BS in English, Northern Arizona University
I started the MLS program in 2000 thinking that I would like to focus on non-profit management and literacy programs. However, in the following six years life took some interesting turns and I found myself much more interested in American Tribal Style (ATS) belly dance and its influence on women's sense of body image. In fact, ATS became an all-consuming passion as I started to see that it could be a catalyst for social change. When I shared my idea with Sandra, she was very enthusiastic and encouraged me to pursue it for my thesis work.
For my research, I organized a belly dance class for undergraduate women on the NAU campus. The students participated in writing exercises before and after the class to reflect on mainstream images of women and images of women in ATS costume. I used qualitative analysis to interpret the students' writing, which ultimately revealed that they experienced higher levels of happiness, bodily acceptance, and self-esteem through their participation in ATS dance. In my thesis, this research is framed by an interdisciplinary discussion of feminist embodiment theory; history of belly dance; feminist epistemology; social sustainability; critique of advertising in Western culture; and my personal reflections.
When I started the MLS program, I wouldn't have thought myself capable of writing this thesis. I did not have a background in any of the subjects I eventually knit together. Allowing myself plenty of time, caring deeply about my topic, and having the unfailing support of Sandra and Peggy helped me to complete it.
I am now starting a project with my husband that will use photography and narrative to explore body image in ATS dancers.
Read about Hillary's recent visit to Australia, “Bellyroles project down under.”
Hilary Giovale
P.O. Box 337
Flagstaff, AZ 86002