Thread: Music for a competition

Hi guys. I'm just looking for a little advice on music choices for a competition. I'm not looking for specific songs per se, just a break down of what type of music you would pick. Would you do entrance, taxim, drum solo (all separate songs)? Would you do all one song? I've got 10mins max to strut my stuff. Any former competition entrants have some advice? Any former judges? ..g.: Regular people that just like music?

It depends on the contest. Some of them specify that they want certain things, or that you'd benefit from certain things.

Ten minutes is a good amount of time though, so you have a little time to flex your dance muscles.

I would pick something with nice emotional range and several changes, like a short oriental intro with a good sense of dynamics, then I'd add to it what ever you want to highlight in your dancing, something you really like to dance to, maybe a fun clip from a pop song, maybe something to play finger cymbals to or do cane to. After that a short drum solo is a must have. I also like to sqeeze in finale music. Ten minutes doesn't give you a lot of time for much more than that, but it will feel like a mini version of a full dance set. It usually requires some cutting. It's difficult to find songs the right length naturally.

Good Luck. I think picking good music and putting it together within a strict time limit is one of the hardest parts of contest preparation.

I'm struggling with this for my first competition right now, too, and it *is* hard!

Usually, for non-competition dancing, I'm trying not to put all my best moves into a single piece, not to overdo everything, and to let each song have a simple, clear focus (that isn't 'lookie what I can do').

Suddenly it's all about 'lookie what I can do' and trying to cram everything but the kitchen sink into a short time span, with as much drama and excitement as possible, and an assortment of props!

I've been working to become more Egyptian, simpler, take my time, etc. I've only been to one competition, but the winners & placers there all had fast, busy whizz-bang routines with lots of 'tricks'

Sorry, no advice obviously. Just commiserating and looking for some great words of wisdom. I guess if I wanted to ask one specific questions, it would be this:

How short can a piece of one song be before it becomes ridiculous? Two minutes? 90 seconds? One minute? Less?

You could do a 3 part routine if you want. I think the most important thing is to pick music that has some rhythm and tempo changes so you have more opportunity to show your skill. There are many, many oriental dance routines out there that full in the 8-10 minute range. These routines often have several changes in them and have built in entrances and exits, many will even have a mini drum solo.

The second most important thing is to pick music that will allow you to show off something you do extremely well.

Lauren, I like it when songs are switched up often as long as the transition isn't jarring. A one-to-two minute saidi piece (or whatever) would be fine in the middle of a competition set. I think judges expect that in order for you to show your range in the given amount of time. You have to be creative in order to stand out in that arena...as long as YOU are comfortable with your music, the audience (and judges) will be too.

Disclaimer: I'm simply a viewer that happened to talked to a few judges recently. :)

Thanks guys! Lauren, I feel your pain. I have been working on slowing down too. Now I have to figure out how to give 'em all I've got without looking like a spaz...

I've got a lot of thinking to do!!!

If a competition is asking for raks sharqi or oriental performances would it be ok to use a baladi peice do you think??..c::

Originally Posted by ejaghana

how to give 'em all I've got without looking like a spaz...

..l;, Yup, that's exactly where I'm at!!

Here's another question, if you don't mind me tagging along further on your thread.

Do you think it's better to use well-loved music, with traditional orchestrations (i.e. anything from Jalilah!) that most dancers (and I assume judges) love?

OR are the judges likely to already have their own interpretation of classic pieces that might be at odds with yours?

Originally Posted by taheya

If a competition is asking for raks sharqi or oriental performances would it be ok to use a baladi peice do you think??..c::

Taheya -- when you say 'baladi piece' do you mean 'baladi' in the sense of 'folksy music and costuming with heavy, earthy dancing style?' If that's the case, I'd think it's risky.

But if you mean 'baladi piece' like 'baladi progression,' then I'd say you can totally dance sharki to that. I recently read that the baladi progression (aka baladi taxim) is actually a modern form of jazz improvisation, which *totally* rings true for me. When I heard that, it occurred to me that Hossam Ramzy's famous explanation of same is just a visualization... Anyway, I think Sharki could be danced to a baladi progression

I like music that has a lot of changes in it and distinct accents. The one I used for BDUSA is up on bhuz Le Kalitnee Ahbeck if you want to sample it. Since I was in the hobbyist category I picked it cause it was at my level of dance ability. For me it had a nice intro which I copied and used for my finale.
I only had six minutes so my set was Main song, drum solo and finale.

This time I'm doing a four part since I have 7 min. Enterance with veil. main song, drum solo and finale... I'm using music from Jalilahs Raks sharki series..

For inspiration, check out Aziza in the Belly Dancer of the Year 2002 competiton:

http://www.bellydc.com/winners2002.htm

There are three links (upper left) of bits of her performance in the preliminaries.

