Thread: lebanese do's / dont's? UPDATE** The results! LOL

I just got a last minute gig at a Lebanese Festival and I was wondering if there is anything I should NOT do? I typically do more American Oriental style (wings/ veil/ sword) and like to bring in elements of other dance styles into my dance. I am not sure what is typically done.

anyone?

I just found out they have a Lebanese dance group, performing "bellydance", that is going on before our group, so I am interested to see them.

If you can, dance in heels - it's what all the Lebanese dancers do.

Cane is usually used as a audience interaction part - just wander around (yes, in two-piece costume and high heels, no costume change!) if you can (depending of the event).

A long drum solo is always appreciated.

Be flashy and dramatic. I think they will like the wings. They are flashy and dramatic

Show off legs if you have nice ones. They are not prudish about costuming.

MEISSOUN

do a dabke !

Originally Posted by zamora

do a dabke !

thanks everyone..I really appreciate the help....

yes, legs it yes, and heels, wings too...LOL. I don't have a cane, so I will have to skip that.

Songs made famous by Lebanese singers would be good. (Not that they won't appreciate other ME music, but a popular song or an old standard in Lebanese dialect adds a nice, knowledgeable touch.)

Originally Posted by meissoun

If you can, dance in heels - it's what all the Lebanese dancers do.

Cane is usually used as a audience interaction part - just wander around (yes, in two-piece costume and high heels, no costume change!) if you can (depending of the event).

A long drum solo is always appreciated.

Be flashy and dramatic. I think they will like the wings. They are flashy and dramatic

Show off legs if you have nice ones. They are not prudish about costuming.

MEISSOUN

I am thinking I will have to skip a dabke, bc the group going before me, will probably be doing that. I will be performing to all live music to my hubbys band, so I will be stuck w/ what they play. Some Lebanese songs though, so that is good.

Is sword out of the question you think? I am worried the crowd will get bored. We have 45 min.

Originally Posted by shimmygoddess

I am worried the crowd will get bored. We have 45 min.

Are you, as a soloist, going to dance continuously for 45 minutes???

I would be bored by a solo dancer at about the 30 minute mark of continuous dancing, even if she were <insert your favorite dancer's name here>.

That said, if the 45 minute set is broken into sections where the band plays some tunes, then the dancer does his/her thing, then the band plays a bit, then the dancer does a bit, etc, it would work out well, especially with costume changes; even better if audience interaction (wandering amongst them) is possible.

No problem at all if the set is shared by multiple dancers.

Deborah

ps: please remember this is my personal take on this scenario; I do 45- to 60-minute solo gigs, but they are always show+lesson+audience interaction/dancing type affairs; I can't imagine what I would do as a solo dancer for 45 minutes . . . but that's just me.

Dabke is much better done in a group - it really is a group dance after all.

If anybody asked me to dance for 45 minutes, I would simply refuse - or suggest to do 15 - 20 minutes with a costume change.
You aren't doing anybody a favour with dancing 45 minutes straight through, not yourself, the audience or the musicians.

If you have seen videos where famous dancers from the Middle East do longer shows, you will see that the run off stage after one or two songs to change costumes while the band plays on.
Amani for example does this too.

MEISSOUN

Yes, feel free to do sword. Sword is fine and an appreciated novelty, especially if you do it well.

In general I find that most Lebanese audiences I've danced to in the US are pretty receptive to a variety of stuff as long as you are dancing well and with enthusiasm. You already dance to Arabic music regularly in an Arabic influenced way.

I would stay true to who you are as a dancer. Dancing to some Lebanese songs wont hurt any, but the band can help you with that.

When it comes to heels, don't dance in them unless you are already comfortable dancing in heels or have time to do plenty of practice in advance in your performance heels. It actually shifts your weight pretty dramatically, so you need to practice and adjust so you don't hurt your back, or hook a heel in your skirt and land on your bum on performance day.

45 minutes used to be a standard length show in the old days. It's too bad you don't have a cane. You could kill a lot of time and interact with the audience doing some cane to debke music.

