My daughter's college dance audition/positive acceptance of belly dance!
I went to a college dance program audition this past weekend with my daughter to see the college and give support.
For the dance major they required an audition class (ballet/modern/jazz) for 2 hours, three letters of recomendation from instructors, a resume, and an interview.
I wrote one of the letters, being her instructor. And advised her to put all her belly dance training, workshops and performing info in.
I was surprised that the three professors (ballet/modern/jazz) all talked very positively about the dance form and asked her about it in the interview in a very positive way.
We see so much bad press about our dance form it seems. I just wanted everyone out there to know that sometimes it IS well received, from "mainstream" dance forms. She is very passionate about belly dance and went pro last summer (doing two arab weddings with me at the request of the bride/mother of the bride after seeing her vids, at 17 she is very good! That is me as an instructor and as a Mama very proud). It was nice for her and a nice feeback for all of us to think about!
Just wanted to share.....
Re: My daughter's college dance audition/positive acceptance of belly dance!
How wonderful, Faaria!
My daughter is an art major (no auditions for that!), and did a 5 minute bit at the annual talent show. It was very well received. (The proud mama was blown away!)
She has since been asked to dance at a student government/staff function this spring!
We know these positive-minded-about-BD people exist outside our BD bubble, but it's so wonderful to actually find folks who appreciate it!
Re: My daughter's college dance audition/positive acceptance of belly dance!
that's fantastic to hear. my dance department was also very receptive to it and it opened a lot of doors. i hope she takes advantage of the opportunities and participates in the student choreography concerts, etc
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Re: My daughter's college dance audition/positive acceptance of belly dance!
Oh, I'm happy to hear this too.
The dance department at the university near me hired me to offer a full day of Middle Eastern Dance to their students. I think it was part of a program designed to expose them to dance forms that aren't offered at the university -- ethnic forms, etc.
I was just blown away that they invited me, paid me very well, and treated me with utmost respect while I was there. The students were phenomenal, very interested and soaked up choreography like sponges.
So apparently the universities are more open-minded toward us than we would have expected in many cases!
Re: My daughter's college dance audition/positive acceptance of belly dance!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lauren_
So apparently the universities are more open-minded toward us than we would have expected in many cases!
Some of them, yes! I've done programs at George Washington University (performance only as a cultural program), Univ of Delaware (Arab student organization) and Howard County community College (teaching and performance through World Languages dept). I've also heard wonderful things from an Alvin Ailey dancer and a Russian ballet master.
There are dancers and higher learning institutions that have "open minds." I'd add however that I think it's likely they did not have their first exposure to belly dance be a 6 week wonder. These are people who would not be impressed with someone wiggling vaguely around demanding in a few sequins and a couple strips of chiffon while teva sandals.
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Re: My daughter's college dance audition/positive acceptance of belly dance!
Yes, that's fantastic! I went to small liberal arts school in the mountains and we had a dance minor, not major. Both African Dance and Belly Dance were a part of the program. We need more of that!
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Re: My daughter's college dance audition/positive acceptance of belly dance!
The College of Southern Nevada has middle-eastern dance classes, taught by Angela Palmeri and Ashtalea (Heather Corral). They have been able to produce annual bellydance showcases with the support of the college. We feel lucky here.
Yes, indeed, it's good to know that there are positive perspectives out there.
__________________ Samira Tu'Ala, Organizer of the Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive & Festival September 9-12, 2010 at the FLAMINGO Hotel & Casino 1-888-LV-RAKS-U (1-888-587-2578)
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