Thread: Best Representation of BD in Mixed Show

If one was in a mixed talents show and had to choose 1 type of ME dance to perform, which do you think would be the best/representative/interesting to present?

Balady progression?
Kick ass drum solo?
Something melodic?
Something with a prop?
Any other suggestions?

Time limit is under 5 minutes.

Thanks!

Usually when I'm in one of these shows, the other performers are other dance forms (modern dance, tango, salsa, tap, etc.) So my choices are based on the fact that I'll be seen next to these other mainstream dance forms, and also on the fact that the people in the audience are likely to be "patrons of the arts" type of people. Ie, the kind of people who would go to see a ballet.

I've done baladi progression in a slinky Egyptian dress. I've done drum solo in a slinky Egyptian dress. I've avoided the archetypal bra/belt/skirt set in these shows because I want to draw the focus to the dance, not to the preconceptions that the archetypal costume evokes. I avoid using a prop because I don't want to give the impression that our dance form is all about prop tricks.

I found that audiences who are totally unfamiliar with Middle Eastern dance are awestruck with sword dancing. Assuming that this audience is unfamiliar with M.E. I have run into people months and months later and they always remember the sword.

Hmm...something to consider!

Let me just include this information: I am a guest artist in a burlesque/strip tease variety show (a very well done monthly event at a wonderful cabaret space). I consider it akin to replacing the magician in the show.

Does this change anything?

Originally Posted by Azhia

Let me just include this information: I am a guest artist in a burlesque/strip tease variety show (a very well done monthly event at a wonderful cabaret space). I consider it akin to replacing the magician in the show.

Does this change anything?

In this type of show, I'd wear something not obviously belly dance in nature - maybe Melodia pants with a sparkly tank top, and I'd dance with a sword.

Aha! I like that idea, Shira! If only I had a sword and Melo's. :0(

Let me also add that at the last show, one of the company dancers did a strip tease in full belly dance gear and to belly dance music + drum solo.

I'm in a bit of a quandary. ..c::

I like to do an orchestral Egyptian piece, because the tempo changes keep it interesting and allow you to showcase a variety of moves, from ooey-gooey to sharp isolations. Sometimes you can even find one that has a mini-drum solo in the midst.

If I was specifically asked to represent "authentic dance from the ME", I would probably do saidi/raks assaya (or another folkloric style), but would like to have an intro explaining the specific cultural background of the style.

Good point, Laura. I will see if some explanation can be included in my intro, as this show has a charming emcee dude.

I like Shira's post. You could always buy a pair of jazz pants and make a slit up to the outside knee (stretch and zig-zag stitch-sew the material edge for that "frill" effect and wear it with a belt and bra... hee-hee, not a regular bra, of course.

Originally Posted by Azhia

Let me also add that at the last show, one of the company dancers did a strip tease in full belly dance gear and to belly dance music + drum solo.

Originally Posted by *Shira*

I was doing that exact thing on my partner's shoulder when we saw it. ,f::

Originally Posted by *Shira*

<sigh>

Back to topic, I was thinking something super high-end costume- and dance-wise.
Still unsure of what type of music, given the last show. The dancer there had a skirt, choli-esque top and gold coinage. Ok, totally staying away from that.

I want to consciously include good dance skill (not that the other dancers lacked skill, but as a way to represent ME Dance and dance in general) but also something entertaining and enjoyable because I'm competing with, ya know, women (and 1 dude!) taking their clothes off.

Do you have a shamadan? If so, that would really kick some butt!

Originally Posted by *Shira*

Do you have a shamadan? If so, that would really kick some butt!

Damn, I don't! It would blow them away, all the dancers would want one! ..l;,

I like the idea of the high Egyptian style music with lots of changes and opportunities for you to show off your incredible technique. I will refrain from commenting on the nature of the show. :-)

Given all the discussion here about mixing up belly dance with burlesque, I'm curious: why are you participating? That's a sincere question, not a challenge. You're obviously aware of the issues around this.

Candles??? Tea Tray? I know you gotta have some candles. Pharonic? And - you are the lame, double veil queen!

Hi Ahzia! this is very timely as I am doing a show very similar to this, except there is a band, tarot readings, 2 burlesque dancers who have to remain clothed (no full nudity).... I also have 3-5 minutes... I want to show how bellydance is different than burlesque.... I want to zill during my performance since I assume burlesque dancer do not.... I was thinking a great greek sounding piece which I can zill to and which has lots of nuances to it... but also thinking about a drum solo for the second piece....hmmmmm

Originally Posted by jewelsdances

Hi Ahzia! this is very timely as I am doing a show very similar to this, except there is a band, tarot readings, 2 burlesque dancers who have to remain clothed (no full nudity).... I also have 3-5 minutes... I want to show how bellydance is different than burlesque.... I want to zill during my performance since I assume burlesque dancer do not.... I was thinking a great greek sounding piece which I can zill to and which has lots of nuances to it... but also thinking about a drum solo for the second piece....hmmmmm

I'm feelin' ya, Jewels!

I have 2 numbers as well, as the show is 2 parts with intermission in between. I was thinking of a double veil number and then a drum solo. I don't own any strictly bra/belt ensembles so I'm not concerned about costume confusion.

