Thread: student performance opportunities in LA?

Hi,

I'm new to Bhuz but have been loving lurking around for the past few weeks :-)

I was wondering if anyone knows of an instructor that offers group performance opportunities (or a "student showcase") as part of the class. I've been taking classes for about 3 years, more seriously in the past year, and just bought a costume on a whim b/c it was on clearance and in my size . . .but really have no occasion for even a "friends and family" performance since my two current instructors (who are both great) don't have any student troupes. Obviously with only a few years experience I don't consider myself qualified for solo work so I'm really interested in starting in some sort of group, mainly for fun and experience . . . and for getting over stage fright which I know will be a factor. I've played the violin since I was 3 but it wasn't until performing in college in a folk group that I would say I truly got over stage fright . . . with that kind of lead time I should probably get started on belly dance performance fairly soon :-)

Thanks!

Hi Curly, I don't know whereabouts in LA you reside or which style(s) you prefer, but DanceGarden has a ton of great teachers and they put on student recitals twice a year. They are in Atwater Village (Glendale/5 FWY), and there is a show coming up at the end of April so if you're quick with choreography you could jump in and get your feet wet as soon as next month. ..g.:

GROW YOUR DANCE at DanceGardenLA, offering bellydance, salsa, flamenco, hip hop, ballet & more....

Also maybe check out LA Raqs - Los Angeles Belly Dance to find more teachers in your area; there are dozens that offer performance opportunities.

Thanks nasila, I forgot to mention I'm in West LA . . . Atwater Village seems a bit far given LA traffic. I'd like to exhaust the possibilities a little closer to home first, but thanks for the info!

In that case, I know Shirin teaches in Culver City on Tuesday nights and dances with her students at some events, as do I, and Rahana in Santa Monica offers lots of performance options. Angela Buttrey does when she's in town but you just missed her (heading back to Greece). Melissa may offer it as an option, Adam Basma has a troupe but I'm not sure of the performer requirements.

Those are only sparkly types; if you're into ATS or Fusion try Ayse Cerami.

Contact info for those and lots others here:
LARaqs.com - Los Angeles Belly Dance Teachers West LA

Thanks so much! Shirin is practically next door (had no idea!), and I've had her as a sub a few times, guess I'll start there. Where do you teach?

I teach at the Culver City Adult School. The classes are actually at the High School/Middle School campus on Elenda -- session starts in two weeks. More info one my Events page.

I only offer performance opportunities to my Intermediate class (Wed nights). I don't have any student performances in Culver City lined up yet for this session, but we could do a showcase in May or June if enough peeps wants to participate.

Shirin is a wonderful dancer too. Good luck...maybe I'll see you around. :)

Thanks, my Wed. nights are currently booked, although I always feel like I am still learning even when I take a beginner class, so I'll keep it in mind :-)

Wow, I'm lucky to live in LA, so many teachers! When I lived in Central Virginia . . . slim pickings :-)

It's a bit of a drive but i've heard Tonya and Atlantic have a showcase every Wednesday in Long Beach with live music. I think students and more advanced dancers can dance there.
Tonya and Atlantis, Co Producers of the Bellydancer of The Universe Competitions in Long Beach, California

I take the bus from Marina del Rey to Dance Garden 3 - 5 times a week. (Been out for a couple of weeks due to some injuries. And my Mom visited.) It is totally worth it! Although Nasila and Shirin are both great teachers (and friends!)

{{{HUGS}}}