Thread: Getting rid of a stage name...

I think I don't want to use a stage name anymore. I had convinced myself that it was fine, I liked the security and all that, but at the same time, I've never been totally thrilled with it. Right now I'm at the point where I'm changing some things around (new studio opening, I need to order new business cards, changing my website name) and I think I'd like to just go ahead and get rid of it and just dance under my first name.

Have any of you ever done this, what were your experiences?

Hi "Miriam" :Awink:

There were two related threads on this semi-recently, and I posted some of my experiences switching from a stage name (as a working dancer) to my real name in both. In a nutshell? Totally positive and right for me. :)

I definitely think a new conversation would be great, so my intention by posting old threads is not to stifle new discussion, but for reference/inspiration, here are the links:
http://www.bhuz.com/forum/business-b...ance-name.html
and
http://www.bhuz.com/forum/rest-belly...lly-odd-2.html

Good luck with whatever you choose to do!

I changed mine from Sahana to my real name Anna, while I was in the process of moving to another state. I am very happy that I did it at that time.

Your idea to change it now while you are in the process of making several changes is a good idea. You don't want to have to do any resignage or reprinting after-the-fact.

Agree, now is a great time to do it while you're making other changes. The promotion involved will help you to get the word around. Maybe you can make a press release about your "new" identity?

Expect to have your former name pop up in odd places, it's no big deal. It's an opportunity to share how you are moving and growing as a dancer.

I used to have a stage name in the beginning. When I worked ren faires it was kind of a rule. Now with my own band I dumped it, I never felt right with some mid eastern name anyway. Now I am Sean and this is my band easy.

Sean

Thanks for all the input everyone... I talked it over with my sweetie (who is a darling by listening and actively giving input on business decisions, etc) and I am just going to get rid of it. I was looking at getting a new website, and the current contenders are:

maryraks.com
bellydancebymary.com

I'm not a fan of the term belly dance although I do use it when necessary. New cards are also in the works and I'll be posting to ask for opinions as well.

So... hi, my name is Mary. :)

I use to have a stage name. Went back to using my real name. Now I find that the old stage name still lingers on. Some people still have not gotten word of me going back to my real name.

So I take it with stride....

Hi, Mary!

I've thought of giving up my stage name too, even though I still like it, just because it gets kind of confusing (especially if your voicemail is used for business and personal messages and you become great friends with restaurant staff, etc.). But I chose it when I was 17, and now even some people who know me and my real name call me Serafina. But whenever someone tells me I dance like an angel it makes me happy I kept it!

Good luck with your self-reinvention... And I like maryraks!

Hi Miriam-in-transition-back-to-Mary! I like "maryraks" too. It's cute, simple, to the point, not too long. If you're at all hesitating about using "belly dance in your URL, then probably avoid it. There's nothing wrong with it necessarily (and it conveys something about what you are to the GP), but it could pigeonhole you a little if you do other things too (like folkloric or other dance forms.)