I encourage other dancers to expect and request a consistent, minimum rate for teaching and performing. I only provide referrals to teachers and performers who do so. This is our livelihood, not just a hobby or past time. There are often very talented hobby dancers and troupes that will perform at community events and fundraisers…
Dance Class Do’s
When attending lessons, DO: practice often (at least 3 times per week) if you think you want to perform and you want to become competent and proficient (which is not the same as being good, or being artful, or being professional grade) take your own notes in class. Hand-outs are a luxury and are very…
What to Expect from a Bellydance Class
It is important to understand and accept that each teacher, of any dance form, will have his/her own set of priorities, methods, philosophies, techniques, and personalities that will strongly affect your learning, not just because of how effective, trained, and experienced that teacher might be, but also because of your needs, traits, and priorities as…
About teachers
Anyone can rent studio space and organize a class. Some studio owners do not check out credentials on instructors coming from different dance traditions than they are familiar with. All teachers vary widely in their teaching and performance philsosphies, practice, methods, and styles. Each teacher does have her own unique ways of breaking down moves, teaching prop work,…
Q ~ I want to hire a dancer for an event, but I don’t want it to be too sexy. How do I tell her this?
Most of us do not put on racy, provocative shows. Sometimes we are playful, and we are paid to be entertaining. If we know (and usually we ask questions about your event) that there will be children and/or elders there, we will tailor our dance and costuming to be more conservative. A great dancer will…
Q ~ I was at a workshop in Winnipeg. I saw brochures for another workshop, but I don’t know if I should go because I don’t know the dancer. . Advice?
Workshops are a lot of work (pardon the pun) to put on. If a host is bothering to do make the effort and front all the money required to bring in a guest artist, it’s almost always worth your time. Share on Facebook Follow me…
Q ~ Is fancy lingerie acceptable as costuming? I have a beautiful sequined bra.
No, no and no. If it looks like lingerie, it is just that, and lingerie, no matter how pretty, is still underwear. It lacks sufficient reinforcement and decoration to be a proper costume piece. Share on Facebook Follow me…
Q – I saw a dancer once in a restaurant. I thought bellydance was cheesy and dumb. Why should I bother taking a class or going to another show?
Unfortunately, not every dancer out there is good at performing or teaching. Any one can “hang their shingle” out there. Not all dancers understand that what they do reflects upon every other dancer. Come to a class, come to a show, and allow those of us who really care about the art form to change…
Q – There are so many classes advertised. How do I know who is a good teacher?
Read some of the articles I have posted. Check out some of the links. Call or email teachers and ask them lots of questions. Understand your reasons for taking the class and be clear about that with any potential teacher. Share on Facebook Follow me…
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