[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4z5wVFqO3Y&feature=autofb]
This is from our final show at Sexapalooza in Ottawa, January 2011
The costume I purchased at the last Dancer’s Bazaar and another one is coming up February 27th – hope you can be there!! I did have to modify it a bit to fit me, but since that’s what I do, no worries there!
All posts by Tracey Vibert
Morning walk got me thinking…
… It wasn’t a full on hour walk, but it was more than I’ve managed during the cold spell we’ve had. Yay for -13 celcius!
Anyhoo, I got to thinking, as I always do during my morning walks- or any walks for that matter, about the upcoming Dancers’ Bazaar and what I have to prepare for it.
One thing with running TAV Creations, which is mainly custom sewing & design, I really like doing what folks need/want/request etc. It means that my work has a purpose. I get to create something that someone has envisioned in their own head but are not in a position to make themselves.
Or I get to design something for them, using that special piece of fabric they were given, bought on a trip, or for any other reason, and that fabric has brought them joy and can now be put to practical use and bring them more joy.
This process works with both my bridal work and my costume work. And even alterations can be fun when it’s with something pretty and sparkly!
I have tried over the past decade+ of Dancers’ Bazaars to have items that are basic and simple, so that they can complement existing bedleh sets, add that final piece to an outfit, or be the base that the whole ensemble is built upon at a later date. This burgundy one started out that way, and then found it’s owner and we finished it off!
I have found that pre-making a complete set, including beadwork etc. has worked on occasion, but I often don’t have the time to produce a fully decorated set with all of my regular client work, classes etc.
So what journey will I go one for this coming Bazaar? I have some ideas – that I will share when I actually start to implement them, with full on photos of the work in progress etc.!
In the meantime, tell me something: What are you looking for in costuming these days? What’s your belly dance costuming need for the upcoming season of shows that will start in now time? Leave me a comment below and soon I’ll get a new poll up for you to take too 🙂
Meanwhile – happy dancing!
T/H
Dancers’ News -Update-2011-01-23
Head on over to see more Events, Classes Teacher Directory, Shopping Opportunities, and Healing, Guides and Energy workers, Pampering sections!
Hey all –
I know it’s been a while since I’ve used the blog to create an update for the Dancers’ News – but something is amiss with the newsletter this morning – so here’s the latest for those who follow me on both!
DANCERS’ NEWSLETTER – UPDATE EDITION
WINTER CLASSES
There are still other classes listed on the website- these ones start this week or later!
Winter Classes with Eurika
Ottawa School Board Community Program – February 2 – March 30, 2011
Time: Wednesday evenings 7:30-8:30pm (Beginner)
Location: Brookfield High School (824 Brookfield Road, Ottawa, Ontario)
Register #45891 Price: $67 for 8 weeks (Registration deadline: January 27, 2011)
Description: Learn posture, fluidity of movement and expressive arms through fingertip coordination to the music of the Middle East in a fun and friendly environment.
Ville de Gatineau – 24 Janvier 2011 – 29 Mars 2011
Lundi: 6:30-7:30pm et 7:40-8:40pm (Debutant 1 chaque heure)
Mardi: 7:00-8:00pm (Debutant 2)
Mardi: 8:00-9:00pm (Intermediare)
Location: 25, rue Laurier – Gatineau, Quebec (chambre – Pallestre)
Inscription par internet: https://paiement.ville.gatineau.qc.ca/ludik/ludik%20internet.htm
Jalilah
NEW Starting February 1- March 8
Beginner Belly Dance with Jalilah at:
at Planet Dance, 3059 Carling Avenue
Tuesday Evenings from 8:30- 9:30 Price $60 and
March 29-May 30 $100
To register contact Jalilah (613)2288215 jalilah@rogers.com
Beginner Bellydance with Nikita
Monday Nights 6:30-7:30
Plant Recreation Centre
Starting January24th
Register @ www.ottawa.ca or in person @ Plant RC
Belly Dancing with Amara in Trenton and Belleville
Beginner class
Belly dancing is a fun way to exercise and learn how to isolate body movements. Far East music, veils, zills are all part of the art of belly dancing.
Intermediate class
Must have taken the beginner class.You will be working on dance routines and may have the opportunity to perform in the community.
A beginner class to learn Belly Dancing will be starting along with an Intermediate class for those wanting to continue on with dancing. The classes will run 8 weeks.
