So, I knew it had been a while since I'd posted, but I hadn't realized just how long...
Today, I saw that Strings(over in the link sidebar) had posted about me, so I thought I'd better write something for you good folks to look at. When I logged in, I see I haven't posted since JULY??!! Thor's Beard!!!
Well, what's on my mind? The wife and I own a belly dance studio in the small "city" where we live. 8700 people, not what I consider a city, but I digress. Anyhow, there is an organization here called SHEM. It's a group put together by various local churches. They help out the needy with food, utility bills, sometimes shelter, and so forth. We read in the local paper a few weeks back that they are having financial trouble, and might be forced to close. Wife and I discussed it, and offered to do a fund raiser for them, inviting other styles of dancers and performance groups. I was going to do some fire breathing, a little fire staff spinning, a good time, and helping a good cause. The office staff were overjoyed to have our offer, moved to tears on the phone.
Yesterday, wife calls the SHEM office, and finds out the Board of Directors has refused our fund raising offer. They do not feel as though belly dance is appropriate, but they'd like our fire dancers at their luaus!!!! Umm, WTF, over! Aren't hula dancers mostly naked??
I am appalled(but not too surprised) that we are not allowed to help, due to ignorance and bigotry. Many of our students are very conservative Christians. We have children who take our classes. This is NOT exotic dancing like you would find in a strip club...
Oh, well. Anyhow, welcome to y'all, and thanks to Strings for the link. I will make sure to post more often.....