Returning to Performance
July 21, 2018 § 1 Comment
When I first returned to dance class, I had no interest in performing. I wanted to dance, but was not ready yet for the pressure of performance. The thought of being expected to show up to rehearsals, perform at a certain level, practice in my free time whether I felt like it or not, do my hair and makeup and dedicate hours of time to putting on a show for other people made me shudder! I just wanted to dance for me.
When I practiced at home, I didn’t practice choreographies. I practiced technique. I improvised to songs I liked. I danced for fun. I danced for me. It was a very important step and right for me at the time.
After a few months, I was having more free time, felt more comfortable dancing again, and felt like I wanted more things to do. It was about this time that the Desert Darlings asked if I wanted to be a guest dancer in their next production, The Magic Lamp: A Theatrical Belly Dance Adventure. I would just be in a few group pieces. “Sure,” I said. “Sounds fun.”
Photo: Featured characters from The Magic Lamp: A Theatrical Belly Dance Adventure. Dancers (left to right) Ally Lowry, Sadie Adair, Lauren Martinez-Burr, and Lucia Calderon
It was fun! Sometimes I stressed about having to do extra rehearsals or practice if I didn’t feel like it, but I loved the pieces I was in and was proud of how much I was learning. As soon as I showed up to rehearsals, the stress faded away.
Then, we performed. We performed the show two back-to-back nights, and it was glorious! The stage! The lights! The props! The drama (acting drama, not people drama)! The costumes! The excitement! The backstage bonding! The fun! It was fantastic!
That was it. I was hooked. I needed more of this in my life! Thus began my return to performance.
Returning to Dance
July 8, 2018 § Leave a comment
I took a hiatus from performing for a couple of years. My life was extremely busy and troupe life and it’s responsibilities were becoming more of a distress than a eustress. It was a very hard decision for me to leave the Desert Darlings. I put it off until my work/school/internship schedule made it impossible for me to attend rehearsals any longer. Then, I finally told them I needed some time off. It was tough, but it was the right decision.
My crazy schedule accounted for a year off from performance and formal dance classes. Then, after graduating with my bachelor’s degree, I took several more months off. I had been so busy for so long, I needed some time for myself and had no interest in adding responsibilities that were not absolutely crucial.
Then, little by little, I started missing dance classes. About a year and a half after taking my hiatus, I went to a formal dance class. I went to an advanced cabaret class, which may not have been the best choice, but it certainly threw me back into it. The warm-up included a rotating solo improv section in a circle. Talk about being put on the spot! Anyway, dancing felt awkward at first since it had been awhile since I had done any formal dance practice.
I was very self-conscious. I was taking classes at the home studio of the Desert Darlings, my former troupe, and I was convinced everyone knew it and expected me to be better. As I walked into the studio, I could hear the imaginary whispering. “Pssst…she was in the Darlings!” “Did you know she used to be a Darling?” “She was in the Desert Darlings?!” After a few classes, I started to focus less on how my dance skills appeared and just focused on class content. Within a few weeks, everything felt pretty natural again.
It didn’t take very long for me to feel like my old dance self again. And you know what? I quickly realized that most people in the classes didn’t know I used to be in the professional troupe. They had no expectations of me. Nor did the ones who did know. I was just projecting my own expectations of myself. Once I got over that, I started having a lot of fun again. There were some things I still felt I should be better at, but then I realized those were things I was never that great at. It’s important to maintain perspective.
I am very happy to be back in the world of dance! I’ve known a lot of dancers who have taken time off. Sometimes other things in life have to take precedence. We all seem to find time for it again eventually. What that looks like changes as our lives change, but we always seem to make our way back. And the dance community always seems to be ready to welcome us. Once a dancer, always a dancer.
2014: Recapping and Looking Forward
December 30, 2014 § Leave a comment
2014 was a productive year!
At the beginning of December, I graduated with two associate’s degrees: one in nutrition and one in pre-health science: pre-exercise science. I have to complete a lot more schooling in order to reach my ultimate career goal of working in physical rehabilitation, but it is definitely nice to reach a milestone.
