An Autoethnographic Analysis of a Space for Belly Dancing Women: Istanbul Educational and Cultural Association of Oriental Dancers

Abstract

Istanbul Educational and Cultural Association of Oriental Dancers (Istorder) is a unique institution that brings together professional belly dancers in Istanbul/Turkey. Between 2019–2021, I participated in belly dance courses in their dance studio. In this study, I examine my own experience, utilizing the data obtained from participant observation, fieldnotes, and semi-structured interviews with a feminist autoethnographic approach. I consider both my own experience and the narratives of other women who learn and teach belly dance in Istorder. Furthermore, I compare my findings with other research on women’s experiences of belly dance in the United States of America in different historical contexts.