faq
FAQ - Performance
New Students - Classes - Performance - Tribal Style Bellydance - All FAQ Topics
Performance FAQ
Categories on this page include:
Performance philosophy - Student and pro troupes
These FAQ's push beyond the most basic inquiries, and delve a little further into some questions which students may have when first coming into my class, as well as on an ongoing basis as a student of mine. Some questions won't always make sense to a brand new student, and are tied to experiences you may have later down the line as you study with me. I encourage you to return to the Extended FAQ throughout your dance studies to see what new information you can learn. And I am always interested in expanding the information I share with you, my students, so if you have any questions you think would be a good addition to this section, please write me.
When do I get to perform?
Performing is an exciting way to bring the joy you feel in dancing to an audience--I have been a performer all my life and can definitely vouch for what a rewarding experience it can be to take to the stage. However, it is by no means a requirement, nor is it even a "natural progression" that every dancer should one day perform. Many students are quite happy to confine their dancing to class and/or their living room, and never perform for the public, and that is absolutely fine.
Read More to see more of the Extended Performance FAQ.
Patience, Persistence and Practice!
For those who do want to perform, it is important to know that the skills one must develop to become a strong performer is a process that takes years. No matter how eager or well-intentioned, one cannot simply "take a few classes" and be adequately prepared to present this art form to an audience. Would you take a few ballet classes and do Swan Lake? Would you take a few painting classes and have a gallery opening? Would you take a few months of piano lessons and put on a concert? No, it takes years of thoughtful study and dedication to reach that point. Any art deserves time and guided development before it is ready to be presented to the public. And you deserve the time to enjoy being a pure student, enjoying the exploration of movement and community, free from the responsibilities that performing demands. Students should consider carefully before accepting an opportunity to perform without the guidance of a trusted mentor/instructor. It's a responsibility that deserves preparation and respect. Please feel free to talk to me if you have any thoughts or questions about performance ethics and preparation.
Student level performances, under the guidance of your teacher, are a good way to see if performing is for you, and to learn some basic and vital performance skills. For a student performance, careful choice of the appropriate venue, music, and costuming is something your instructor can guide you in, and are details that should not be taken lightly. A trusted mentor or teacher can help you sidestep common pitfalls, and make sure that you represent yourself beautifully and confidently on stage. Remember, when you perform, you represent not only yourself, but your fellow dancers, your teacher, and the art form in general. Don't you think it's important that you put your best foot forward by being adequately prepared and guided by someone who is experienced in performance of this art? Check out the next section about our student troupe, Nomaditude, to see if it's something you'd like to try!
Bottom line, concentrating on your personal development, dedicating your energies to improving your dance skills and expanding your knowledge of tribal bellydance, may guide you down the road to performing one day. Don't rush the process. Enjoy the work of being a student, and make regular study/classes your highest priority in pursuing a future in performance. Trust me--your dedication and commitment will be well worth it, wherever it leads you.
Can you tell me more about your student troupe?
Our student troupe, Nomaditude, is an invitation-only student level troupe. Members must be Level 3 students, and attend both Level 3 classes and Tribal Fusion Performance Prep classes each week. The opportunities chosen for Nomaditude's participation are specifically geared toward student dancers, and are an appropriate atmosphere for beginning performers to get their feet wet with public performance. Nomaditude is a great way to get a taste of what commitment and time it takes to present a polished show. We generally participate in several events per year.
How does one get to perform with your professional troupe, Double Take Bellydance?
If one were seriously interested in one day being a part of Double Take Bellydance, my classes teach the format which our style is based on. Regular study with me is the way to develop the improvisational skills, movement vocabulary, and diverse elements of tribal fusion bellydance which make up Double Take's format and stylings. While there are no guarantees or promises of an invitation, advanced students in my class and Nomaditude members would have a distinct advantage in consideration for future troupe additions. My greatest advice is to be dedicated and patient--focus on your personal development, setting goals for your own physical and mental growth in the dance, independent of any troupe affiliation expectations. Should you reach Level 3 and are interested in being considered for other performance opportunities, please feel free to talk to me about it.
Categories on this page include:
Performance philosophy - Student and pro troupes
These FAQ's push beyond the most basic inquiries, and delve a little further into some questions which students may have when first coming into my class, as well as on an ongoing basis as a student of mine. Some questions won't always make sense to a brand new student, and are tied to experiences you may have later down the line as you study with me. I encourage you to return to the Extended FAQ throughout your dance studies to see what new information you can learn. And I am always interested in expanding the information I share with you, my students, so if you have any questions you think would be a good addition to this section, please write me.
When do I get to perform?
Performing is an exciting way to bring the joy you feel in dancing to an audience--I have been a performer all my life and can definitely vouch for what a rewarding experience it can be to take to the stage. However, it is by no means a requirement, nor is it even a "natural progression" that every dancer should one day perform. Many students are quite happy to confine their dancing to class and/or their living room, and never perform for the public, and that is absolutely fine.
Read More to see more of the Extended Performance FAQ.
Patience, Persistence and Practice!
For those who do want to perform, it is important to know that the skills one must develop to become a strong performer is a process that takes years. No matter how eager or well-intentioned, one cannot simply "take a few classes" and be adequately prepared to present this art form to an audience. Would you take a few ballet classes and do Swan Lake? Would you take a few painting classes and have a gallery opening? Would you take a few months of piano lessons and put on a concert? No, it takes years of thoughtful study and dedication to reach that point. Any art deserves time and guided development before it is ready to be presented to the public. And you deserve the time to enjoy being a pure student, enjoying the exploration of movement and community, free from the responsibilities that performing demands. Students should consider carefully before accepting an opportunity to perform without the guidance of a trusted mentor/instructor. It's a responsibility that deserves preparation and respect. Please feel free to talk to me if you have any thoughts or questions about performance ethics and preparation.
Nomaditude
Hafla Durga 2006
Hafla Durga 2006
Bottom line, concentrating on your personal development, dedicating your energies to improving your dance skills and expanding your knowledge of tribal bellydance, may guide you down the road to performing one day. Don't rush the process. Enjoy the work of being a student, and make regular study/classes your highest priority in pursuing a future in performance. Trust me--your dedication and commitment will be well worth it, wherever it leads you.
Can you tell me more about your student troupe?
Our student troupe, Nomaditude, is an invitation-only student level troupe. Members must be Level 3 students, and attend both Level 3 classes and Tribal Fusion Performance Prep classes each week. The opportunities chosen for Nomaditude's participation are specifically geared toward student dancers, and are an appropriate atmosphere for beginning performers to get their feet wet with public performance. Nomaditude is a great way to get a taste of what commitment and time it takes to present a polished show. We generally participate in several events per year.
How does one get to perform with your professional troupe, Double Take Bellydance?
If one were seriously interested in one day being a part of Double Take Bellydance, my classes teach the format which our style is based on. Regular study with me is the way to develop the improvisational skills, movement vocabulary, and diverse elements of tribal fusion bellydance which make up Double Take's format and stylings. While there are no guarantees or promises of an invitation, advanced students in my class and Nomaditude members would have a distinct advantage in consideration for future troupe additions. My greatest advice is to be dedicated and patient--focus on your personal development, setting goals for your own physical and mental growth in the dance, independent of any troupe affiliation expectations. Should you reach Level 3 and are interested in being considered for other performance opportunities, please feel free to talk to me about it.
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