========================
Trenton Classes:
Beginners classes:
$50.00
Tuesdays, starting Feb 1 – Mar 22
9:00am – 10:30am or
7:00pm-8:30pm
Instructor: Cindy Vieau
Military Family Resource Centre (Siskin Centre)
50 Rivers Drive East
Bldg 339 (behind Tim Horton’s)
8 Wing/CFB Trenton
Trenton, Ontario
Intermediate Classes:
$50.00
Mondays, starting Jan 31 – Mar 21
7:00pm-8:30pm
Instructor: Cindy Vieau
Military Family Resource Centre (Siskin Centre)
50 Rivers Drive East
Bldg 339 (behind Tim Horton’s)
8 Wing/CFB Trenton
Trenton, Ontario
To register contact Cindy at cavieau@cogeco.ca or the MFRC at 613-392-2811-2382.
========================
Belleville Classes:
Beginners classes:
Course code 4372
$96.90
Wednesdays, starting Jan 26th – Mar 16
7:00pm-8:30pm
Instructor: Cindy Vieau
Queen Victoria Public School
Intermediate Classes:
Course code 4378
$96.90
Thursdays, starting Jan 27-Mar 17
7:00pm-8:30pm
Instructor: Cindy Vieau
Queen Victoria Public School
The link to the Loyalist page where you can sign up and pay for the courses is below:
https://www.loyalistbanner.com/PROD/cewkcrss.P_CrseDetails?subj_code=GNRL_numb=9568&sess_code=O
Fun with the Doumbek Workshops
A series of Introductory level and Beyond Beginner Refresher classes starting on February 5, 2011
Each 2-hour workshop is limited to 5 participants for maximum individual attention.
Introductory Level 1
Basics for the first-time, absolute beginner. Drums will be provided.
Saturday, February 5, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Beyond Beginner Refresher 1
Aimed at the drummer who has taken one or several courses in the past, has a grasp of basic techniques & rhythms but who feels rusty, out of practice & in need of “a kick in the pants” to jump ahead. Drums available for in-class use.
Saturday, February 12, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
A continuing Level 2 for both workshops may be offered upon request.
Cost: $40 Location: Beechwood Village area (Lindenlea)
Registration & information: Rosemary zahra_haddad@hotmail.com 613-298-0788
~Drums available for in-class use~
~ some rentals to take home~
~a selection of new drums for sale~
2011 Events
February 12, 2011
Evening of Music, Dance and Friendship at ECCAO’s 26th Annual Gala.
Time: 5:30 PM – Dinner buffet will open at 6:00 PM
Place: Ballroom 118 of the Hampton Inn Conference Centre.
100 Coventry Road, Ottawa
At this year’s gala, ECCAO is very pleased to recognize Denise and Ahmed Enan for their life time contribution to spreading the Egyptian folklore dancing and culture in our region and beyond.
In addition to a great Buffet dinner, you will be entertained by the talented Enan Dance Troupe, gifted musicians playing your favorite tunes, a Comedian and wonderful DJ dance music.
Please visit www.eccao.com more information on the program and menu.
Tickets at $80 are only available on the internet at www.eccao.com . Seating arrangements will be based on priority reservation and payment, so buy your tickets early.
Ticket sales will be open at 7:00 PM on January 5, 2011. Please carefully review the instruction and do not forget to print and bring the receipt with you. This is your proof of purchase and seating.
ECCAO members will be given a discount in the form of a free soft drink for each member ticket purchased – ask for your drink ticket at the door.
We look forward to seeing you at the Gala.
ECCAO Board
Website: http://www.eccao.com?Twitter : http://twitter.com/eccao
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=15688681899
February 25-27, 2011
Ariellah in Ottawa – Intensive Tribal Fusion Workshop!
The Dark Urban Cabaret with Ariellah & Beatbox Guitar!
WEBSITE: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=120387094698216
Friday, February 25 · 7:00pm – 10:00pm
The Arts Court Theatre
2 Daly St.Ottawa, ON
Winter in the city is a cold and dark time, and this year for our annual dark fusion bellydance show, we’re thrilled to have special guest and dark tribal fusionist Ariellah!
