Thread: BDSS Auditions in NYC and DC

I can't believe there hasn't been a post about it yet since Bhuz is usually speed-of-light with such things, but I figured I'd put up the content from yesterday's email:

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The success of our new "Bombay Bellywood" show has encouraged us to look at adding two more dancers to the team for the January to May period, ideally one Tribal and one Cabaret. We will also be filming the show in January for PBS TV broadcast and DVD release.

We will be holding auditions in New York City on Wednesday, October 27 at Bellydance America studios 265 W. 37th St. (at 8th Ave), Suite 206 at 10 am AND in the Washington DC area at Saffron Dance - 3260 Wilson Blvd, Arlington Va. 22205 on Thursday, Oct 28 at 11:00 am. I will personally be taking applications at the show in Morristown, NJ on the 24th, at Symphony Space in NY on the 26th and at the Birchmere show on the 27th. There is no point in taking the audition unless you see the current show, as only seeing it will you see what is needed and expected. Bombay Bellywood will be the touring show for the next year at least. If you believe you are at a level to join us and are available much of next year for extended touring then please sign up and let us see what you have to offer.

The Bellydance Superstars Calendar

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I am thinking of going to the audition, mostly for the experience. I also have been dying to audition for BDSS since high school *fangirl*. Anyone have any words of wisdom as to what the post-Jillina auditions look and feel like?

My partner is encouraging me to audition for the experience also... but I'd have to get there from Ohio. What's involved in these auditions?

ETA: Wait, so does it mean that we'd have to go watch one of those three shows, where we would submit an application, and *then* go to the audition in either NYC or DC?

I'm going to the auditions in DC! :D See you there I hope!

Originally Posted by SomaBellydance

ETA: Wait, so does it mean that we'd have to go watch one of those three shows, where we would submit an application, and *then* go to the audition in either NYC or DC?

That's the way I read it too...what a way to get more people to buy tix! ..l;,

I am surprised no one has spoken up yet about the auditions and what they entail. I too am waiting with bated breath.

Also, the official blog post is here: Bellydance Superstars Auditions in US - October 2010 - Bellydance Superstars

I just can't get over how poor the web design of BDSS is. *clucks*

Sorry it's late, but I went to the one in NYC yesterday. They were actually a lot of fun! You do a very short (very basic) choreography with either the cabaret leader (Sabah) or the Tribal leader (Kami). If they like what they see, they call you back to perform a 3 min. solo. Be warned: the audition starts by being asked to spin across the floor. You must retain posture, grace, and control. I'd start practicing a little ballet for the next round of auditions. ;-)

Sounds like fun! Too bad I couldn't get away this week. Oh well. Next time, I guess.

My teacher was asked to do a solo (tribal) and apparently she made a huge impression on everyone... She's Canadian, though, so there seems to be a problem with the visas... She's awesome and would be a great addition to the BDSS, but I don't want to lose her as a teacher... ! ;-)

I still hope she get chosen, even if we'll miss her!

SO audition-goers, how did it go?!?!
I had a lot of fun on my trip, and the audition was pretty laid back for me. I was asked to do a solo (!!) and I was so happy!
I was shocked though - there were only EIGHT people including myself at the audition in DC! How many people were in NY? I want to know!!
I want to know who got it too . . . but I don't know if there's a disclosure policy for whoever got it. Who went? Did you have fun? Did you do a solo? Tell us all about it!

Originally Posted by nefabit

SO audition-goers, how did it go?!?!
I had a lot of fun on my trip, and the audition was pretty laid back for me. I was asked to do a solo (!!) and I was so happy!
I was shocked though - there were only EIGHT people including myself at the audition in DC! How many people were in NY? I want to know!!
I want to know who got it too . . . but I don't know if there's a disclosure policy for whoever got it. Who went? Did you have fun? Did you do a solo? Tell us all about it!

Let's see...there were 5 groups of cabaret and 3 tribal groups so there were about 40 of us at the NY audition. I have no idea who got it, though they asked back more tribal girls than cabaret and the tribal ladies that I talked to hadn't gotten it. All in all, it was really fun though.

Originally Posted by CallistaRaqs

Let's see...there were 5 groups of cabaret and 3 tribal groups so there were about 40 of us at the NY audition. I have no idea who got it, though they asked back more tribal girls than cabaret and the tribal ladies that I talked to hadn't gotten it. All in all, it was really fun though.

