There are many young talents out there waiting to be discovered. These talents need someone to utilize their abilities. Jamil, a young man settled in Sydney, does belly dancing and folkloric Middle Eastern dancing. Jamil's videos on youtube were watched by more than 100, 000 people. The first impression you get from watching Jamil is shock by seeing a man wearing shimmies and belly dance but after few moments you discover that you are watching a unique form of art. Jamil's professionalism makes people enjoy watching him and his playful gestures makes the audience interact with his performance. Jamil is an Arabic word that means ''beautiful''. Jamil is a psychology student and has a passion for dancing which is considered somehow a dangerous territory for men.
How do you feel that 101,936 people watched your video on youtube? And your latest one hit 4,000 views in two weeks?I am honored! Sometimes it takes me a while to comprehend that amount of people have seen my clip. It impresses me mainly because of the fact that many people are going out of their way to experience a male belly dancer..:
What is your next step?
At the moment, I plan on finishing my studies while keeping up my belly dancing on the side. When I am able to commit myself to dancing completely I will d everything in my power to publicize my name and the art I love.
When was the first time for you to dance in public?
The first time was on Easter weekend in 2005. I entered myself into the Sydney Middle Eastern festival, and performed a drum solo. The crowd went wild. I was very unpolished at that time, but I entered to see the response I would get. After I finished, I knew I wanted to pursue it professionally.
You are doing something revolutionary, how do you feel about that?
I've never really thought of it in that way. Its great to know that people, especially male dancers, will look up to me and the very select few male dancers that currently exist with some sort of respect as 'pioneers' of the art from. It makes me happy knowing that I could possibly be helping someone discover this art.
How does the Australian society or the West in general, respond to that kind of art?
in my own opinion, I have noticed that many Anglo Australians have been brought up with the idea that 'belly dance' is a feminine art. It's a natural Shock when they see a male dancer dancing. The irony however, is that I have noticed many traditional Arabs living in Australia has somewhat embraced the art of male dancing. They have put behind their ancient stereotypes and appreciate it as an art.
Most conservative people say that only an ''effeminate'' or ''gay'' man only do belly dancing, what would you tell them?
Well all I would tell them is not to base an art on how a person dances, but rather how a person expresses the music they are dancing to. A true 'critic' would look at that over any forms of 'deviant gender behaviors.'
Did you have to face any objections from family members or friends regarding taking belly dancing as a career?
My mother has been supportive in everything I do as to have my sisters and father but their only concerns were that they felt I would be 'teased' or whatnot as a result of peoples uneducated behavior.
Did anything like that happen?
No never!
The worst incident I have had is trying to get a female to dance up, and her partner has told me not to.
Even then he was very polite about it.
You are a psychology student, does that help you as a performer?
Definitely! I don't think anyone really understands how much it truly does. Being able to interpret a situation, how to deal with certain audience members, situations, etc... does not come as a direct result of experience. Psychology has helped developed everything from my style of dance to the way I deliver it.
Would you elaborate?
Sure. The steps I incorporate in my dancing have all been analyzed from a 'psychological' point of view. In that I have interpreted if this is what my audience wants to see, will this portray me as masculine, will this portray me as a professional? ...etc. All these questions are deeply questioned with everything I learn and express with my art.
This is about Jamil the performer, what about Jamil the person what would you like people to know about you?
Ahh Jamil the person. I feel I am a dedicated person in all aspects of my life. I go out of my way to help people when I can, and when I cant, I try harder. I paradoxically adhere to societies standards as much as I don't.
What if one day you had a partner who asked you to quit dancing?
It wouldn't happen, if I was to search for someone, I would make sure they were supportive of my interests as I would be with theirs before I became serious. After all I need both my passions to be compatible.
You are still in the beginning of your show business career, the more time passes the more you will be known and have lots and lots of fans, do u think that Jamil the person is ready to be a celebrity one day?
One day... I am not too sure how much of a celebrity status a male belly dancer can have in today’s society. But if the situation were to arise, I would certainly aim to meet the challenge!
Where would you like to go on a dream holiday?
Definitely to Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Greece!
All for different reasons! But I would love to be there:
Who are the people who affected you in your life and in what way?
My parents and friends.
They have always affected me allowing me to know I am worth the support they give me of all matters in my life. Reminding me that I am not doing nothing with my time, but rather that I am fulfilling many of my own (and their) wishes.
You are the son of a Syrian immigrant, how much Syrian are you?
Well it's complex.
My father is 1/2 Lebanese, 1/2 Syrian and my mother is full Anglo Australian. Ethnically I consider myself Arab, but my nationality is Australian.
If there are people out there want to attend your performances, where should they go or what should they do?
The easiest thing for them to do is to look me up on youtube.com. Other then that I have regular work at various restaurants around Sydney.
Have you ever thought of contacting an agent to ''sell you''?
I have thought about it. But many have had terrible experiences with agents, so naturally I am careful. I'm not opposed to the idea of an agent, but I think when I find more time, I will investigate further.
Well I wish you the best of whatever you choose to do. Would you like to say anything else?
Nope, thanx Very much Heba.
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