No ME Community, Help!

[thussell]

Hey everyone!

I was wondering if anyone knew of any events or places I could perform at somewhere within a decent driving distance. I live in WV and there is almost no ME community here!

The closest places I've found are in Columbus and other places in OH that are over 3 hours away. DC is about 7 hours away. I want to perform more but there are no opportunities here. Help! ..c::

[shems]

If there is nothing there, you have to make your own. Being the big fish in town has its advantages.

[*Shira*]

There's an article on my web site that may help: Bringing Middle Eastern Dance to Your Community

[thussell]

Thank you Shems and Shira for your help. I know it can have its advantages, but it's so hard generating enough interest since people here are a little close-minded.

Shira, I think I've read that article on your website about a million times already! LOL! I saw it earlier this year. It has so many great ideas! Thank you so much!

[steffib]

Where in WV are you? I suspect that you can find other dance enthusiasts a bit closer - e.g., Pittsburgh :-)

[*Shira*]

Shira, I think I've read that article on your website about a million times already! LOL! I saw it earlier this year. It has so many great ideas! Thank you so much!

Glad you think some of the ideas may be helpful!

It occurs to me, these might also be helpful:

Find Belly Dancing Teachers and Performers in West Virginia, U.S.A.! Belly Dance Lessons and Dancers! Search for Belly Dancers!

Learning To Belly Dance: If No Local Teacher, Or The One That's There Doesn't Have The Knowledge You Seek

[Lesedi]

Just wanted to say that I totally sympathize... some of us have been trying to grow a community here for a while, but it's tough. Just stick with it... it's a slow process. Also, take advantage of big events and workshops within a few hours drive. It may not be practical to drive that far for classes, but for the occasional workshop, big weekend hafla, or several hour long private lesson it's totally worth it. DVD's are fine to help fill that need for a class in the meantime. I also like to watch videos on youtube and dvd of other dancers for fresh ideas. Shira's advice for getting a community going and finding performance venues is also really good.

[clueless23de]

Yes, where exactly are you in WV? I know that there are growing communities in Beckley, Hurricane, & Morganton.
I think the FB page also says that Marshall students are organizing a group as well, if you are close to Huntington.

Here are some resources:
WV Belly Dance | Facebook

samadhi tribal fusion belly dance wv hurricane south charleston

West Virginia Belly Dance - tribe.net

Wild Sapphire Bellydance Morgantown WV

BELLY DANCE CLASS Beckley - BELLY DANCE CLASS at SOLDIERS MEMORIAL THEATER | Eventful

Hope this helps.

[zamora]

had to re read..ok, no other dancers, or no m e peoples?...if no dancers, you are the ground floor of what dance will be in your town. when i moved where i am, there was only 1 dancer "teaching"...and she learned from ONLY watching helena v dance at the arabian nights. so go for it!

[thussell]

You guys are awesome! I live in Huntington and am one of the founders of the Marshall ME dance group. There are only 2 of us here that actually teach or have any training. ..c:: And I do love traveling! I've gone to almost every city for performances/ workshops within 8 hours!

Our state does have haflas about 2 or 3 times a year with all the Beckley and Morgantown groups. It's kinda funny though because there are only 3 of us who do oriental ME dance while the others are doing Rachel Brice moves. (They are pretty good, but it's funny when everyone is wearing black and we move in with the bright outfits covered in sequins!) ..l;,

[Dahabiya]

I know exactly what you mean when you say no ME community. And the closest city is three hours away across the border. There is not much here but I am teaching and I really like it! I am having my first hafla on the 29th!