Owner: Taaj's Belly Dance Blog URL:http://bellydancertaaj.blogspot.com/ Join Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 15:43:43 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: Taaj opines on the world of belly dance. Site statistics:Click here
The Importance of Having a Teacher With Rules 2007-01-28 15:01:00 When I was brand new to belly dance, my first teacher told me to always wear harem pants and false eyelashes when performing. For years, I always wore false eyelashes and harem pants. I didn't ask why. I just did it. It became a habit.
I think that it's a good idea to have someone to tell you stuff like that. I also think it's a good idea for you to listen when you are new because the more experienced person has a reason for creating those rules. The rules may need to be updated or extinguished at some point, but until you have enough performing experience to know that, it's good to have SOME type of model to follow.
I tell my students not to smoke in view of clients, always wear a cover up when not dancing, don't let your customers see you out of costume or character, don't drink while on the job, etc. Those are things that a student might not think about. As they are done over and over, they become good habits.
Anyway, what I am trying to say is, if you trust your teacher, foll Read more:Rules
, Having
, Teacher
Going "Idol" 2007-01-21 17:36:00 Do you notice that there are more instructors out there who are going "Idol"? What I mean is, they think they are Simon Cowell and dish out negative, scathing comments that they think are supposed to be "constructive." Now, I am a true believer in giving honest feedback and critique, but I am not a believer in delivering mean spirited comments just because you can. Yes, it might be honest. It might be true, but is there ever a reason to do it in such a way that is hurtful and damaging to the student? Is it ever justified to use a condescending tone or make faces like you just witnessed something really distasteful? Teachers are supposed to foster growth. It does not encourage greatness when your words make someone feel like they are worthless. For those people who think that they are Simon Cowell, let me just say that you are not and this is not American Idol. Read more:Going
let the games begin! 2007-01-20 00:03:00 I sent out the first wave of post cards announcing the 2007 East Coast Classic last week and I have been getting registrations all week. I am excited that so many people already know that they want to compete. It's going to be really interesting as the contestants are coming from all over. I guess I need to get the rest of those post cards out soon so that everyone has a fair shot at getting a slot!!! Read more:begin
Don't Boo the Dancer 2007-01-18 12:56:00 This topic comes up now and then, but I am still surprised by how many people don't realize that hissing when someone is dancing is comparable to booing them. Think about it. If you are at a sporting event or theater show and someone hisses, is that a compliment? No. It's an insult! If an ARAB hisses at you, he's definitely telling you you are doing something he doesn't like. It's like saying, "Stop that. Get off the stage."
Yes, I know that hissing is commonplace in some belly dance circles, but that is not a reason to perpetuate it.
In my book, if you are watching or teaching Middle Eastern dance, you should follow customs that Middle Eastern people can relate to. If you hiss in a mixed or Arab audience, they will think that you don't like the dancer. My advice? If you don't want to insult people, don't hiss. You might not agree that hissing is a bad thing, but why take the chance that the person you are hissing at is not in agreement? Read more:Dancer
a year without teaching 2007-01-16 12:44:00 I can't believe I have gone a whole year without teaching. I had planned to stop a little over a year ago because I was moving, but the timeline was moved up by a death in the family. One thing kept piling on another and here we are a year later...
I often think about teaching again because I am constantly asked when I am going to start weekly classes again. I am a very good teacher, and I know I have things to offer that are not being offered. But, I have to say that the time off has been productive. I've started a lot of things in my "other life" that will have to be completed before I seriously think about teaching again, but I do look forward to returning to belly dance as an instructor some time.
Many Ways to the Same Destination 2007-01-11 13:36:00 I get a lot of emails asking about stuff I write here and in articles. I think some people trust too much in the words of others. When I write stuff, I am writing from my experience and my perspective. I don't mean that someone else should take my experience and necessarily make it their own. It's not a "My way or the highway" type of thing. If someone reads something I've said and it resonates with them, by all means, use it, but my words are not gospel. This is just what works for me, in my life, with my life experience at this time. There have been many things I've said in the past that no longer apply. I've grown. I've changed. I've incorporated new experiences into my views. I hope to continue doing that. So when I say, "I think that a teacher should...." or "I This is the greatest thing that confuses me about belly dancers...." it's a snapshot in time. Maybe that will change. Maybe it won't, but it's all about my experience.