Originally Posted by ejaghana

Hi guys. I'm just looking for a little advice on music choices for a competition. I'm not looking for specific songs per se, just a break down of what type of music you would pick. Would you do entrance, taxim, drum solo (all separate songs)? Would you do all one song? I've got 10mins max to strut my stuff. Any former competition entrants have some advice? Any former judges? ..g.: Regular people that just like music?

I see you're in Boston part time--are you by any chance doing Za-Beth's Diva Pageant? I am ..g.:

Originally Posted by badriya_al_ahmar

I see you're in Boston part time--are you by any chance doing Za-Beth's Diva Pageant? I am ..g.:

Yes ma'am...but I haven't recieved my application yet. I just sent my payment a few days ago. I am terribly nervous.

Originally Posted by ejaghana

Yes ma'am...but I haven't recieved my application yet. I just sent my payment a few days ago. I am terribly nervous.

I sent in my payment a few weeks ago and haven't received anything yet, this organizer can be like that. We can hold each other up back stage ..g.: ..g.:

Originally Posted by badriya_al_ahmar

I sent in my payment a few weeks ago and haven't received anything yet, this organizer can be like that. We can hold each other up back stage ..g.: ..g.:

That sounds like a plan! I finally got my application. Now I gotta pick my songs. I've got the entrance and the drum solo...I'm just a little torn about what to put inbetween.

Anywho, I look forward to meeting you!!!

I would use Leila of Cairos second CD "Sukara". I haven't been able to stop listening to it. GREAT CD.

I would be so screwed if I did a competition. I don't believe I even own any dance music that has been composed within the last 5 years. Oh wait! I forgot some of my friends gave me a bunch of mixed stuff a few months ago! Hahaha there may be hope for me yet! Anyway, what kind of software do you recommend for editing your own music? I can't imagine the kinds of freedom I could have if I got off my buns and started doing my own editing instead of handing it to my sound guy and saying Pretty Please! There has got to be some kind of trick to it. Please share with me the mystical art of technology!

~*Genisis*~

Originally Posted by Lauren_

I'm struggling with this for my first competition right now, too, and it *is* hard!



How short can a piece of one song be before it becomes ridiculous? Two minutes? 90 seconds? One minute? Less?

I'm having the same problem. I just entered a competition and I will have 6 minutes maximum. I have no idea what to do.
I have a nicely varied piece I really like to perform, but it is already 7 minutes without drum solo or exit music. I just don't know how much I can cut things and still have them feel complete ,f::

mmmm...10mins Okay I will condense it for you!!

Entry - Tahtil Shibbak(Bellydance at its best,bellydancer superstar) I call it my Dina track

Saidi Cane Dance - Check the Nour post on the track Handi by yousif sharif that is to Hot!!! Plus if I where you buy her dvd and lern the coreography to this track its a winner!! Or swap the shik shak shok around and have this as the last but as a rule I always like to end with a drum solo, however this saidi dance is sooooo dynamic you could play it last and it would leave a great lasting impression!!

Shik Shak shok - Nancy Ajram as a great version of this

I dont know if that falls into 10mins ?? Hope this helps you ,Kaia xx

Originally Posted by Genisis

I would be so screwed if I did a competition. I don't believe I even own any dance music that has been composed within the last 5 years. Oh wait! I forgot some of my friends gave me a bunch of mixed stuff a few months ago! Hahaha there may be hope for me yet! Anyway, what kind of software do you recommend for editing your own music? I can't imagine the kinds of freedom I could have if I got off my buns and started doing my own editing instead of handing it to my sound guy and saying Pretty Please! There has got to be some kind of trick to it. Please share with me the mystical art of technology!

~*Genisis*~

None of what I'm dancing to for this contest was composed in the last five years, some of it not in the last five decades I don't think

I've been using Audacity to edit my music--if you check out the Technology forum, there's several threads on music editing. The trick is to just jump in and start experimenting! ..g.:

Yep that's what I use Audacity...
As for music... none of mine is modern or written within the last ten years....

Originally Posted by Lauren_

Suddenly it's all about 'lookie what I can do' and trying to cram everything but the kitchen sink into a short time span, with as much drama and excitement as possible, and an assortment of props!

You know, Lauren. I think the most enertaining dancers are not the ones who pull out every trick, but the ones who have the best connection with their movement, the music and the audience, and the ones who are just having a good time. I think it is nice to add a prop that you are especially good at, for a short part of the performance, but I would much rather see someone dance with their body than with a prop the whole time. I would maybe just stick with one prop, and take your time, and have fun. Rely on what you are the best at, and don't worry about all the other stuff.

Hi,

I am a former contest sponsor and judge. I would NOT cram all you can into a piece. An overly done piece looks just as unpleasing as an underdone one. I would NOT throw in a bazillion props. The reason why is because, while you do want to show your range of ability, you do not want to ruin the aesthetic. Dance should be pleasing to the eye and flow naturally and with the music. If the piece flows seamlessly from one section to another (prop, veil, drum, lyrical, whatever), put that in there. If it's not in the music, don't do it. If the music is overdone, don't use it. It should look easy, musical, and effortless.

