Thread: How to be "moving wallpaper"?

I'm going to be dancing tomorrow at a venue where the expectation of the dancer is of the "moving wallpaper" variety. The first time I visited this restaurant as a customer, I went to see the dancer and was the only one even looking at her, despite the fact that she had a sword on her head, for pete's sake. Can Bhuzzers make some suggestions for me about how to approach this situation as a dancer? E.g. how to keep it interesting for myself even if it turns out nobody in the audience is paying attention?

Also, the format isn't what I'm used to -- everywhere I've been before, as a dancer or as a customer, has been a traditional multipart show with an opening number and so on, whereas here, you dance a song, then leave for awhile, do another song, go offstage again, etc. etc. It seems really complicated to me to be constantly entering and exiting. Any suggestions on that? Your thoughts are appreciated!

I had one like this. I brought a car full of fun props and pretended I was in a studio practicing. The audience were forced to look at me when I had my huge gold ISIS wings on. Try to ignore *that*!!!

Ha!

I vote for Isis wings too, that sounds fun!

Actually, to put another wrench into things, the space isn't really even big enough for veil work, let alone wings. I might take my cane, but I don't expect to get much twirling in.

..l;,..l;,
i'm sorry but i just had to laugh, when i first read the title i thought the job description was a bunch of dancers to look like they're part of the wall decor yet to be dancing?? sorry, i need food lol

I did a birthday party like this. The person who hired me really just wanted me there for decor and to set the mood. No one really paid attention to me or my dancing. When I realised that I was really there so they could say they had a belly dancer I just danced for myself. I totally felt like I was very sparkly wallpaper. Afterwards they thanked me for my performance and said they loved it. Go figure.
One song on and one song off sounds totally strange. Do you have to change costumes for each song?

:)

I call these my "arabic potted plant" gigs. In general, what works for me is to choose music that I *really* like and to be ready to have a more 'interior' dance time than a regular performance. That being said, I always look for anyone who is paying attention and if I find even one I make sure to give them positive reinforcement for their attention.

What I have found though - even at these gigs when I think they aren't watching I have received some rave reviews from Egyptians especially. I will think they have been ignoring me all evening only to find out that they loved it and all want to book me for their parties. *shrug*

I guess it would be a good opportunity to not worry - and just enjoy yourself. Pick music you love and just dance. Sometimes I like it when it's - say a crazy snowstorm - empty in the restaurant and I just do a show for myself.

Originally Posted by mahsati

:)

I call these my "arabic potted plant" gigs.

Love it. Add it to the "glossary of BD terms" along with crassels, craptacular (my favorite), raks beaver, 6-week wonder and other great Bhuzzisms.

Sorry hijack.

Originally Posted by NisreenBrooklyn

I'm going to be dancing tomorrow at a venue where the expectation of the dancer is of the "moving wallpaper" variety. The first time I visited this restaurant as a customer, I went to see the dancer and was the only one even looking at her, despite the fact that she had a sword on her head, for pete's sake. Can Bhuzzers make some suggestions for me about how to approach this situation as a dancer? E.g. how to keep it interesting for myself even if it turns out nobody in the audience is paying attention?

Also, the format isn't what I'm used to -- everywhere I've been before, as a dancer or as a customer, has been a traditional multipart show with an opening number and so on, whereas here, you dance a song, then leave for awhile, do another song, go offstage again, etc. etc. It seems really complicated to me to be constantly entering and exiting. Any suggestions on that? Your thoughts are appreciated!

It always amazes me that dancers expect to be watched for their skills in a restaurant. It's a rare restaurant indeed that caters for dance performances in that there is a good sound system, flooring, lighting and performance area. Mostly they are pokey, and packed and the food always comes first. The problem most of the time is that the audience are not there to exclusively watch a dancer, the dancer is an added bonus. GP can be appreciative, but sometimes, you get a restaurant that for whatever reason, is just not geared for it like some are. In which case, just dance for yourself.

Originally Posted by erindances

I did a birthday party like this. The person who hired me really just wanted me there for decor and to set the mood. No one really paid attention to me or my dancing. When I realised that I was really there so they could say they had a belly dancer I just danced for myself. I totally felt like I was very sparkly wallpaper. Afterwards they thanked me for my performance and said they loved it. Go figure.
One song on and one song off sounds totally strange. Do you have to change costumes for each song?

Strange feeling that, huh? Bit like being someone's sparkly dummy (pacifier, soother) or security blanket. Your just some lovely 'thing' dancing in the background that is pleasant but unintrusive. Oh, well, think of the money.

Originally Posted by NisreenBrooklyn

Actually, to put another wrench into things, the space isn't really even big enough for veil work, let alone wings. I might take my cane, but I don't expect to get much twirling in.

Just a thought I had re: really small spaces and veils:

In all but the tightest of spaces, we can use smaller veils. IOW, although I wouldn't take too much off the standard length (usually 3 yards), you can use a narrower veil. For example, instead of a veil 45" wide, see how a veil of, say, between 24" and 30" works out. By the virtue of it's size alone, it'll stay closer to the body, plus you can adjust your veil movements/arm positions to accommodate a smaller space -- even if, like me, you have a wing span approaching 6 feet!

Deborah

Consider it a paid rehearsal.

Nisreen- You know what Ranya would say... breathe and send the energy to everyone in the room. :)

Thanks for all the feedback! I picked music I really liked, danced for myself, (breathed, of course!), and have been asked to perform there again. :)

Oh! That's great! A happy ending :-)