I have learned a lot from other people that Read more:Destination
why can't we all just get along? 2007-01-09 13:17:00 I see people saying that they wish we could all just get along
and support each other. That's a great wish, but I don't ever see it happening. Some people don't support because they are divisive, but it goes beyond that. Some people don't support because the environment is so openly toxic that it's not worth it to be there. Some people don't support because the host is passive aggressive and will find a way to use that contact to be poisonous. Some don't support because they don't have the money or time. I guess what I am saying is that there are lots of reasons why we can't all be at stuff. It's not always about supporting the community and getting along. It's not fair to assume that absence means hostility.
more crosstraining rants! 2007-01-07 14:42:00 So how does crosstraining as your sole skill qualify you to teach belly dance? That's my question.
I have lots of training in lots of things that help me to be a better teacher. I am musically trained. I can read music, sight read, I was in chorus and can play the piano, violin, and clarinet. That certainly has helped me with musicality, but that alone does not make me a belly dancer much less a teacher.
I was in marching band and drill team in high school. That helped me tremendously with choreography spacing, timing, and working with a group, but that also doesn't make me a belly dancer or teacher.
If you want to look more directly at dance experience, I do salsa, merengue, bachata, samba, hula, Tahitian, club dancing, and took ballet as a kid and one class as an adult, but that also doesn't make me a belly dancer. It could even make me worse as a belly dancer if I can't get my head out of those movement styles and postures.
So my question is, why do people who have done related Read more:rants
I'm not a miracle worker 2007-01-06 17:26:00 Okay, why am I still getting emails from people who say, "I have never taken a belly dance class, but I have (done ballet, done theater, am an aerobics teacher, a fast learner, etc) and I want to be a belly dance teacher in six weeks or less. Can you help me?" Uh. I am the Belly Dance Trainer, not a miracle
worker.
Would I go into a heating and air company and say, "I've watched Tool Time on tv. I really liked it and think that I can teach HVAC" or call up a tree company and say, "I have a chain saw. Can I work as a tree cutter?" I mean come on, people! Do ya not think that any PROFESSION requires training before you can TEACH and CHARGE MONEY FOR WHAT YOU ARE OFFERING? This is not Romper Room. This is not the Fly By The Seat of My Pants Dance School. Or is it? Is that the product you want? If so, go ahead and do your six week training class on belly dance and start teaching. I do not offer that and cannot help you.
Yeah, next time I start thinking, "I have never baked a cake in my li
must be a full moon 2007-01-05 13:29:00 The full moon was the 3rd, and boy can I tell! People are losing their minds. Why do people take on other people's stuff and worry about it? It's so unproductive! Yeah, I notice stuff. I might even talk about stuff, but I don't make it my problem. Who cares what other people are doing? Who cares if someone wants to do things that give them a reputation as a skank? Who cares if someone runs their business in such a way that makes them look unprofessional? Why do belly dancers in particular spend so much time watching the competition? Yes, you should be aware of what's going on in the field, but not so much that it cripples your ability to do what YOU want. When you give that much time to someone else, it takes away from what you can do for yourself. If you don't like what someone else is doing, don't do that. If you don't want to work where someone else is working, don't work there. If you do what you want to do, instead of focusing on what someone else is doing, you will have a
taking things too seriously 2006-12-16 00:01:00 I don't understand why some people take belly dance so seriously. I mean, do we have to get offended when people don't share our vision of what the dance should be? Do we have to get offended when people don't think that what we do is artistic, beautiful, or that WE are beautiful? If someone doesn't like what you present, they have that right. And you have a right to keep on doing it. I've said this over and over, but the client and the audience can decide to not hire you, not buy your stuff, and not watch you dance. They can not like what they see. If you think that everyone is going to love what you love, tell me where that has happened anywhere else in your life because I'd like to live there for a while. It just doesn't happen, so why should that expectation be there in belly dance?
People need to lighten up. Yes, it's wonderful, important, good to share, and has great meaning, but in the big scheme of things
, it's just belly dance. Other people don't have to like it or l
too old to dance? 2006-12-10 01:30:00 When should a dancer bow out gracefully and let the next generation take over? I mean, I know that the dance is for everyone of every size and age, but I am talking about dancing professionally.