We’ve also got urban fusionist Beatbox Guitar, featuring the musical stylings of Pete List and Rob Mastrianni! With special guest artists Luna Kuarta, The Serpentina North Ensemble, Rosanna McGuire, and Nadia, along with featured Ottawa dancers Oksana, Zamira, Halyma, Pia and Leslie & Shakti fusion, the evening will be sure to bring many dark, urban glam, and theatrical delights fit to chase away the winter spirits!
Doors open at 7pm
Show starts at 8pm
Tickets are $25 in advance
$30 after February 14th
Get your ticket now, they are already selling fast and the event is limited capacity! email leslie AT shaktifusion DOT ca to order yours.
About the Artists:
Ariellah:Ariellah is an international modern, belly dance performer and instructor. She has an extensive dance background that includes strict classical ballet training for 12 years with the Royal Academy of Dance from London. She has studied and performed belly dance for the past nine years. She began her training with Janine Ryle of Danse Mahgreb and as a founding member of The Indigo with Rachel Brice. Most recently Ariellah began training in classical Indian Odissi dance, studying in India at the Shakti School of Dance. Her style infuses many genres of dance, all with a modern dark flavour that is uniquely her own. She is featured on the first of its kind “Gothic BellyDance” DVD and has also released her first instructional DVD. www.ariellah.com
Beatbox Guitar:The Brooklyn based duo, Beatbox Guitar create an innovative mix offlamenco, psychedelic rock, hip hop and punk. Human beatboxer,Pete List’s effortless flow of beat and breath on the mic showcasesRob Mastrianni’s intricate guitar and electric sitar stylings.www.beatboxguitar.com
Luna Kuarta:Luna Kuarta is a dark tribal fusion troupe that has been evolving in Montreal for 3 years. Its members are creative in a most gloomy and strange way, exploring tribal fusion from a non-traditional perspective. Sometimes theatrical, sometimes ritual, sometime circus-like, but always in a true passionate, unusual and charismatic fashion.
The Serpentina North Ensemble:
Rosanna McGuire:An engaging perfomer recognized for her unique 1920?s vintage jazz-bellydance fusions and modern urban belly-hip-hop fusions, Rosanna has taught and performed in both Toronto and San Francisco.www.cleoflaptra.com
Oksana
Nadia
Pia
Zamira
Halyma
Leslie & Shakti fusion
This show is a part of our WEEKEND INTENSIVE with Ariellah! Info on workshops can be found here:
February 25-27, 2011
Ariellah in Ottawa – Intensive Tribal Fusion Workshop!
Shakti fusion is thrilled to be bringing the exceptional Ariellah to Ottawa/Gatineau for a two day intensive workshop and show, including 8 hours of instruction in creative and theatrical tribal fusion and darkly inspired bellydance.
WEBSITE: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=181426551883869
Ariellah is an international modern, belly dance performer and instructor. She has an extensive dance background that includes strict classical ballet training for 12 years with the Royal Academy of Dance from London. She has studied and performed belly dance for the past nine years. She began her training with Janine Ryle of Danse Mahgreb and as a founding member of The Indigo with Rachel Brice. Most recently Ariellah began training in classical Indian Odissi dance, studying in India at the Shakti School of Dance. Her style infuses many genres of dance, all with a modern dark flavour that is uniquely her own. She is featured on the first of its kind “Gothic BellyDance” DVD and has also released her first instructional DVD. www.ariellah.com
Ariellah will be teaching four topics over two days, including aspects of technique for tribal fusion, conditioning, combinations/choreography, with special attention to theatrical performance and darkly inspired dance. More details to follow, or email Leslie for specific details on workshop topics.
About the workshops:
Saturday (Tribal Fusion focus): 12PM-4PM
AT THE HEART OF IT ALL…At the heart of it all is convergence of dance, technique, flexibility, strength, mind, spirit and art. Train your mind with technique, train your heart to dance and all else will fall in place. In this dance training course emphasis will be placed on the combination of not only technique but an equal counterpart of dance expression. Creative processes and internal work written and oral will also be discussed. The workshop will include an intensive technique and body conditioning section. This mini intensive course is designed to give the dancer the encouragement and tools necessary to take home and incorporate into his or her own practice in order to reach the next level, the next challenge.
Sunday (Dark and Theatrical Fusion focus):10AM-2PMLearn Ariellah’s unique style of belly dance by working with her on dark fusion belly dance combinations and choreography. The workshop includes a yoga infused warm up and repetitive drilling of dark fusion infused belly dance combinations. Students will possibly learn a short choreography that infuses the combinations learned in the workshop.