As for dancing, things have really taken off for my dance troupe! This year, Desert Darlings Belly Dance performed at many events and venues and secured two regular performance slots: every Saturday night at Anatolia in downtown Albuquerque and every Sunday night at Kaktus Brewery in Bernalillo. We put on two full-length dance shows and were invited to re-show our most recent production, Nightmare Before Christmas: A Belly Dance Adventure, in Santa Fe in early February. I also got a new toy: podpoi with capsule handles! These poi are the coolest, most versatile glow poi I own. They have a ton of lighting patterns and color options. Now, when I am developing a new poi performance piece, I am not only a choreographer, I am a lightning designer! It’s so much fun! It has been a great year for dancing!
In 2015, I will begin working toward two bachelor’s degrees and hope to perform twice as often as I did last year. I am going to choreograph my first group veil piece for Desert Darlings and plan to attend at least two workshops and maybe a dance festival. I would also like to practice more with both my poi and hula hoop. I think it will be a good year!
Happy New Year, everyone!
Performance Standards: Booking and Attending Gigs
May 16, 2013 § 2 Comments
I have performed as a belly dancer for over a decade and have danced in a large variety of venues and settings. Some amazing, some good, some okay, some bad, and some really unpleasant. At a recent bad performance experience, there was no designated stage area, there was no DJ, and they had no performance time for us. They gave us a call time, but when we showed up, no one seemed to know what was going on. We were not in the line up. They asked if we wanted to dance to the DJ, even though we had specifically told them “no” over the phone during the performance invitation. We waited around for a while and didn’t have adequate warning before we finally did perform. They “let us” perform while the DJs took a break. It did not get better once we started dancing. They introduced us as “the belly dancers” instead of by our troupe’s name. People were wandering through the area where we were dancing. No one was taking care of our music or paying attention to what was going on. Our ipod got bumped in the middle of the set, and started playing a song over again. We couldn’t get anyone to fix it for us. One of the dancers had to leave the “stage” to fix it herself. Then, in the middle of our last song, the band that was on next started improvising on top of our music and then said “let’s hear it for the belly dancers!…” before the song completely finished. We were practically kicked off stage. It was very unprofessional. We handled it as gracefully as possible, but it was not a fun experience.
Because of all of this performance experience as well as others, I have thought a lot about performance standards. I think it’s important to consider what kind of settings you would like to perform in and what your expectations are. Sometimes it is okay to decline an event invitation or decide that a venue is not right for you. Sometimes, it may even be reasonable to leave an event without performing.
Here is my list of performance standards:
1) Make sure you have an official performance slot. If they are not organized enough to put together a set list, chances are good you will show up for a 10-20 minute set and wait around for 2 hours. This is not okay. It is reasonable for shows and events to run a little behind, but what they are saying by not giving you a time slot, is that your time isn’t valuable. If they don’t have an approximate performance time, the answer is no. I also know of some professional dancers who start charging more if they don’t go on within a reasonable amount of time after the agreed upon performance slot. I think this is fair. Their time is valuable. Your time is also valuable.
2) If they can’t give you an idea of what the music system is like, you should ask them to find out before you commit. You need to be able to prepare your music. Music is essential for dancing. If there are different options at this venue, and they aren’t sure which will work out for that night, that’s not too big of a deal, as long as you know what options to prepare for. You need to know if you are capable of using their music system and have an adequate amount of time to get your set list prepared. You don’t want to waste your time preparing a set, getting into costume, and going to the event, just to find out you won’t have music and can’t perform.
3) If they want someone who does something that you don’t do, just say you are not what they are looking for and suggest another performer, if you know of one, who is a better fit. If they want someone to dance to the DJ who’s playing techno or reggae and that’s not the kind of music you dance to, then the answer is no. If they want gogo dancers, that’s fine, but belly dancers aren’t gogo dancers. They need to find someone who can fulfill their specific performance needs. And if they are calling for a bachelor party performance, be weary that they might expect something more risqué than your typical belly dance. This may not be the performance for you.
4) Expect them to be professional and have respect. For example, there is someone in charge who knows what is going on and can direct you where to go. There is some sort of backstage area where you can prepare and safely store your things. You should get a proper announcement before your performance.
