Thread: help....add your dance tips to my web page

My webpage is in serious need of an update. I would like to add a page with tips for dancers. It (hopefully) will contain advice that you all share with me regarding dancing in general, in a theater, outdoor performances or in a restaurant. Or cool tips for using props.
I'll start....
Always wear a cover-up. Not wearing a coverup ruins the surprise of the audience seeing your costume for the first time on stage. Not to mention how unprofessional it would be not to wear a cover-up. Sometimes it is acceptable to wrap a silk veil around you as a cover-up at an informal hafla...after you have already performed.

Next please ..g.:

Try to schedule surprise belly grams near the beginning of a party! (Tell the host it is great to get the party started) Takes care of most of the bad behavior that can happen after party goers have one to many drinks!
Faaria

Think about facial expression as well as body movements.

Always pin your belt to your skirt and pin the bra for extra security. There's nothing like the girls making a sudden surprise showing or your belt landing with a thud on the floor in the middle of your performance. (Diaper pins rock if you can find them)

Speaking of things going "thud" on the floor, always make sure your zills are secure.

Wear shoes if you are going to dance in a restaurant, or outdoors on a stage in summer - those stages can blister your feet in seconds. Not fun.

If you find yourself feeling nervous, and your facial expression is stiff and unnatural, focus for a few seconds on a body part - I usually look at my hand while doing hand undulations or hips while doing any hip-focused move. This brings the focus inward for a moment, which adds variety to the dance. It also calms my nerves for some reason.

Yea!!! These are great.... keep them coming. ..g.:
Thank you
XOXOXO

If you are using burnt CD's always bring an original CD, or your own stereo, as backup. If your burnt CD keeps skipping too badly, cut your losses and take a bow, then go get your back-up and start again.

Always allow for an extra 15 minutes or so waiting-around time in your quoted price, as parties are often running late. If it's a wedding, allow an extra 1/2 hour (and charge accordingly).

Don't attempt veil work at a performance out of doors during the day, unless you like having it wrapped around your head due to wind.

Originally Posted by faaria

Try to schedule surprise belly grams near the beginning of a party! (Tell the host it is great to get the party started) Takes care of most of the bad behavior that can happen after party goers have one to many drinks!
Faaria

I would definitely second this! I learned this the hard way after a belly gram I did way into the party and spent a lot of effort dodging the fresh "birthday boy!"

Lisa

PS What about making categories for your suggestions. I see several categories already being talked about here. This could help you to organize your thoughts on the matter as well.

Take the time (and relatively low resources compared to costumes) to invest in good quality makeup and hair products for performing. Learn to create a complete look with hair and makeup that complements your costuming, style, and personality. It gives you the air of a polished professional.

Practice your routine at home in the costume you want to perform with. Every costume moves and feels differently with the music and each costume has different 'dangers' you can prepare for --> e.g. silk veil combined with velvet skirt = bad clinging

Always, ALWAYS, include the wife (or women who hired you, most of the time it is a woman in my experience anyway). Get her to dance, if she seems shy wrap your veil in a beautiful way around her. and ALWAYS dance for women at a party!
Use humor in your dancing and smiles with FUN. ( In my opinion no one can carry off the "I'm so SEXY face", NO one. If you try a) about half your audience will be thinking "oh no she does not think she's that great does she?" or b) will be put off! Not to say that there are not serious parts of a dance or intense parts, just don't try to do that face.... the one that looks as if you are sniffing your arm pit and looking at someone..l;, .... seen it and HATE it!,m::

Oh might be a good thing to credit all these great bhuz ladies with their advice

I do plan on catagorizing the advice listed here, but am going to keep the catagories general.For example...performing on stage, outdoor venues, private parties & weddings. I hope to get started on actually creating the page next weekend. I may try to credit each person individually, but will probably include a blanket statement crediting the "Ladies of Bhuz". We'll see how anal I am when creating the webpage!,r:;

All of this information is great and I really appreciate it!!!

The tip to always dance with the woman who hired you is a very valuable piece of information. I didn't realize I should do that until after a few gigs. Also if you are dancing at a wedding you should ask the bride to dance with you first.

never ever ever do a backbend or floorwork with your crotch facing your audience if you can help it. make sure if you do either of the two you dont have any large slits in your skirt or it is full enough to cover you. when in doubt use a veil during this part of the performance so you can drape it overyourself in some way. do not frighten your audience or scar young children for life. heehee thanks!

Make a list (it may become a mental list over time) of every single thing that you need (costumes, music, pins, etc. etc.). When you put your things together, check your list and then check it again!

Secret's Clinical Strength antiperspirant is the bomb!!! Does not stain costumes.

For those of us going gray, a little mascara or dark eye shadow can be used to touch up a little silver that might peak through.

Raised stage--wear underwear or harem pants under full skirts.

Souzan

I'm not sure of all English terms so I hope you understand what is standard in my bellydance suitcase: different cd's, flyers/business cards, post-it, ballpoint, umbrella, bottle of water, little towel, baby whipes, elastoplast, cotton wool batons, babypins, nail file, vaseline, deodorant, mascara, eyeliner, clear nailpolish, earrings, bracelets.

B