Taaj
http://thebellydancetrainer.com

I totally agree, Paula & Taaj.

In this particular competition, though, there are bonus points for props, up to five points each for up to two props. I can't possibly earn those points if I don't attempt two props, so I feel like it's necessary.

I have found a way to integrate things nicely so it flows, though, I'm feeling much better about it all now.

A teacher I respect just suggested to me that I should do the James Brown/Hakim duet, which is everyone's favorite of everything I do!! That would've been fun, but there's no room for it if I want to get everything else in.

Hmmmm, maybe in place of the drum solo, though.... I'm pretty good at drum solos & love doing them, but surely the judges get tired of seeing one drum solo after another???

Gotta do the drum solo if the rest of your music doesn't allow you to show off your hip articulation and musicality. That's why competitors do them. Judges expect to see them, so it's not a "bad" thing to do. In fact, it's pretty smart to include it.

If the James Brown song is one of your best, you should include it. When something touches you and makes you dance well and show off your artistry, it is best to include that. I'd just cut it so that you can fit other stuff in (like the drum solo) so that you can hit ALL the points. Pop music tends to be limited in the range of what it provides, so you almost always have to throw in something else so that you can demonstrate your entire repertoire.

Taaj
http://www.taaj.org

Hi there :)
I've spend the last months in competitions in Greece and Egypt and I'm done lol
Even during the competition the judges were claping having fun with specific dancers that all the rest audience also loved, but at the end other's (that very few remember that they even danced) were getting the prices lol
So having prepered some for the competitions as a teacher and choreographer and my student Jimmy won the first price in the greek competition (male traditional dance he did Tahteb) but other's didnt, have to say that you GOT to love your music for a competition.
The dancer is gonna do it anyway so manytimes at rehearshals that will hate it at the end lol
So enjoy your music, pick a piece that is YOU and go and have fun.
The result doesnt matter, the road is the gain.

Maria Aya..g.:

Sadly, there isn't room for the James Brown piece unless it replaces the drum solo, but I suspected the drum solo was a 'required element.'

Maria's right, that piece would have been great fun for the judges and the audience (and me!) but it's not part of the skill set the judges are looking for, I think. In this scenario, I need to show more emotional range & articulation & specific skills. That's OK, that's why I entered, I'll save James Brown for restaurants & haflas!

Originally Posted by taaj

Hi,

I am a former contest sponsor and judge. I would NOT cram all you can into a piece. An overly done piece looks just as unpleasing as an underdone one. I would NOT throw in a bazillion props. The reason why is because, while you do want to show your range of ability, you do not want to ruin the aesthetic. Dance should be pleasing to the eye and flow naturally and with the music. If the piece flows seamlessly from one section to another (prop, veil, drum, lyrical, whatever), put that in there. If it's not in the music, don't do it. If the music is overdone, don't use it. It should look easy, musical, and effortless.

Taaj
http://thebellydancetrainer.com

This is how I'm approaching the competion I'm going to be in next month. I had planned on a veil intro, because it goes well (I think) with the song. When the rules were announced, I saw that you don't get the extra prop points if the veil is only used for a short intro. I thought about reworking the piece to use the veil for a longer period of time, but it just doesn't work with the song. So I'm just going to stick with what I had originally planned and try to make up the points elsewhere. Since my main goal for entering the competition is to get the judge's feedback, I want to make sure my performance is indicative of what I would normally do, techincally and musically.

Originally Posted by taaj

Hi,

I am a former contest sponsor and judge. I would NOT cram all you can into a piece. An overly done piece looks just as unpleasing as an underdone one. I would NOT throw in a bazillion props. The reason why is because, while you do want to show your range of ability, you do not want to ruin the aesthetic. Dance should be pleasing to the eye and flow naturally and with the music. If the piece flows seamlessly from one section to another (prop, veil, drum, lyrical, whatever), put that in there. If it's not in the music, don't do it. If the music is overdone, don't use it. It should look easy, musical, and effortless.

Taaj
http://thebellydancetrainer.com

Do you think it's necessary to do an intro w/ veil. I am not a big fan of props, and the intro music that I'm using just doesn't feel right with a veil to me. I just *can't* change my into song cause I love it too much!!!. Do you think I'd be doing myself a disservice by not including a veil section? What do others think?

I also agree with everyone about not trying to cram it all in. That's prob. not a good idea!!!

Unless it says props are necessary, I wouldn't count them as necessary. I really don't like veil (never danced in a competition with one and NEVER received any negative feedback eluding to the fact that I should have used one). Quite honestly, I don't like any props. I'll do a sword routine at my restaurants because the audiences love it, but for competitions, I just want to dance, and I prefer to see others do the same rather than work a prop that's been worked a bazillion times before.
Bottom line: if your song works better without a veil entrance, I'm pretty durn sure you won't get docked if you don't use one. Leave it out.