Thread: planning for the future/involvement on the 'scene' after retirement?

Okay, I really hope I'm not anywhere near retiring as a dancer, but let's face it, after 4 pregnancies and 5 car accidents over the past 10 years, I realize I am neither immortal nor eternally young. :Aohmy:
I am also the kind of person who had her first 'mid-life crisis' at age 12 and has been planning for retirement since before she had a job...

When this old flesh finally gives out, or if I ever lose use of my limbs, I still want to be part of this community! That is part of my motivation behind learning to sing in Arabic & now picking up the oud as well- I figure I can put in time learning to play & sing & maybe have a few years practice before I need to switch over, so to speak.

So, I was just wondering if others have thought about this or planned alternative ways of staying involved in the BD world when age or anything else interferes?

Well I don't plan on retiring.

Tried it once, didn't like it...l;,

Seriously, how do artists really "retire?" You're always going to be a part of your art and vice-versa, even if you can't walk you can play the zills, if you can't dance with your legs you can dance with your hands, and you will always have something to pass along to the ones who come after.

There are so many ways to stay involved in the belly world. I used to dance professionally, but now I organize events. You could also vend, teach, write for the magazines, or a plethora of other things.

won't quit until they declare me dead :)

I agree, many ways to stay active in the community. Just a thought, I have a good friend on fb, very smart guy, very successful well paid job. Just lost two family members and now has to use his life savings to pay off their debt. Is now drowning in his own financial mess..after years of busting ass to save for retirement. He's very depressed

Another friend is an artist, he chooses to be homeless, he sells enough art to eat and get by. He has no savings. No medical insurance. He's happy to the gills.

I'm a born worrier but learning that while it's good to plan and think ahead, sometimes our best intentions don't work out anyways. I'm not saying not save..but don't lead a life of unhappiness that may bring you security later on (ie job you don't like, etc)

doesn't Morocco say she'll keep dancing until "6 weeks after i'm dead"? i wonder if i'll bank enough karma to be a dancer in my next life.
i realize i'll have to switch to more "for dancer" evens as i age, which will suck as they are fewer and farther between, but dancing it what i love.

oh, no worries on that score, Jes! I assure you I intend to wring out every ounce of joy I can find in this life- I believe in living passionately! On the other hand, being aware of the future from a young age means I was pretty careful health wise, which has served me well, & didn't go into debt until we bought a rather conservative house- I'd rather attend dance workshops & take the family on vacation than have a fancy hardwood floor, etc. I believe in social investment as well as financial investment- I'd rather give what I can while I can & hope someone throws a darn good fundraiser dinner if I ever do get sick!

I plan on dancing as long as I possibly can, but I do tend to at least try to lay a foundation for that 'just in case' scenario- was kind of wondering if other people did too or if I'm just weird that way!

You're not wierd.

I always figured that when I wasn't dancing so much I'd confront my painting which is what I did.

But dancing is a lifeline for me, literally as it happens, it really is the only thing that keeps my body functioning and also it has a social aspect so even though I'm not out doing 3 shows a night anymore there's the connection aspect you mention and that's precious.

As for music, blessed be the people who can sing or play an instrument. In fact I worked with a dancer who gradually evolved into a singer and in the M.E. club world they got WAY more respect so music is a logical evolution if you can carry a tune or learn to play which I cannot...cr.:

retire with me in ecuador where we can live on 800/month :)

THAT SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN...l;,

Raise one of your daughters to be a dancer... she'll find plenty for you to do!

Originally Posted by maurazebra

Raise one of your daughters to be a dancer... she'll find plenty for you to do!

My tribal princess, Genna, age 12 - and she's already got me quite busy. At age 20, I imagine I will still be wardrobe slave, taxi and bank. *sigh* ,r:;

Originally Posted by maurazebra

Raise one of your daughters to be a dancer... she'll find plenty for you to do!

too late- my son beat her to it! He's got a few years before he gets really demanding!

& Jes, I'm partial to Honduras- can you be talked around?

I understand what you mean Lara! I feel like I'm just getting started in this biz (ten years later), but I've thought a lot about the future. I always want bellydance to be a part of my life in one way or another. When I retire I plan on continuing to teach, sponsor events, and costume for other dancers. My good friend Zahra Ali retired over twenty years ago, but she still teaches costuming workshops and does private lessons regularly. She inspires me, and reminds me that you don't have to be a pro dancer anymore to still be passionate about bellydance! And hey, ii keeps us in great shape. I'm going to keep on dancingg until I can't dance anymore!

I'm with you on learning to play an instrument. My preferred choice is the Qanoun, but it's SO expensive, even for a student model. Oud is good, or bouzouki. I like to think I'll dance forever, but I know even when my hips give out, I'll still be able to be part of the scene through music.

Heck, if we all retire together we could create our own Raqs Bottom Remainders :)

Raks Bottom Remainders?

..l;,..l;,..l;,..l;,..l;,