Up until I joined a Maronite Catholic Church, my view on belly dancing was ... well, quite opinionated. I considered it scandalous. After 7 years with these people, I continue to be amazed at their devout faith balanced with a veritable zeal for life. They come to church dressed in their finest and NEVER miss those annual events with music, fanfare and .... belly dancers. Two years ago, I attended one such event and was surprised to see one of the grandfathers, who had recently suffered a heart attack, up there on the dance floor, throwing dollar bills at the belly dancer. He and his sons are VERY generous supporters of local charities, especially the NICU at Albany Med. Perhaps it is a throwback to their Phoenician ancestors but I absolutely love the Lebanese who know how to party and pray :-)
Don’t feel too badly. What you describe sounds exactly like the Greek Orthodox in a neighboring town—Tarpon Springs, FL.
They support their church, observe all the holidays and feasts, support what might be America’s most famous Epiphany celebration...and support the local belly dance clubs.
I must say that what goes on in them is nothing indecent. And I’ve seen films of Gabriel and she doesn’t do anything embarassing either.
Good, clean fun if you ask me. No harm done at all.