I have a friend who is in her 30s who is telling me that she's already being passed over for younger dancers in restaurants. I have a friend in her early 40s who has stopped dancing professionally altogether because she thinks she's too old. Neither of these women look "old". Neither are overweight or unattractive. Are they right to bow out before they are asked to leave either directly or through losing work? When are you too old to work? Is it a number? Or is it the way your face looks? Or your body?
There is another dancer who is 70. She doesn't look 70, but she does look at least 60. She can still dance and advertises herself for gigs. Is this right? Should there be a disclosure of the age? Or it is all fair game?
I don't pretend to have the answer. I think it's up to each individual t
the certification program 2006-12-01 23:56:00 I am looking at some of the guinea pig's assessments for the certification program, and I must say that I am really impressed with the work that they have put into this. If this is any indication of what is to come, look out world! There is a bunch of Certified Belly Dance Trainers that are about to revolutionize the way classes are taught.
What great ideas. What structure and intention. Wow! I wish I had had classes like this. I am really excited about the future in belly dance instruction, the people who are taking the program, and the program itself. REALLY excited!
I can't wait until it rolls out to the general public.
using contracts 2006-11-25 00:23:00 I am amazed at how many dancers are still working without contracts. When there are misunderstandings about pay and how things are supposed to happen, they have nothing to fall back on. They have to just take the client's treatment because there is no written statement saying who is doing what, when, and for what compensation. What's so hard about creating that document? I think the time saved by renegotiating, cutting off potential problems, and preparing for gigs is so worth it. Not to mention the problems that could come with getting paid.
I think using a contract makes you look more professional too. If you look professional, the client will treat you more professionally. I don't see how using a contract could ever be a losing proposition. Yes, I've heard that some people might take it as an insult as if to say, "Don't you trust me?", but I have never lost a job because of asking for a contract. I don't think it's a valid argument.
dancing for your venue 2007-02-09 03:43:00 One of the things I don't see taught to emerging professionals is how to dance for your venue. A choreography is not going to work in all settings. The distance between you and your audience is different in different venues. The amount of interplay between the audience and the dancer differs. The space and thus visibility of the dancer is also different. The audiences are different. Some want new and funky. Some want something foreign and exotic.
There are many factors that influence what would make the best show in each venue. If the dancer can only dance in one venue, she should develop her skills to dance in other ones or just stick to that one venue. I can appreciate a beginner's effort and her beauty for what it is, but it is not entertaining to a general public audience to see the dancer bungle her way through a show that was meant for another venue. Sorry guys, but it's true.
what do you mean? 2007-02-09 03:21:00 Alright so a couple of weeks ago, I was in a training class where a lady kept using words that either weren't words or did not make sense in the context of the sentence. I was so confused and eventually tuned her out. Which brings me to my next rant.
Why do people misuse Arabic words? Do they not care to know the meanings? Or are they just ignorant? I get really confused when someone uses the word "taxim" to refer to either slow music or slow dancing. Taxim means "improvisation". You can have a fast taxim, like a drum solo.
Same with hafla. Halfa means "party" but so many people use it to mean "show." Now when I have a party, there may be a dancer or two, but it isn't a show. When I host a show, you would never mistake it for a party.
Unlike the lady from training, I can probably figure out what you are trying to say if you give me enough context, but why not just use the right words so everyone can understand you?
the importance of participating 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I attended a foreign language class yesterday that had us all speaking aloud in front of the class. Wow, was that intimidating. Nothing like the fear of being exposed to get your heart pumping, eh? :)But once I got over the fright of falling on my face and being exposed as the worst student in the class, it was fine. It actually helps to have the student participate. It helps the teacher and student to know who is getting what. It helps the student to get some practice so that she can be better.I knew this because I always put every student on the spot in every class, but having to be in the place of the student reminded me of how scary and how productive it can be. Gotta participate. Just do it. It's worth it.
finesse 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I get frustrated with people who start to teach too soon. I think they are missing out on so much of their own education if they think that after a short time, they can teach others and continue to learn too. It takes a lot of focus to do that. Most people don't have that. That's why masters in other dance forms wait until they are done performing to teach.I think the short term dancer thinks that she can teach because she can improv or do a choreography all the way through. When I started learning violin, I could play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star by the end of the first lesson. It didn't inspire me to go out and teach it. I had a very rudimentary understanding of where the notes were. There was no finesse in the stroke of the bow. There was no emotionality. It was just STROKE, STROKE, STROKE, STROKE.... Accomplishment, yes, but art? No.When I got a bit better, I could play Handel's Water Music. Now, there is Water Music and there is Water Music. My ability to read and play with gre
I won! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I won the Oasis of Color award! Woo hoo! I think I get $200 donated to my favorite charity. Anybody got any ideas on who should get the money? Any belly dance 503 (c)s out there?