Taj, perfectly valid question. My [burlesque] teacher asked me to perform and I was thrilled to be included in the lineup. I have no problem seeing or being part of a show with mixed genres (even as blurry as they are); I equate my participation as being a part of the line up of magicians, comedians, etc. I just want to make sure that I can present a clearly different kind of dance form, entertain the audiences and have fun at the same time.

I had actually performed last month in a beginner burlesque number where we actually did strip tease. Blue Light Burlesque is a very classy company and they put on a really fun show. Let me tell you the strange internal conflict I was having! For 20 years I performed belly dance on stage and consciously presented it in a way that shows it is clearly one thing and clearly not another. So here I was disrobing but in a completely different and appropriate context but still maintaining that awareness b/c I hadn't really performed anything else onstage for so long! It was a liberating experience, needless to say.

But since I'm returning as a guest artist, and was specifically asked to perform ME dance, and the director had never considered or had ME dance presented during a show before, I want to make sure that all parties involved are happy with the experience.

I had a friend that recently performed candle tray at a burlesque show, it was a huge hit. She used some of Jehan's music.

Originally Posted by mihnea

I had a friend that recently performed candle tray at a burlesque show, it was a huge hit. She used some of Jehan's music.

I had gotten rid of all of my props (except for my double veils). I wish I had a Shamadan or something else with flame. That would be cool!

Double veils, a beautiful Natacha Atlas song, a classy elegant outfit--I'd say you can't go wrong with that!

I enjoy novelty/fusion numbers in a big long bellydance show where it's one Oriental number after another.

But in a burley show with just one bellydancer, I'd want to see the most traditional BD ever.

We've occasionally had dancers from different genres at our haflas -- I've seen Indian dance, Flamenco and burlesque. In each case, I *hope* what I was seeing was very traditional -- since I walked away thinking I now know what live Flamenco/Indian dance/etc. looks like.

So I vote for as close to classic as possible. No props (well, maybe a bit of double veil entrance, or shamadan would have been amazing). No fusion. Drum solo -- yes. Baladi progression -- yes. Oriental number with lots of changes -- marvelous!

Yup. I'm heading in that direction, too, with my musical/performance selections.

Originally Posted by Azhia

Yup. I'm heading in that direction, too, with my musical/performance selections.

Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll knock 'em dead.

Originally Posted by Lauren_

I enjoy novelty/fusion numbers in a big long bellydance show where it's one Oriental number after another.

But in a burley show with just one bellydancer, I'd want to see the most traditional BD ever.

We've occasionally had dancers from different genres at our haflas -- I've seen Indian dance, Flamenco and burlesque. In each case, I *hope* what I was seeing was very traditional -- since I walked away thinking I now know what live Flamenco/Indian dance/etc. looks like.

So I vote for as close to classic as possible. No props (well, maybe a bit of double veil entrance, or shamadan would have been amazing). No fusion. Drum solo -- yes. Baladi progression -- yes. Oriental number with lots of changes -- marvelous!

I totally agree with Lauren here. I would keep it really "traditional" with minimal gimmicks. You are there to represent, I would blow them away with your beautiful costume and most importantly your dancing. A piece of music with rhythm, mood and tempo changes complete with drum solo. I would wear my most beautiful costume and show them what you got...well, not all of what you got, leave that to the other performers.

Agreeing with Lauren and Samira here (no surprise there) I would be as "old school" classical, elegant, evocative, emotive, and glamorous as I possibly could. Pick a rich piece of music and a gorgeous costume and just go to town. Wish I could see you bring down the house!

Awww...thanks, loves! I'll be thinking of youzes. I show my numbers to the company this Sunday. Show is in early December...I'll report...

Cabaret Blue Light Burlesque's "Blue Christmas" show went very well.
The theme was, of course, Christmas and the gimmicks and schtick were in high gear.

A "Twelve Days of Christmas" board, with body parts behind the little doors where chocolates would have been; a homeless man who finds treasures in the trash can, including a pair of dungy overalls and he removes all of his clothes to put them on but the trash can (into which he puts all his old clothes) gets taken to the curb; a "Grinch" with fuzzy sparkley green pants and sleeves that turns into "I'm Bad" by Michael Jackson, and a polynesian inspired "Christmas Island" by Leon Redbone , complete with coconut bras, poinsettas around the hips and poinsetta pasties.

Surprisingly, my numbers were not so incongruous as to be awkward, nor did it seem like there was disappointment that I did not remove my clothing. In fact, there were a lot of pleasant parallels b/t my numbers and some of the themes of the show. Lots of umbrellas and candy canes, and cane twirling, which worked well with my "Bathaddak" modern raks assaya piece, and Mlle Oui Oui Encore had a "Let It Snow" number that started with a beautiful, flowy white Greek Goddess robe that came apart in 2 pieces. She spun beautifully as snowflakes fell, disrobed, and it complimented my double veil number to "Drama Queen."

The crowd was very enthusiastic about gushy undulations and upbeat shimmies to the drum solo-ish parts of the songs. :0)

Thanks for your suggestions. :0)