Thread: Props for small places

I'm dancing in a restaurant where the dancing space is set like a long corridor.

I would like to add some props to my performances, but I don't want it ending on some customer's plate. I've seen some dancers using swords, and I've heard of one using wings (I can't figure out how can she do that ).

Any ideas?

Candle tray would work, you could use electric candles if fire is not permitted.

Dancing on goblets or on a drum if there is a "stage" or central area where people can see what you are doing.


Basket, can also use to collect tips, depending on the customs in your area.

Thanks. I haven't work on my "balancing things on head" yet, I'll sure will work on it.
The visibility is very low, so I don't think goblets or drum will work here, but you gave me a very good idea for the future

Hand candles in holders, very pretty in a dim place!

I like a single half-circle veil in the 'corridor' situation -- it lets you make an entrance (and helps people identify where you are when they can't find you in the crowd) - but won't drop in people's hummus as you make your way down the corridor.

a single fanveil might work well for a change of pace.

I've had restaurant owners specifically ask me NOT to use sword in this situation, it's just too dangerous for their clients. Even though it's not sharp, and even if you're brilliant at dancing with it, someone could bump it and send it sliding point-first into a patron's lap or onto their foot!

Zills, of course (though people debate whether those are a 'prop' or an instrument) are very, very effective in a crowd and take up no room whatsoever!

Originally Posted by Lauren_

someone could bump it and send it sliding point-first into a patron's lap

Lauren... the visual - ouchie....;) LOL!

Dunyah - Tambourine maybe? Big enough to make a visual impact, small enough to manoeuvre?

Personally, I can't see using a sword in a space with no stage. The restaurants that I've danced in with no stages, I don't use sword or cane. Too many variables- I don't know when a waiter is coming through with food, I can't guarantee that someone won't bump me, there could be some ice on the floor that I could potentially slip on (sword on your head- can't look down)...

Without a stage, my primary prop is veil. Zills aren't a prop to me, they're a part of every set that I dance. With a stage, my primary props are veil, cane, and sword. I'm working on adding a single fan veil (very small stage), and in larger venues, I'll add in Isis Wings and double veil to my list of props.

You ladies are so great! Thank you all

If you have some room (but not as much as you'd like), you could use a smaller rectangular veil, too. Cutting the length to just past the hands and the width to mid back will still give you something to flourish interpretively with less chance of hitting people or food.

If you do AmCab, you could try a dagger. You're not going to be able to balance it the way you can with a sword (and you probably shouldn't even try), but again, if you're just looking for something to add a bit of drama and visual interest as you move around and pose, that's another possibility.

If you want a more ethnic stylization, try a cane but don't swing it. Older Egyptian dancers used cane more for framing than twirling.

If you have a little Lebanese in your repertoire, you could do a dabke-inspired piece with a scarf. Scarves also turn up in Silk Road folk dances and AmCab fantasy (pseudo-Roma) pieces.

I would say a single voi would work as well, with a semi circular. It's small enough to keep close to you, but the tether makes it "big" enough to fill a stage, visually.

I loved this effect (veil custom died by ssipes)

How about small pieces of silk or chiffon (hankies) attached to your middle fingers with a loop of elastic? Sounds weird, but I have used this before and it looks very pretty if you do sweeping arm movements or turns. You can tuck them in to your belt when you're not using them.

sword can work- my favorite place is like that- super long and narrow. you don't work in NJ do you! lol

I have seen another dancer do it-i found it a bit odd- but the other patron's are always impressed with it.
typical strategically done veil (dending on how people are seated) looks nice since it fills the air well
zills are great- only issue with instruments is that if it is super narrow and not tall- the sounds themselves can be annoying.

I have to say, sword (and now double sword) is my most comfortable prop-- so much so that I feel like it's a cheap trick most the time.

I have worked in small spaces; I stay aware, and watch my peripheral, and haven't had a problem yet. People aren't stupid-- they aren't going to walk into you. I did have a drunk guy grab for my sword once. I simply reached up and grabbed it before he did, and gave him a polite dressing down in front of his friends, and put the sword away-- to the disappointment of the rest of the restaurant. I suspect he felt like a right fool.

Select a prop that you are comfortable and familiar with. Gigs are not the place to test new things out. I am totally not comfortable with fire (a friend of mine had a bad accident with fire), so I don't use it. I love watching other dancers use it, but it's just not for me.

Cane can be used, but you probably won't get to swing it much. Use it to frame your body instead! It will still look lovely and interesting, and provides variety for your restaurant set.

If you do sword in a small space (totally do-able) I'd suggest a smaller center-balanced prop sword with a dull tip, rather than a long sword with a sharp tip and off-side balance, where you have a ton of blade out to one side. It still looks impressive, but it's much safer and the waiter is less likely to bump the tip.

Cane can be a great prop--no whirling, but you can hold both ends and have it overhead or moving down the body, hold it to the shoulder, put one end on the floor and dance around it, etc. Here's a video of me dancing with cane on a small restaurant stage--take out the one-handed whirling and the moves could work for a narrow space.

Originally Posted by Sabine

If you do sword in a small space (totally do-able) I'd suggest a smaller center-balanced prop sword with a dull tip, rather than a long sword with a sharp tip and off-side balance, where you have a ton of blade out to one side. It still looks impressive, but it's much safer and the waiter is less likely to bump the tip.

Cane can be a great prop--no whirling, but you can hold both ends and have it overhead or moving down the body, hold it to the shoulder, put one end on the floor and dance around it, etc. Here's a video of me dancing with cane on a small restaurant stage--take out the one-handed whirling and the moves could work for a narrow space.

wee bit off topic, but thoroughly enjoyed that Sabine! Loved your outfit too - is that a full dress or is it a mesh over a two piece? Either way, loved it:)

Originally Posted by quamar

wee bit off topic, but thoroughly enjoyed that Sabine! Loved your outfit too - is that a full dress or is it a mesh over a two piece? Either way, loved it:)

Oh thanks--it's a full assuit dress (slightly sheer of course) over a sparkly black skirt and top, and then the coin/bead sash over that.

(Ooh shiny. Now back to our topic! (grin))

Re other props for small spaces, a basket might be a good choice too---and as a bonus you could encourage people to tip in the basket!

Personally, sword is my favorite, even in small spaces. Just keep a hold of both ends if you're manipulating the sword.

If you wanted to try wings, it would probably have to be these: Small Isis Wings | Amira Mor International Entertainment Company

They attach to your arm and don't take up much more room than your own wingspan.

I am currently working at two restaurants where the dance "space" really is just the corridor between the tables.
I have adjusted to this environment by always wearing heels (so I am taller and more people can actually see my hip shimmies!) and doing a lot of upper body movements. Never did so many chest shimmies in my life!

I tried veil, but it really only works for a small entrance and I have to hold it high or else it's going around my audience's heads.
Sword would be too dangerous, these are slightly hectic places with running waiters.
So zills are the only thing I can really do if I want to add variety.
But mostly I just keep myself busy dancing back an forth and making sure that everybody gets to see me up close for a few moments
Actually I have been practicing my entertainer skills a lot lately - I joke around (mostly pantomimically) with my audience more than I ever did. Whatever keeps them amused!

MEISSOUN