saying... and what really pisses off many dancers, is the classes taught by people who watch a 30 minute video or program and feel compelled and qualified to call themselves a teacher!  THAT'S NOT BELLYDANCE!
 
Got hit with this one at a lunch with friends:  "I'm taking Zumba now, which is just the same as bellydance.  You know, we wear those coin thingies."
 
I smile, I encourage and I respond with a sincere invitation to go to a class with me sometime.  Inside I am screaming.  I am not alone.
 
So, I'm a Bellydance Snob. Big Deal.  But only because I want you to know the joy that I, and so many others have found.  So, if you don't know a Maqsoum from Masmoudi... it's OK.  You are still growing and learning, we all are.