BDSS bashing 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I don't understand why Belly Dance Superstars is the big target that it is for belly dancers. What are they doing that is offensive? Okay I get the, "They are not authentic." "They only want skinny girls." "They are too ballet." Miles didn't ask me what I wanted. He's not creating a show for me, so why would I think that what I want (or any other single person) matters in his show? I can vote with my feet either to attend or not attend. He obviously has created HIS vision of what a show should be based on his years of experience in show business. He has earned the right to choose what dancers he wants in his show. I don't see fat ballerinas. I don't see fat chorus line dancers, so why is the criticism reserved for him when the dancers he has in his show are probably both older and heavier than any other dance form? His show is still running in the USA and Europe, so apparently he's making the right decision for the bottom line.And look on the bright side. We all have more perform Read more:bashing
Horacio's workshop 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I taught as the opening instructor at Horacio Cifuentes' workshop in NC this weekend. This was my first time seeing Horacio live. I have to say that all those who missed this missed something really great. I'd study with him again any time. His instruction is clear, intuitive, complete, and easy to understand. He's a patient and gracious teacher who is also very businesslike. I loved that he told the class that if the dance could be performed as taught, they were free to do so, but do not change it. He asked that he be credited if it were possible. He also said that it was "forbidden" for them to teach it to others. He explained that it was designed to be danced in a dress and should be performed that way, not at a gram or birthday party, but for a special event. I was happy to see that he considered not only the music, but how it was to be staged and clothed. That's how it should be.Horacio danced with enthusiasm and seemed have a genuine love for what he does. It was a delightful
letting the student dance 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I was noticing that a lot of teachers who are dealing with students beyond the beginner level still dance everything for the student. I wonder why belly dance teachers do that. Is that the only teaching skill they know? Follow the leader? Students need to gain levels of independence and a feeling of competence. It's hard to do that if they are following you all the time. It's hard to know if they have the material if they are just mimicking you. They have to do their own thing and apply the skills in their own way. If not, they aren't dancers. They are mimics.I am really surprised by the number of people who feel my teaching techniques are "different." I should hope that every teacher has more than one teaching method in their bag of tricks. There are different styles of learners and dancers at different levels need different techniques to help them reach their potential. You can't do that simply by leading and following... at least not with any speed.
developing your own style 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I don't know how other people develop their style, but for me it started by trying on other people's stuff. I danced to my teacher's style of music at first because that's what I knew. After I discovered that there was this big world of belly dance out there, I wanted to learn everything. I took every workshop that came along. I did Ghawazee, veil, Tunisian, sword, Turkish, cane... Whatever they were teaching, I was taking.Then I was introduced to Arab music. I immediately knew that this was something different. Something special. From then on, I pretty much danced exclusively to Arab music unless the client specifically asked for something different. Then I went to Egypt and that was it. It was almost as if that style chose me. I got it. I understood it. I spoke to my soul and that's when I knew that that was my mode of expression.Of course, "Egyptian" is a broad term. My style of Egyptian isn't like Lucy's, Soheir's, Dina's or Nagua's. It's all mine. It comes from a love o Read more:developing
build business through your passion 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Sometimes people ask me for ideas on how to build their business. I think it's pretty simple really. You build it through your passion. If you love belly dance, how do you express that? Do you perform? Do you subscribe to magazines? Do you write articles? Post on bulletin boards? Have a newsletter or ezine? Every time you reach out to other people to share your passion, you make contacts. If they are impressed with your skill and enthusiasm, they become supporters and fans. It's easy to convert someone who is on the fence about the whole thing if you are excited about what you do. If you are reserved and leave the gushing for someone else to do because it's "self-promotional", you will lose the business to someone who is more accepting of sharing their love for the dance. There is nothing wrong with sharing the love. You can choose to see it as "self-promotional" and "bad" or you can choose to see it as bringing what you love to others so that they can appreciate it too. It's all t
does it have to be one or the other? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 There is interesting dialog going on about the values of western vs. eastern instructional techniques. Of course, since belly dance is an eastern style of dance, it stands to reason that eastern methods would be natural to natives. They would also have something of value to add as far as interpretation, feeling, and nuances of style. BUT that does not discount the value of western methods.I think that comparing and deciding to go with one way is like saying which is better? Masculine or feminine? Linear or circular? How can you say that one is superior? How can you say that one is not needed? LIFE is better if it approached as a holistic journey. When you can blend both eastern and western, you have a teaching style that is intellectual and emotional. Surely you have a better shot at then producing a student who is both intellectual and emotional in her approach to dance. Who wants to be a dancer or teacher of singular dimension?
