Thread: Would like tips on dancing with a live band

A friend and I decided that we want to dance with a live band more. There is a restaurant in that is about an hr away that has student nights. Students are allowed to dance once each per month. So we will set it up so we both dance the same nights so that we can do the drive together. I have danced with a live band 3 times. I have gotten better each time. I got a good ear for music so I can hear all the nuances in the music. My drum solos I am the most comfortable with. What tips can more experienced dancers give me and other dancers who are new to dancing with a live band? ,r:;

Ask for the particular song or songs you'd like them to play that you already know. Usually they will accommodate you. If you like drum solos, don't take it for granted that they will play one just because there is a drummer. Make sure they know you would like one. Ask for a 5-part Egyptian number: Entrance, beledi, taxim, drum solo, finale..... maybe you want to add a cane piece....but know ahead of time what they will play for you. This is assuming you get the average 20 minutes for a full routine?

thanks! Yes at this restaurant we get 20-25 minute sets

Naiya-Hayal's advice is excellent!

If it's the same band each time, ask if they have a CD so you can get used to their instrumentation and their song category.

The more often you go hear them play, even if you are not dancing, the better you will perform.

Naiya and Zohra have both given you excellent advice. (Hi Zohra and Naiya!) I'd add only HAVE FUN and enjoy the live music to its fullest!!

Zohra, Great advice! I believe it is the same band each time. I will ask them if they have a cd. I am really excited that I am making this leap to dance with a live band more often.

Leyla-I will make sure to have fun, I sometimes forget about that part. LOL.

I'm baaaaack.... Forgot to say... You probably already know this, but when you start your set, be sure to acknowledge with a look, a nod, a smile to each and every band member and to your audience as a group. At the end, take a bow to the audience, then stand to the side and extend a hand to the band as acknowledgement, then take another bow and leave. Afterwards, it's also a good thing to personally thank the band members. No matter how long they've been playing, they really appreciate hearing from the dancer how much they and their music are appreciated. Now, go have fun!!

Michelle Joyce's new Secrets of the Stage Volume 3 DVD has tips for dancing with a live band. I haven't bought the DVD myself yet, but the preview looks very good, and it looks like it would answer your question very well!

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU0_uaqkJuo]YouTube - Secrets of the Stage 3 - DVD Trailer[/ame]

Yeah, what everyone has said. I'm jealous! Have fun and enjoy this opportunity.

Thank you so much for all these tips. This will definitely help me and other dancers new to dancing with a live band. I am so excited that I decided to do this to help me grow as a dancer. I just signed up last night for another live band performance for January. Whoo Hoo! Please keep the tips coming!

Originally Posted by nimah

Michelle Joyce's new Secrets of the Stage Volume 3 DVD has tips for dancing with a live band. I haven't bought the DVD myself yet, but the preview looks very good, and it looks like it would answer your question very well!

Good idea - Now for an unabashed bit of horn tooting - I do the "bonus" chapter on this DVD - Survival Arabic for Dancers.

update- My friend and I have booked 4 live band dates. Whoo Hoo! Jan. 9th, Feb. 12th, March 19th and April 16th. All student night shows 3 of the dates are with the same band so that will help with consistency with the musicians. We are really excited!

Familiarize yourself with the rhythms. You'll find that no matter what song a band plays, if you can tap into the rhythm that the drummer is playing, you can relax into the music better and even if you don't know the song you'll still be able to dance with it.

Listen to A LOT of Arabic music. Not just Egyptian classics or pop either. Listen to Iraqi music too (the beat I find the most challenging to dance to) Listen to different versions of the same song. Pop the music in your head phones at work and listen at your desk, listen in your car, listen at home... listen to it whenever you can. This will help you to anticipate rhythm changes a lot better when you know what kind of rhythm goes with what music, and how to move to it.

When you get on the stage, watch the musicians (not the whole time or you will look silly) but every few mins sneak a look. Especially watch the drummer. Sometimes you can tap into the drummers timing by watching his hands.

Most of all, when you get up on the stage... RELAX. Now is not the time to worry about which moves you are going to use and such... just relax. Let the music move you. Hang back a little bit and get a feel for the musicians style. how they play each song (all musicians have a different style of playing) If you can just give yourself a min to sync up with them, you'll find your dance will flow, and it'll be the most exhilarating experience.

Anyway thats my two cents.

Originally Posted by leylalanty

Good idea - Now for an unabashed bit of horn tooting - I do the "bonus" chapter on this DVD - Survival Arabic for Dancers.

Leyla -- who is selling that DVD, is it a new one? Do you carry it? It sounds wonderful. I've never seen it. Or did you tell me about it and I just have a really short attention span now......w.:

Originally Posted by naiyahayal

Leyla -- who is selling that DVD, is it a new one? Do you carry it? It sounds wonderful. I've never seen it. Or did you tell me about it and I just have a really short attention span now......w.:

It's brand new. Michelle just received a shipment from the DVD "printers". I will be selling them as soon as I receive my allotment from Michelle, probably sometime next week. In the meantime, it's available from cheekygirls.com.