Students of Middle Eastern dance find out very soon into their studies that this is a costly dance form, with a world of deliciously sparkly, beautiful choices of costuming, both homemade and imported. The average student of the dance is in it as a hobby, and would be best advised to keep her spending modest…
Protocols and Expectations of Performing as a Pro, or, How To Avoid Stepping on Toes
This is an opinion piece. I won’t hide behind a pseudonym or pen name and pretend that the opinions belong to someone else. I also won’t apologize for the opinions. The opinions expressed below are done so very candidly for the intent of informing intermediate level dancers who may be interested in or intent upon…
What You Need to Know Prior to Booking
What I Will Need From You, the Host: a private place to change and prepare, preferably with a mirror a safe, secure place for my belongings clear directions to the location, entrance, time, and any other event details (see “Questions”, below) payment upon arrival, in cash ( I will only accept cheques from organizations) Share…
How to Tip a Dancer
Tips are a traditional part of the dance show, but many Westerners do not know how to do it tastefully and respectfully. Some dancers will not accept tips directly, which is their choice. I accept tips. Most dancers feel appreciated by the giving of tips, as it shows you really enjoy what she is doing….
Dance Costume Checklist for Performers
Costume type should be appropriate to music, style of dance, and venue. Layer sheer fabrics for modesty and be careful of skirt slits in front, back or sides as too much may show when spinning, bending, jumping, doing floor-work, or if up high on a stage. Tight costumes may also impede movement, so check comfort…
About Busking & Street Festivals
your audience is the most variable of any venue–in size, age, gender, class, background, intent, attitude, sobriety, response, focus/attention… the weather will play a strong part in your dancing–you should try to treat it as a dance partner rather than an enemy (with some exceptions) and dress for it Share on Facebook Follow me…
Pointers & Info for Students in Recitals
by Nicola, 2007, updated February 2010 _____________________________ This is a generalized checklist of reminders that I provide to all my students as we are entering into recital time. Other teachers are welcome to use it and adapt it, with credit. I have compiled these based on the protocols issued by various dance festivals and studios…
The Bellydance Problem Solver: A Compendium of Practical Advice
PROBLEM: Your hip belt or skirt begins to slide down while your are performing. Possible Solutions: Try to lift it up discretely. If it falls just step over it and move on. Hopefully you are wearing another layer of costuming! While pulling it up distract with a dance movement. Be careful not to step on…
About Restaurant Dancing
Ah, the restaurant gig. Fun, unpredictable, often ill-paying, it’s regular, bread-and-butter work, yet is often also tiring and tedious. It tends to be the last bastion of bad dancing. On occasion, it is the secret stomping (shimmying?) grounds of diamonds-in-the-rough. I know I cut my performance teeth and learned the hardest way possible the year…
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