dancing for the girl scouts 1970-01-01 00:59:59 When I first started dancing, one of my friends told me about her leading a dance class for Girl Scouts so that they could get one of their badges (excuse me if my terminology is not correct. I was never a Girl Scout). Now, eleven years later, I will be doing it for my niece's troupe.I have to say that I am really glad that Girl Scouts have been open to letting belly dancers come into their troupes to do demonstrations and classes. I think it's so positive when young people can be exposed to the art of the dance. Hopefully that means that more and more people will grow up never having been exposed to the negative stereotypes of us as hootchie kootchie dancers.I am really looking forward to this. I know that other dancers have been doing this for ages, and I hope that it continues. Read more:scouts
hanging with Issam Houshan from BDSS 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Issam Houshan came into Norfolk, VA yesterday for his drum workshop. Of course the local gals and I had to give him a big welcome. A Lebanese friend of mine closed his restaurant and hosted a party that featured Middle Eastern food and three dance performances. Issam was also nice enough to accompany the oud player on a couple of songs.I've got to tell you that Issam is one of the most down to earth people I've met. All the nice comments you hear are true. He's very friendly and is a born entertainer. He really seems to want to make sure everyone has a good time and enjoys themselves. Of course, he also enjoyed himself doing debke with us. As tired as he was, he kicked up his heels with some fancy footwork.It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening with a very nice guy. He's got new music coming out and really knows his music stuff. You should check him out.
good-bye to dial up! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Alright, so I've been living in the stone age for the last year and I've been stuck using dial up. That means I can't watch any YouTube videos, can't upload any mp3s, and can't update my website very quickly. That's about to change in about a month or so. Just wanted to let you all know so that if you are waiting for me to add a link, update information, or just trying to send me a file, know that there is an end in sight. It's called- satellite! Yeah! I am thrilled beyond belief.
plateaus 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I know that plateaus are a necessary part of growth, especially if you tend to walk directly up the side of the mountain like I do instead of winding your way around the easier way. Ya know, you have to get some rest when you exert yourself that much! Give that information a chance to digest.I've just broken through my last, long-lasting plateau by taking the focus off dancing and putting it on music. I've been working on the musical sections of my certification program and it's been absolutely liberating. It's so cool the way that a change of focus can change everything! It's made the dance so much more alive for me. I've always been one to work with the music, but now it's different. I can't explain how connecting on an even deeper level has made such a difference, but it has.I guess there are always new ways to continue growing and exploring.
blaze your own trail 1970-01-01 00:59:59 It's funny how things seem to happen to different people at the same time. There are a few dancers in my immediate circle who are experiencing the same thing. They have all been inspired by seeing something cool: a great show in an unusual venue, a packed, fun class, a spunky workshop, or something that is really inspirational and makes them want to say, "I want to do that." The problem is, I know these people and they don't want to do that. They just appreciate that it's being done and are inspired by what they've seen.So in case this is happening to more people out there, I will share with you what I shared with them. Don't confuse inspiration with the need to imitate. Use that inspiration to follow YOUR dreams and your path. Don't follow someone else's. If you look inside yourself, you will know right away that that is not what you are interested in accomplishing. If you go down a path that is not yours, it just takes you further from what you do want to do. Appreciate someon
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