EARLYBIRD REGISTRATION:
$175 for both days until February 14th, 2011 $95 for single day
$200 after February 14th, 2011 $110 for single day
Workshops take place at CEGEP de l’Outaouais: 333 Boulevard de la Cité des Jeunes, Hull, Québec, Canada
SHOW INFORMATION:See above posting
TO REGISTER AND FOR SHOW TICKETS:email leslie AT shaktifusion DOT ca
As Ariellah is an in demand instructor throughout the world, we are fortunate to have her for these dates! There is a strong possibility this event will sell out very quickly. Don’t miss out!
February 27, 2011
TAV Creations and Halyma’s Belly Dance present
Ottawa’s Dancers’ Bazaar
Doors open noon to 4 p.m.
260 McArthur, Knight’s of Columbus Hall
The usual!
Save your pennies!
Info: tracey@tav-creations.com
http://www.tav-creations.com/bazaar
NOT QUITE BELLY DANCE EVENTS:
Sewing with Tracey
Routhier Community Centre, 172 Guigues 613-244-4470
LEVEL 1
Learn how to hem your own pants, sew on your own buttons and the very basics of sewing! This course is based on hand work, with the option to bring in your sewing machine for the second class.
Needles, thread and muslin are provided. Students may choose bring in their own projects to work on during the final class.
Saturday mornings- 10 a.m. to noon: February 26, March 5, 12, 2011 *
Res $50
NR $62.50
Sen: $45
* dates have been shifted slightly from what is indicated in the Recreation Guide.
NEW CLASS – online but not listed in the city’s recreation guide :
LEVEL 2
Learn how to alter your clothes to fit, install a basic zipper and general repairs. This course is based on a combination of hand and sewing machine work. Some work with basic store bought patterns will be covered as well.
Muslin will be provided and a basic zipper. Students may choose to bring in their own projects to work on. An information sheet will be provided upon registration or via email.
Saturday mornings- 10 a.m. to noon: January 29, February 5, 12, 2011
Res $50
NR $62.50
Sen: $45
Free Meditation Practice Group
Mondays
8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Maki House, 19 Leeming Drive (between Bayshore and Kanata)
For info contact Julie: 613-254-8469 or julieDOTtierneyAtsympatico.ca
What a beautiful Winter day…
Today I was able to enjoy an early lunch with the Friday Office gang and a girlfriend whose schedule now allows her to do more stuff during the day.
It was very interesting listening to her talk about her life and what she’s doing these days – we have haven’t hung out together much in smaller settings for a while, so it was nice to be able to chat.
It reminded me that for my whole life, I have liked rotating through friends – that sounds weird I am sure, but I have always liked to have a diverse selection of folk to spend time with and alternate my social scene when I can. It makes me appreciate them all more.
And it was nice to listen to the conversations – some silly, some intense and that’s the very nature of FridayOffice that @wtl loves so much.
Honestly, I can only take it in small doses, and today was just right! Another reminder of who I am – I like spending time with girls. I like boys too, but I like them for short periods of time – like today. And the men I know are amazing men – no worries there – no brutes amongst them! But spending time with boys means I have to get out of my head and open myself up to new conversations.
Sigh.
That’s a good thing, I know, but I am a selfish girl and like to talk about things I am interested in. I like to talk about things I know about. And challenging myself comes at a price to my ego – I may be wrong about something and have to change my views – GAH! Or merely think more than I feel like at that particular moment.. again, GAH!
Again, just a bit more insight into me! Perhaps more than you need to know – but if you know me already – this isn’t that big on the news front!
So, after a lovely lunch, my girlfriend and I walked out into the beautiful sunshine and parted ways a few blocks later. I continued on home in the sunshine thinking.. What a beautiful day…
Hope you have had a great day too! it’s not over yet!
We're doing some Bellywood this weekend!
If you are in Ottawa and wanna see what fun Belly Dance, Bollywood Dance and Belly wood dance can be, come check us out at Landowne Park!
Click here for details!
DANCING ALL WEEKEND LONG! Come check us out!
January 14-16, 2011
Sexapaloosa at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa
JOURNEY TO THE EXOTIC EAST IN DANCE
WITH
Halyma’s Belly Dance and Bollywood For Fun!
Taking you on a journey to the Middle East and India, these dancers sparkle and glitter as they showcase these ancient artforms of belly dance and bollywood, along with some modern fusions of both.
