02/21/2026
If you’re not in the International Bellydance Community, then this post doesn’t apply to you. There is a woman, new to our industry who has exhibited dangerously hateful behavior. Unfortunately, she is also a native dancer. And now, she is throwing the Sudan & Palestine card. While her stories are filled with anti Black rehetoric. And her harrassing other nagivr dancers. All I will say that it’s only a matter of time till our Indigenous ancestral spiritual guides step in. Because enough is enough. Don’t mess with innocent people if you don’t know who is protecting them from above.
We have already stepped into a powerful year. Aside from that, lets say you don’t know about energy & indegenous ancient practices, example it was just Chinese New Year & its the year of the fire horse. Which fyi if you’re a horse, according to Chinese systems it’s not your year from my understanding. You actually need to protect yourselves more. Its also Black History Month! As well as Muslim & Christian holy days. So wether you know about Mystcism OR follow relgions its NOT the times to create hate & drama. Even wars will have a ceasefire! And of course it’s never appropriate or necessary to spread such vile hate.
I often speak about my people ~ Anatolian Greek Genocide. But i have never expressed vile hate to anyone. You can speak on your people & sociopolitical matters without dangerously hateful way. So not only does this person not care about another human, there is also no respect to God/Source/Ancestors. Speaking on your country & some valid points is one thing. But this girl did not have this true intention. This racist is creating tremendous pain & humiliation to native dancers & it will not last. People like this fizzle out.
Im sure you saw what went down in southern states when ICE was trying to enter the territory. The ancestors were summoned & nobody even dared to go near there. Our community is being tested. Just stay calm, stop feeding her algorithm & let Source handle it. Check in with each other to make sure all our dance sisters/brothers/cousins are all ok. The Divine is always more powerful than Toxicity.
As a Christian Anatolian Greek Orthodox, I believe strongly in the power of prayer & in God/Jesus and his crew. Yes, I’m Christian but I have a very strong educational knowledge & experience in Indegenous healing/belief systems. God/Jesus is my bestie. But I respect everyone’s history and cultural heritage. In my religion it’s also been week of the transitioned souls. So they are around us now more than ever these days. It’s ok to ask God & your loved ones for their protection. Many think it’s not needed to ask. Well, yes it is. Don’t allow any troubled soul, here on earth to inflict pain on you and/or our community.
We’re stronger united. Of course we have our disagreements & heated debates. But not on this level. Last time something huge went down was with the “list” & few right wing Turkish dancers harrassing me. Remember that? Im sure you did because many of dance community didn’t support me except for Black dancers & couple Armenians. Others only behind the scenes. I will never forget. Right wing ideologies from ANY MENAHT region have no place in our community.
I forgive you but i don’t forget. I understand, many non natives get confused. You feel you must take a side or stay quiet. Never take the side of a right wing nationalist. Many didn’t speak up, you delayed with this attack on Black dancers. Why because it was coming from another native dancer. Being native dancer is not a free pass to be dangerously racist. Especially when it’s directed to our beautiful Black dancers. You all need to understand this… iv been trying to tell you all for years but you didn’t listen. This industry is extremely political. SWANA countries are always arguing amongst each other. Our various ethnic groups within each state has beef with each other. Then different political systems within the country. Then add on religion. And different sectors of certain religions. It’s literally a circus! You will never understand unless you’re raised in our worlds.
Bellydance, Middle Eastern dance, MENAHT dance (or whatever you want to call it) is the one thing that has brought us together and we haven’t been fighting about ownership, IN the industry, like….. ever. Only recent years. And guess what. I actually know & understand why this beef started with this girl regarding the dance. If you want to know, comment below & i will make a post when i have time. Honestly, i can go on forever. I really just need to be on TedTalks and other big stages instead of constantly banging away on the keyboard.
Like I said. The world is shifting, upgrading & all those without good intentions will find another hobby OR they will publicly apologize. But the damage has been done. Sometimes I’ve gotten pulled into that spiralling toxic glitch. But we must take a breath & bring ourselves back. Our community has come together & finally speaking out. I surprise myself sometimes… being super loud & spicy by nature, I find ways to rebound myself somehow & become the voice of reason, logic & peace.
Ancestors, please do your thang 🙏💙😇
Protect all who need protection. Bring healing love and peace. Amin
Peace✨ Love
Panayiota Symeonidis Bakis
*when I say "you" I'm speaking to our dance collective. English is my second language. I do my best to re-read & edit to make sure I'm clear*