Originally Posted by casbahdance

Are you, as a soloist, going to dance continuously for 45 minutes???

I would be bored by a solo dancer at about the 30 minute mark of continuous dancing, even if she were <insert your favorite dancer's name here>.

That said, if the 45 minute set is broken into sections where the band plays some tunes, then the dancer does his/her thing, then the band plays a bit, then the dancer does a bit, etc, it would work out well, especially with costume changes; even better if audience interaction (wandering amongst them) is possible.

No problem at all if the set is shared by multiple dancers.

Deborah

ps: please remember this is my personal take on this scenario; I do 45- to 60-minute solo gigs, but they are always show+lesson+audience interaction/dancing type affairs; I can't imagine what I would do as a solo dancer for 45 minutes . . . but that's just me.

I agree! I would be bored w/ myself after 45 min. LOL....Originally they were going to give me this spot, but then they found out the band was available and gave them the spot which is fine. I told my hubby, I would not dance by myself for 45, no way! So basically they are playing continuously. I figure I will dance every 2 or 3 songs. But still. I want to have a variety of stuff and not just be dancing around. I figured I would at least open up w/ wings...wait a couple songs, then dance without props, wait, then dance w/ a prop, then wait, then do sword, then wait, then finish with another song, song all in all, maybe dance 4 or 5 songs. (Wings, veils, sword, upbeat, drum solo, finale) type thing)

Originally Posted by shems

Yes, feel free to do sword. Sword is fine and an appreciated novelty, especially if you do it well.

In general I find that most Lebanese audiences I've danced to in the US are pretty receptive to a variety of stuff as long as you are dancing well and with enthusiasm. You already dance to Arabic music regularly in an Arabic influenced way.

I would stay true to who you are as a dancer. Dancing to some Lebanese songs wont hurt any, but the band can help you with that.

When it comes to heels, don't dance in them unless you are already comfortable dancing in heels or have time to do plenty of practice in advance in your performance heels. It actually shifts your weight pretty dramatically, so you need to practice and adjust so you don't hurt your back, or hook a heel in your skirt and land on your bum on performance day.

Thanks Shems, I am good in heels. I did a double wings dance several times onstage in my heels (without falling). LOL. I am a shortie and some of my costumes and wings can only be worn while in heels. LOL

Originally Posted by shimmygoddess

I agree! I would be bored w/ myself after 45 min. LOL....Originally they were going to give me this spot, but then they found out the band was available and gave them the spot which is fine. I told my hubby, I would not dance by myself for 45, no way! So basically they are playing continuously. I figure I will dance every 2 or 3 songs. But still. I want to have a variety of stuff and not just be dancing around. I figured I would at least open up w/ wings...wait a couple songs, then dance without props, wait, then dance w/ a prop, then wait, then do sword, then wait, then finish with another song, song all in all, maybe dance 4 or 5 songs. (Wings, veils, sword, upbeat, drum solo, finale) type thing)

I think this is an excellent way to handle it! Have a great time!

Just wanted to add that when I re-read my post today it occured to me that it could easily have been taken that I was being harsh. I'm so glad you didn't see it that way! *wipes sweat from brow*

Deborah

Originally Posted by casbahdance

I think this is an excellent way to handle it! Have a great time!

Just wanted to add that when I re-read my post today it occured to me that it could easily have been taken that I was being harsh. I'm so glad you didn't see it that way! *wipes sweat from brow*

Deborah

LOL....no worries

So first I want to say thanks so much to everyone who posted advice, I really appreciated ALL of it. The set was 45 of live music. We decided to alternate, so I ended up dancing about 6 songs. I did wings and sword, and a couple regular songs. At the end, I went off the stage and mingled w/ the crowd, noone would dance with me, so then we did a quickie drum solo and then we were done. My friend who was there, said it was actually better I danced b/c it was boring just sitting there and watching the band play and watching me dance made it more interesting. LOL

