Writing and Dancing From the Belly: An Autoethnographic Understanding of Social Class

The objective of this article is to provide a social class analysis of belly dance in Quito-Ecuador, using an autoethnographical approach. From my position as a professional dancer, social psychologist, and researcher, I show how autoethnography makes it possible to experience theory through the body as well as to overcome the traditional split of subject-object of research. I analyze how belly dancing, as an artistic and leisure activity, is influenced by social class, which has a cross-cutting impact on access to and continuity in this practice. I discuss how sociocultural factors shape the experience, appearing as barriers or opportunities along the trajectory described. The aim is to highlight the relevance of a class-based perspective in the arts and underline the need to develop this perspective in future studies. I conclude by emphasizing the role of the body in knowledge production and the importance of reflexivity in autoethnography.