I was at the Feria de Londres today, a yearly Spanish Festival at London’s Southbank with a focus on Flamenco dance, music and street food from Andalucia.
One of the dancers that caught my attention was visibly pregnant, her flamenco dress outlining the contours of her body. I thought she looked great:
Another pregnant dancer- her linea nigra visible on her exposed belly – performs tango. The photo was taken back in the summer of 2005 in Regent’s Park:
I was with my mum at the Feria who, at 82, did not share my enthusiasm for the display of a pronounced belly, particularly whilst dancing. A former professional ballerina herself, she came from a culture that hid pregnancy under loose, swathed layers. Here’s an old photo of her (presumably taken by my dad) in 1957, heavily pregnant and modestly wrapped in a tent-shaped coat:
And finally a photo I took of my good friend Jacqui during the 90s. A natural rebel, convivial and outspoken, here she is proudly displaying her pregnant, decorated belly whilst people watching at Bar Italia in London’s Soho:
Great photos, love the flamenco dancer shot.