There was a woman who got up in a dress and started dancing in front of the stage before I went out, but noone paid her attention, so she sat down. The atmosphere was a bit cold. After the whole show was done I was walking back and she glared at me. There was another dance group performing bellydance. (That woman was in that group) We stayed for their show after ours (They performed twice each day). I sat in the front row, clapping, smiling, and cheering them on, even though I did not get the same while I performed. When they were done, I went over to say hi and tell them I enjoyed their show and talk to the lady I thought was the teacher (I liked her dancing best) turns out the one who glared at me, was actually the teacher. The only one who was friendly was the non Lebanese lady. I still introduced myself to the main woman, (the teacher) told them about our dance community, gave them my card, invited them to come to events. She told me I could contact her, b/c I knew who they were. She hardly made eye contact and could not get away from me fast enough. LOL. I got the impression from her that she did not want me there and that she felt she was better and that me being "American", how dare I try and bellydance. LOL. I could not sleep last night and still am so offended by some, not all, but some of those woman were so snotty. Not sure if it was Culturally related or just pure jealously, but I hate rude people.

Most of the dancers looked on the beginner level. You can tell they have dance experience in other styles. I think that is why I was so irritated at her rudeness. Just b/c you happen to be a certain culture, whether Turkish, Egyptian, Lebanese, whatever, doesn't necessarily mean you will automatically be the ultimate bellydancer! And just because we are not of that culture doesn't mean we cannot do it and do it better at times!

There is my update. Anyhow, here is a clip. I did do wings and sword, but thought I performed best in these clips, so I used these in the video.

http://youtu.be/yRUFYR9oFRM

wish I could figure out how to embed a video?? I tried a bunch of ways

I think you did great! Love the dancing and the costume It's too bad that you got the cold shoulder. You look really nice!

Thanks for the update!

Well, you did well and you can't help how other people (read "dancers") respond to you.

And as far as your audience's cool response? Heck, it happens. Usually hasn't got a thing to do with you, the dancer, personally. I've had some of my best gigs with folks "of the blood" and some of my worst. Yup. It happens.

So congrats on a job well done! Feel good about what you did!

Deborah

Originally Posted by shimmygoddess

So first I want to say thanks so much to everyone who posted advice, I really appreciated ALL of it. The set was 45 of live music. We decided to alternate, so I ended up dancing about 6 songs. I did wings and sword, and a couple regular songs. At the end, I went off the stage and mingled w/ the crowd, noone would dance with me, so then we did a quickie drum solo and then we were done. My friend who was there, said it was actually better I danced b/c it was boring just sitting there and watching the band play and watching me dance made it more interesting. LOL

There was a woman who got up in a dress and started dancing in front of the stage before I went out, but noone paid her attention, so she sat down. The atmosphere was a bit cold. After the whole show was done I was walking back and she glared at me. There was another dance group performing bellydance. (That woman was in that group) We stayed for their show after ours (They performed twice each day). I sat in the front row, clapping, smiling, and cheering them on, even though I did not get the same while I performed. When they were done, I went over to say hi and tell them I enjoyed their show and talk to the lady I thought was the teacher (I liked her dancing best) turns out the one who glared at me, was actually the teacher. The only one who was friendly was the non Lebanese lady. I still introduced myself to the main woman, (the teacher) told them about our dance community, gave them my card, invited them to come to events. She told me I could contact her, b/c I knew who they were. She hardly made eye contact and could not get away from me fast enough. LOL. I got the impression from her that she did not want me there and that she felt she was better and that me being "American", how dare I try and bellydance. LOL. I could not sleep last night and still am so offended by some, not all, but some of those woman were so snotty. Not sure if it was Culturally related or just pure jealously, but I hate rude people.

Most of the dancers looked on the beginner level. You can tell they have dance experience in other styles. I think that is why I was so irritated at her rudeness. Just b/c you happen to be a certain culture, whether Turkish, Egyptian, Lebanese, whatever, doesn't necessarily mean you will automatically be the ultimate bellydancer! And just because we are not of that culture doesn't mean we cannot do it and do it better at times!

