Questions About Elevating the Art Form

The term "belly dance" has been taken to mean many things to the public.  As artists and instructors, many have tried to change the public's perception that our dance form as an offshoot of something more sexual or provocative or easy to master without needing any technical dance skills.  However, even within the belly dance community there have been questions about how we can elevate our dance form to a higher level, where professionalism, commitment, and technical skills are key.  I have had quite a few discussions with professional dancers and students about this topic over the last couple of years and continue to listen for information, perceptions and ideas about how this can be done or if it should be done.

Is the question of elevating our art form important or shall we just dance and enjoy it regardless of the public and/or dance community's view of how it is presented and/or taught?

If yes, then how do we elevate the dance form? What elements are influential?  And are those elements different if you are a performer or a teacher?

For example, for performers is it only about the costuming, music, and technical skills?  Or does the language you use while at the venue make a difference? If you are having a bad night, can you curse and bitch or does that bring down the art form or just you as an artist?  Does showing up to venues late matter to the art form or just you as a performer?  How about turning in your contracts and music on time?

If you are a teacher, do you have to keep your opinions to yourself about controversial topics such as politics or social issues?  Or are these segragated by the belly dance discipline you teach?  For example, as an Oriental teacher, should I censor myself more than a Fusion dance teacher?  And does the censorship only apply to the classroom and venues but outside those places I am free to be who I am?

How does social media play into the elevation of the art? Do you need to remain silent on threads that are demeaning, rude, or controversial?  Does making posts on your own page about social or political issues that may challenge other people's opinions effect the art form we represent as performers and/or instructors?  How are potential students and/or opportunities to get hired for a gig impacted by our Twitter feeds, Instragram photos, and Facebook posts? Is it better to fake super happiness about every little thing on your social media posts, even though in real life often don't feel so super happy and the people that know you know the over-the-top happy posts are a lie?

These are important and interesting questions to me and I appreciate any opinions on these.