One tribal dancer got an answer (negative) and another is still waiting for an answer... I hope that she gets it but I wonder what could take so long for Miles to give her an answer.

I was in the first group of cabaret belly dancers in NY to do the group choreo and when we were asked to go to the corner and do turns across the floor, I thanked the heavens that Bellyqueen incorporates that in every class. However, Miles had a conniption--he wasn't happy at all about the ability of any of the dancers, save one, in our group, do to turns across the floor and proceeded to strongly and vocally repeat his belief that no belly dancer aspiring to enter a professional belly dance troupe should show up without having a background in ballet.

It was an experience to be sure, and am glad I got to take part. All good info to keep in the back of my mind for next time.

Originally Posted by phoenixeyes

I was in the first group of cabaret belly dancers in NY to do the group choreo and when we were asked to go to the corner and do turns across the floor, I thanked the heavens that Bellyqueen incorporates that in every class. However, Miles had a conniption--he wasn't happy at all about the ability of any of the dancers, save one, in our group, do to turns across the floor and proceeded to strongly and vocally repeat his belief that no belly dancer aspiring to enter a professional belly dance troupe should show up without having a background in ballet.

It was an experience to be sure, and am glad I got to take part. All good info to keep in the back of my mind for next time.

If you don't mind me asking, what was wrong with the way you and others in your group did these turns across the floor?

Originally Posted by phoenixeyes

However, Miles had a conniption--he wasn't happy at all about the ability of any of the dancers, save one, in our group, do to turns across the floor and proceeded to strongly and vocally repeat his belief that no belly dancer aspiring to enter a professional belly dance troupe should show up without having a background in ballet.

wow. very interesting

Originally Posted by phoenixeyes

However, Miles had a conniption--he wasn't happy at all about the ability of any of the dancers, save one, in our group, do to turns across the floor and proceeded to strongly and vocally repeat his belief that no belly dancer aspiring to enter a professional belly dance troupe should show up without having a background in ballet.

Hmm. I'm surprised nobody said, "Well, Miles, if you've got all the answers, why don't YOU demonstrate the correct way to do turns across the floor?"

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

Hmm. I'm surprised nobody said, "Well, Miles, if you've got all the answers, why don't YOU demonstrate the correct way to do turns across the floor?"

seriously.

Originally Posted by ZanaRaqs

seriously.

LOL, what she said!

I was at the DC auditions as well and I got to do my solo, which was exciting. I thought there would be way more people there too, and many of the ladies that were there did travel, including myself and two other dancers who carpooled along for a 5 hour drive.

I thought Sabah was charming and is truely a masterful dancer.

A far as the audition, I thought the turns were useful because, even if it's ballet stuff, it was easy to weed out the people who may not have as much grace. When we did the group choreography, the people who couldn't do the turns well really were the ones who couldn't execute the combinations well. (Not to say I was the best at it though-- I suffer from a goldfish brain and can't remember choreography that's not my own to save my life!) Also, I think the turns have to do with the "Bellydance Superstar style." I think they were looking for dancers who could fit in with their existing troupe seamlessly without sticking out like a sore thumb.

I don't necessarily believe that if you're not an expert at shene (sp?) turns that it makes you a bad belly dancer. I just think that is what they (BDSS) is looking for. It's clear that they have their own thing going on, so I don't think anyone who went and gave it their all should feel bad about their skills or their personal style at all. Just because you're not a Bellydance Superstar doesn't mean you're not a superstar in your own right, so kudos to the people who put themselves out there knowing that rejection can be tough.

A few things learned about turns by observation though, smaller steps = a tighter turn, wrap the arms like you're holding a big bowl when in motion and extend arms out when landing the turn, don't have your hair so long like Cousin IT that you end up lost in it (unless you're wicked good at whipping your head around quicky), and try to spot as best as possible so you don't end up going wonky off to the side.

Miles is tough, that's for sure. Why? Because he's trying to make money. If you don't meet his expectations than you can't make him money in his eyes. He's looking at it like a product, and eastern dance is dominated by ballet. So, the choreography of the Bellydance Superstars', although adhering to the principals of Oriental Dance, is going to be rooted in ballet-- because it's American.

A good experience though-- I would recommend it, if not for success, for experience :)

I wish I had known or I would have gone! I live in Virginia.. I wonder when they'll have auditions again. :( Good to know about the turning though.