5) This is a big one and sometimes the hardest for dancers to take a stand on: Don’t dance for free if other performers get paid. Also, don’t dance for free if there is a cover charge. The only exception to this rule is if it is a benefit show and the money is going to a good cause. Don’t let someone personally profit from your hard work, unless you are also profiting. Even if you do a short set, you should still get paid. They aren’t just paying for your performance time; they are paying for your years of dance classes and performance experience, your costuming, your time spent building a set and getting into hair, makeup and costume. You are worth compensating. It is also okay to dance for free at community events, festivals and haflas. These are shows for sharing and exposure. My old dance troupe had a set number of free shows we did every year. Once those slots were full, we only did paid gigs. This worked out well. I recommend coming up with a similar policy.
6) Sometimes it is okay to leave a gig. I don’t think I have ever done this, but there has been a time or two I wish I had. This is a last resort, but if you aren’t being treated appropriately and there is no reasonable negotiation, or no one cares enough to negotiate with you in the first place, you should consider whether it is fair for you to stay, especially if you are volunteering your time. I’m not saying be a diva, I’m just saying make sure they treat you with respect.
Have you had any experiences that have made you reconsider your performance standards? What does your list look like? Is there something I should add to mine? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Art Vs. Entertainment
January 19, 2013 § 4 Comments
- Art: the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance.
- Entertainment: the act of entertaining; agreeable occupation for the mind; diversion; amusement.
A question I hear often among belly dancers, especially in the Tribal community, is whether we consider ourselves artists or entertainers. People who ask this question seem to have a strong opinion about which is better (I’ll give you a hint, it’s not entertainment). There seems to be a strong “I do it for me, not them” mentality. There’s not anything wrong with that. In fact, I think the most important person to dance for is yourself. But when you perform, you have to do it for you and for the audience.
Art is an expression of the artist. If we identify with this expression, we will be inspired by this art. When art is created, it is best if it evokes some sort of reaction from a viewer. The most memorable art is interesting to the eye, evokes an emotion, or inspires introspection. Art makes statements that are meant to be communicated. It touches something in us and is a form of entertainment. Entertainment satisfies an audience. It takes the audience to another state of mind. It helps them forget themselves for awhile. If they identify with or are touched by your artistic expression, they will be entertained.
I don’t usually worry too much about art vs. entertainment when I perform. I think the two go hand in hand. I find art entertaining, and entertainment can be done artistically. As a dancer, art may be enough to fulfill the dancer’s desire to create and express. As a performer, entertainment is a definite goal. No one wants to get on stage and deeply and meaningfully bore their audience. I don’t believe it is necessary to choose sides.
I am an artist and an entertainer. An entertainment artist. An artistic entertainer. I am a belly dancer.
Performing: To Look at the Audience or Not?
December 31, 2012 § 3 Comments
I have heard many different theories and many different preferences on where to look when performing. When first learning to perform, I think it’s hard for most people to look at the audience. Dealing with stage fright can be a process. Most people have it at some point, and looking an audience member in the eye does not tend to help the nerves. My first teacher taught me to look over the heads of the audience members if this was the case. I know some dancers who have been dancing for years and still prefer this method.
Personally, I like to look at the audience. I feel more of a connection. However, I don’t tend to focus on one person for too long (unless their body language and facial expressions invite more interaction) because this can be too intense and make them feel uncomfortable. Some audience members like to feel more included, but I think a lot of people just want to be spectators. I like to look at the audience not only because it makes me feel more connected to them, but I also feed off of their energy and feel like my facial expressions are more genuine when I have people to respond to.
Sometimes I still look over the heads of the audience. I do this if looking at them is too intense, such as when I feel like they are being unresponsive. Also, it’s nice to alternate between looking over them and at them, especially if some audience members are sitting very close. Sometimes looking over the audience can be used for effect as well. This can be used to create an ethereal or dreamy quality, like you are seeing something in your mind. In the case of bright stage lights, I can’t see the audience members anyway, so this is more like looking over the heads of the audience. Even though I may or may not be since I can’t actually see them.
