Unveiling the gaze belly dance as a cite of refuge, re-envisioning and resistance

Abstract

A central concept within feminist theory and pop culture is “the gaze” – the realization of being seen and interpreted by others, and adjusting one’s conduct accordingly. Stated differently, the gaze represents the notion that something happens inside of us (within our cognitive and psychological processes) when we become conscious of others’ observations of us, and that we often alter our physical presentation, language, demeanor and behavior in response to such changes.