Interview By: Nadia Gativa
I’m currently writing an article and was wondering if you could contribute to it. It is about tattoos in tribal, so, naturally, I thought of contacting you. Could you send me a brief message on what your tattoos mean, when and where you got them and your general ideas on what tattoos are for dancers and how society reacts to them. It would be great to know how the whole thing about tattoos started, because it has become something of a fashion now, but I know it was different when tribal was just born.
- Nadia
Tattoos in Tribal Belly Dance is definitely fashionable. As far as I know, Fat Chance Belly Dance started this trend however I don’t believe it was intentional, I think it was simply part of their lifestyle at that time. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the original ladies of FCBD didn’t have some of their tattoos before they began dancing; such is the case for me. I had most of my tattoos and piercings way before I had ever thought I’d become a belly dancer or even knew about Tribal Belly Dance as I did my first piercings (my ears & nose) as early as 13 years old. I also tattooed myself on my hand, wrist, and ankle starting when I was 14 years old; luckily I covered those ugly things over time as I’m not a tattoo artist. The only one which remains visible is my inner ankle, it’s my height, and a long story…
My tattoos are a journal of my life’s journey. They all mark a significant time of my life; four of my tattoos I share with 4 important people in my life. All except one (my first) tattoo have been done by friends of mine. I feel strongly about having good feelings from the one who inflicts pain on me as this is an intimate and spiritual experience and one that goes with you to the grave.
As for how people react to them; these days, it’s much more socially acceptable as opposed to when I was 18, and even before my time for certain. Tattoos used to be associated with criminals, the uneducated, and misfits alike. I suppose this is why I felt akin to them at such an early age; I was a misfit myself…and still am on the inside if you know what I mean.
Today tattoos are considered cool! Teachers, white collars (CEOs), the wealthy, actors, your boss…they all have them! Sure some of them are kept in places that are easily covered but they still have them and take pride in them in their personal lives if not professional as well; I am thankful for this new movement as it takes the weight off of having to prove yourself as a decent citizen.
As for Tribal Belly Dancers: I’d like to believe it’s the next personal and social step of initiation and dedication to the art of tribal belly dance though I’m sure some were like myself and had them before belly dance and will get more after. There is definitely a trendy element to them in the Tribal scene as I’ve witnessed quite a few Rachel Brice asymmetrical look-alike hip tattoos out there. I wouldn’t be surprised if all of us tattooed belly dance ladies play a big part in what attracts certain newbies to Tribal Belly Dance as they would feel more akin to this social setting as they are likely to already be into an alternative lifestyle. Albeit in the end whether tattoos are for looks only or meaningful, they are still pretty to look at in my humble option.- Frédérique (Lady Fred)