Halyma, along with other local professional belly dance teachers and performers, and her colleagues from Bollywood For Fun, Ottawa’s first fusion Bollywood dance troupe, will encourage you to sway and shimmy along as they present their elegant and enticing dances.
Be sure to stop by the booth to find out more about classes in belly dance all around Ottawa, private workshops in Bollywood, and the newest fusion classes, Bellywood with Halyma.
Halyma’s Belly Dance offers Belly Dancing For Fun courses through the City of Ottawa along with private classes and performances at weddings, birthday parties, girl’s nights, etc.
Halyma is also a founding member of Bollywood For Fun, Ottawa’s first fusion Bollywood Dance Troupe and they have been seen around Ottawa at local festivals and are also available for private lessons, workshops and parties!
Be sure to check the Main Stage schedule for our shows here this weekend!
Bellywood with Halyma is her latest adventure in fusing these two loves together and creates a high energy dance class with the softness of Belly dance and the punch of Bollywood!
Strongly community minded, Halyma also offers the Dancers’ News, an online source of belly dance related information in the Ottawa/Gatineau area, including classes, workshops, shows and more!
Helping women of all ages and sizes enjoy a healthy body image and finding fun within our souls!
Main Stage Showtimes!
Friday: ONE SHOW ONLY: 9 p.m.
Saturday:
3 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
9:30 p.m.
Sunday: ONE SHOW ONLY: 2:30 p.m.
Be sure to come enjoy our featured dancers:
Classes start next week!
Wow – the break is almost over – and I will be SO ready to dance again by January 10 – will you?
Be sure to sign up this week to ensure your space in whatever class will work for you!
Belly dance – Starting the week of January 10, 2011
Byward Market Area:
Routhier Community Centre 613-244-4470
172 Guigues, [corner of Cumberland street and St. Patrick]
$97.75/ 12 weeks
Beginner classes: Mondays 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. OR Thursdays 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Learn the basics of belly dance in a relaxing atmosphere and have some fun finding new ways to move your body!
Intermediate Class: Mondays, 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Once you’ve got the basics, come out for a bit of a challenge with layering, more props and even more fun!
Old Ottawa South:
Old Ottawa South Community Centre 613-247-4946
260 Sunnyside, east off Bank
$75/ 10 weeks
Beginners and Beyond: Tuesdays 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Designed for beginners and those who have the basics of belly dance already, this course will challenge you to a low impact workout and get your brain working too!
Bellywood with Halyma- Starting the week of January 10, 2011
“Bellywood“: a fusion of the best of Bollywood dance and Bellydance that focuses on the strong and gentle low impact movements with lots of energy!
AS I have been working with Bollywood For Fun over the past few years, I have come to see a potential of amazing joy and high energy dance that could be made available to all fitness levels! By combining that which I personally love from both dance forms, I will be sharing my two loves in a new way for me, and for those who come out to play!
Check out more about it online at bellywood.ca
Old Ottawa South 613-247-4946 Bank and Sunnyside Area Tuesdays: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. $75/ 10 weeksDovercourt 411 Dovercourt Wednesdays: 7 -8 p.m. 14 weeks/ $147.50
Routhier Community Centre 613-244-4470 172 Guigues, [corner of Cumberland street and St. Patrick] Thursdays: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. $97.75/ 12 weeks
Oh – and… Sewing with Tracey
Routhier Community Centre, 172 Guigues 613-244-4470
LEVEL 1
Learn how to hem your own pants, sew on your own buttons and the very basics of sewing! This course is based on hand work, with the option to bring in your sewing machine for the second class.
Needles, thread and muslin are provided. Students may choose bring in their own projects to work on during the final class.
Saturday mornings- 10 a.m. to noon: February 26, March 5, 12, 2011 *
Res $50 NR $62.50 Sen: $45* dates have been shifted slightly from what is indicated in the Recreation Guide.
LEVEL 2 – online but not listed in the city’s recreation guide :
Learn how to alter your clothes to fit, install a basic zipper and general repairs. This course is based on a combination of hand and sewing machine work. Some work with basic store bought patterns will be covered as well.
Muslin will be provided and a basic zipper. Students may choose to bring in their own projects to work on. An information sheet will be provided upon registration or via email.