The big no-no for where to look when performing is down! Sometimes looking down for effect is appropriate. It can help to express something in the music, intensify a movement or help direct the audience’s focus. However, it should only be used for effect! It is not fun to watch a dancer who stares at the floor the whole time. Personally, as a spectator, it makes me feel uncomfortable. I feel like the performer is nervous and therefore I am nervous. Looking up and out is inviting and shouts confidence. Even when a performer is experiencing stage fright, looking up is the best camouflage. This will help the audience relax and enjoy the show.
What do you think? Where do you like to focus when you perform?
Desert Darlings perform in Santa Fe!
October 15, 2012 § 2 Comments
Hello lovely readers! I know I have been quiet lately, but I haven’t forgotten about you! I have been incredibly busy in life and in dance! The nice thing about being too busy to write as much is that I have been dancing and performing quite a bit! Don’t worry, I will be back soon with stories, thoughts and insights! In the meantime, here is a video from one of Desert Darlings’ most recent performances. We performed in Santa Fe at “Raq-Us Illumination,” a show featuring Unmata! If you feel so inclined, you can check out other performances from that night on youtube. It was a great show!
Belly Dance, Hooping, and Fusion
August 23, 2012 § Leave a comment
It has been a busy summer, but I have been able to find more time for hooping! It is a great full-body work out, invigorating and most importantly, fun! Being at the “blossoming beginner” stage of a hobby is very rewarding. I now have enough experience with the hoop that I am able to learn new tricks more quickly (courtesy of homeofpoi.com‘s “learn” page) and there is so much to look forward to learning. I like to enjoy every stage of a hobby, but this is an especially fun one.
When I first tried hooping, it was in a workshop with a teacher who also taught belly dance. Most of the students in the workshop were belly dance students, and we started the class by repeating several times, “hooping is not belly dance!” The teacher wanted to make sure we weren’t inserting unnecessary movement into the hooping because of our belly dance muscle memory. The two art forms use some of the same muscle groups in different ways. That being said, there are some types of isolations used in belly dance that are useful with certain hoop moves. For example, being able to move the chest independently from the hips helps with chest hooping.
Hula hooping is a good cross-training choice for belly dancers. It’s low impact like belly dance, but is very cardiovascular, while belly dance is sometimes not. Not only does hooping aid in muscle strengthening and toning, it can balance the fitness routine. It is gaining popularity among belly dancers, especially in the tribal community. This, of course, leads to fusion! I am nowhere near being to a point where I could fuse together hooping and belly dance, but I sometimes come across videos of this. This is one of my favorites. It is artfully executed and reflective of the music. Enjoy!
Isis Wings and Imagery
June 3, 2012 § 3 Comments
Isis Wings! They are fun, flowing and flashy!
It is difficult to find information on the origin of Isis Wings. The Dancers of the Desert write on their website “in doing research on Wings of Isis I found that there is no specific history on Isis wings. They started in Las Vegas [as] a prop used by show girls, and I am assuming, because of their similarity to Isis, the Egyptian goddess of love, fertility (She is depicted usually as a kneeling lady with wings), got their name…It is an American prop and does not fall into traditional Middle Eastern dance, but was developed with so many other props, into the middle Eastern art of belly dancing.”
There is this video on YouTube circa 1895 which was the first hand-painted movie. The props used are not Isis Wings, the description says they are veils (obviously attached to sticks), but the effect is rather Isis Wings-esque.
No matter where Isis Wings came from, they certainly awe audiences and capture the imagination. Sometimes they remind people of other, often-whimsical things.
One person told me this prop reminds them of the artificial swallowtail butterfly developed by researches to study how these beautiful and oddly proportioned insects stay in flight:
A spectator at one of Lumani‘s shows saw these…
…and thought them reminiscent of this popular caped crusader:
Personally, Isis Wings make me think of this:
Less whimsical, but this deadly Jurassic Park dino comes to mind every time.
Like everything, Isis Wings get reinvented with new technology. Behold! Some really cool LED Isis Wings!
After seeing this video, Princess Farhana said on twitter “WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that was better than being a kid at Disneyland’s Electric parade!!!!”
Do Isis Wings remind you of anything?
JadeDancer.com 