There is my update. Anyhow, here is a clip. I did do wings and sword, but thought I performed best in these clips, so I used these in the video.

http://youtu.be/yRUFYR9oFRM

HUGS. Sorry you had to put up with that. I heard a similar story last year...but not about the same group/s. It seems like there is either some kind of negativity with that group/event or something about it brings out the competitive side of people. Not sure why, but it is weird.

Originally Posted by shimmygoddess

There was a woman [...]

Honestly, it could be anything. Some folks feel that props like wings and sword don't belong in "their" dance. Maybe she had asked for three slots, and thought she only received two because you "stole" one of theirs. Perhaps she wanted another dancer to get the gig. She might have had a bad experience with "the dance community" in the past, or maybe she considers them (and you, by extension) to be a bunch of disgraceful, unrealistic pretenders to her culture. It could be any number of petty or irrational ideas. I didn't see anything in your video that would indicate you deserved to be shunned. Just take the high road.

Originally Posted by shimmygoddess

wish I could figure out how to embed a video?? I tried a bunch of ways

I was able to embed it with the code
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRUFYR9oFRM[/video]

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

Honestly, it could be anything. Some folks feel that props like wings and sword don't belong in "their" dance. Maybe she had asked for three slots, and thought she only received two because you "stole" one of theirs. Perhaps she wanted another dancer to get the gig. She might have had a bad experience with "the dance community" in the past, or maybe she considers them (and you, by extension) to be a bunch of disgraceful, unrealistic pretenders to her culture. It could be any number of petty or irrational ideas. I didn't see anything in your video that would indicate you deserved to be shunned. Just take the high road.



I was able to embed it with the code
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRUFYR9oFRM[/video]

That is why you are a "Master" bhuzzer. LOL. When I did the post. I tried doing video. I even used the "embed code" from youtube. What did I do wrong?

I know for a fact we did not steal her time slot. That slot was designated for the musicians. The day previous it was for another band and they were also playing for the party that night. He just decided he could not do Sunday, and since my husband is his student, he asked him, if his band could take their spot. Also, this other guy told me to contact the woman to see if there were spots to dance, so I did.

I don't like to be mean or nasty so I kept it pretty fact oriented in my post. But basically, I have never seen them before, they are not in the bellydance community at all. I found out she teaches Cardio bellydance at the YMCA

The last several years they have had professional bellydancers there. But I think this year they hadn't planned on it. I think they were going to just "do it themself", and were surpised when I showed up with the band. The woman organizing it did know I was coming though and she was happy with me. LOL.

I still feel like I did the right thing. I was professional. Kill em with kindness!

I appreciate all the love

Originally Posted by shimmygoddess

When I did the post. I tried doing video. I even used the "embed code" from youtube. What did I do wrong?

I used:
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRUFYR9oFRM[/video]

Your code was:
[video]http://youtu.be/yRUFYR9oFRM[/video]

which expanded to this url when it was pasted into a browser:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRUFYR9oFRM&feature=youtu.be

I don't know what the difference is between going to YouTube directly and adding "&feature=youtu.be" to the string, but it must be why the clip wouldn't link.

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

I used:
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRUFYR9oFRM[/video]

Your code was:
[video]http://youtu.be/yRUFYR9oFRM[/video]

which expanded to this url when it was pasted into a browser:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRUFYR9oFRM&feature=youtu.be

I don't know what the difference is between going to YouTube directly and adding "&feature=youtu.be" to the string, but it must be why the clip wouldn't link.

thanks!!!

Originally Posted by meissoun

Dabke is much better done in a group - it really is a group dance after all.

If anybody asked me to dance for 45 minutes, I would simply refuse - or suggest to do 15 - 20 minutes with a costume change.
You aren't doing anybody a favour with dancing 45 minutes straight through, not yourself, the audience or the musicians.

If you have seen videos where famous dancers from the Middle East do longer shows, you will see that the run off stage after one or two songs to change costumes while the band plays on.
Amani for example does this too.

MEISSOUN

i end my set with a famous dabke, then pick up napkin and hand off my solo to an "elder" and start a line.....make exit..i am usually in the car and they are still in a line with chant of daloona