Haha, typos are funny
"
I'd like to invite anyone who's interested to join our brand new tribe "Higher Standards in Bellydance", which you can join here? " That's supposed to be an exclamation mark. :P Oops.

I've joined. :) Though I must state, I agree with a lot of your goals, but I disagree with "getting bellydance out of venues like nightclubs." I don't think sleazy nightclubs are good, but there are some nice ones.

I like dancing in nightclubs....and skimpy costumes (as long as they're still tasteful).

So are you going to write the Rule Book on Belly Dance for everyone to adhere too?

I was listening to an NPR broadcast the other day, and they were interviewing a man in Turkey about the booming business of having young men dance as women at men's parties. When asked why women can't fill those roles, he replied that it was not considered appropriate for a woman to dance in front of other men for business, "even if she is a prostitute or bellydancer..."

This is the kind of global image of bellydance we face even here in the US. Wanting to improve that image is a GOOD GOAL. Don't get all up in arms about it until you have participated in the process and tried to see what can be done, how, and why!

Woah, woah, woah!
My goal is NOT to offend or scold anyone. My goal is to create a positive, supportive atmosphere where dancers can hold polite discussion about how to further the representation and perception of our art form.
Shay - yes, I meant skimpy costumes that are not tasteful. :P If you think about it, by most people's standards all of our costumes would be considered skimpy. And thanks for pointing out that it's a good goal - I think so too, hence all this trouble.
(.Y.) - I think your comments are uncalled for and unprofessional, and I do not appreciate it. I never said anything about a rule book, and I am flat out insulted by your second comment. I think we all agree that one of the best parts of this art form is that people of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and ages can participate in this dance.
Maura - I will not tolerate scolding, arguing or insulting on my Tribe. So I don't think you have to worry about that. If the members cannot respect each other and hold a polite, civilized conversation, I will promptly show them the door.
Heather - yes, I agree. That is actually the purpose of the Tribe. Most of this bickering is based on the introduction, which I wrote in a bit of a hurry, admittedly. I will be remedying this asap.
Jeffery - They are not specifications, they are suggestions. I will be changing the introduction so that this is obvious.
As for dancing in nightclubs, true, there are some nice ones, and that is fine I suppose, although personally I'd take a theatre over a nightclub any day. ;p
I understand that this is a controversial subject, and that everyone has their own opinion. But if we cannot address these topics, and in a polite, professional manner, what will that lead to?