Saturday mornings- 10 a.m. to noon: January 29, February 5, 12, 2011
Res $50 NR $62.50 Sen: $45The stage awaiting…
Click on the photo as I’ll get more shots up soon…
The stage awaiting…, originally uploaded by Halyma.
So, another party, another season, another amazing evening behind us.
Thanks so much to everyone – every show has a different feel, energy, dynamics and of course technical fun, and it was great to have some new groups/ soloists involved, showcasing their styles along with some familiar faces returning!
As the Ottawa Centre Class Party is basically a “student recital”, I really want to draw attention to the generous spirit of the teachers/professionals who come out dance dance for us, sharing their talents and inspiring us with amazing choreographies/ improvised pieces, gorgeous costumes and time and energy. THANK YOU.
The volunteers make the world go round, smoothly jumping in as needed, helping out with a smile and stepping up when I don’t even know what they might be having to do. I really appreciate being able to trust that once things are set up, these folks can take over, and all works itself out! Thanks to Michele R, Erika, Donna, Gailene, Michele F [ who stuck it out outside for the whole show and took your dvd orders all night!] Laura, Sylvie, and Catharine – our Talent Wrangler. Also thanks to Lainie and her assistant Jen for what promise to be lovely photos. THANK YOU.
And Tom, of course. Did you remember to order a dvd if you wanted one?
Email him: info@darnermedia.ca – there is still time.
And finally the student performers of all levels -from first timers getting their feet wet in what I hope was a fun, relaxed atmosphere, to seasoned performers who still consider themselves students, but really do shine when they hit the stage. THANK YOU.
Today, I’m relaxing. Tomorrow, it’s back to work for a few more days till I start my official holidays for Yule.
So, seasons greetings / happy holidays to you all!
Tracey/Halyma
WINNING NUMBERS – thanks for reminding me!!
#79 was the first one drawn at the show last night – won a $25 gift certificate!
#114 is the second number for the other Eco-TAV gift certificate!
#122 has won a gift from Eco-TAV – check it here !
To collect your prizes, send an email to info@eco-tav.com
LOST & FOUND:
First Public Show – backstage!
On December 11, 2010 Samahang Ala Eh! a non profit organization hosted a Variety Show entitled “IBA’T-IBANG KILOS, ISANG LAYUNIN.
This fundraising event was held at the Bronson Centre Theatre, 211 Bronson Ave., Ottawa, ON, on Saturday, December 11, 2010 in support of their commitment to assist and motivate a financially challenged group of students in their hometown of Batangas in the Philippines, by giving them the opportunity to complete a high school education.
Bellywood with Halyma was invited to perform as part of the evening’s entertainment and I was so pleased that 5 of my students from our first session ever were willing to join me on stage that evening!
I hope to get shots from the organizers in the future, but here we are back stage:
Stage fright…
I really should be working, but on my morning walk, I was going over general conversation in my head that happens in the back stage area at almost every show. With my upcoming end of season show happening this week, it seemed like a timely topic to chat about briefly.
Do I still get stage fright?
Hmm, well, I actually only had what I felt was stage fright once. Oh wait, twice.
In grade 7, when I had to present a “speech” for the very first time, I was extremely nervous. I remember choosing to wear a skirt that day so that folks would not see how much my knees were actually shaking as I gave it. The topic was one of a funny nature, and not to brag too much, but I actually came in second in the ranking of the students, my good friend coming in first as she chose a serious topic for her presentation. Okay, I was a good student and usually did well in class, but was actually surprised to have done so well, when I knew how much I was shaking the entire time.
The second time was my last performance as a belly dance student – or thereabouts. Back when I started taking belly dance classes, I totally fell in love with it, and within about 6 months of beginning, I was taking 2 classes a week, participating in the local volunteer association that was around at the time, and dancing at amateur parties as often as I could.
It was probably in early 1997, as the previous summer /fall of 96, my life started on a path of some much needed personal growth. I was going through a lot, and dance was my escape when needed and my dance friends were my solace to get me through.
And then it happened. At one of our amateur shows, which were taking place at a local lebanese restaurant on a somewhat regular basis, I was standing in the “back stage” area – which was the stairway to a basement changing area that those of us taller than 5’6″ had to duck the lightbulb! – and I was introduced that I would be performing next.
Now, at this time, the restaurant had been inviting some of their own regular patrons to come out and enjoy these shows, so there were some non-bellydance folk who had been booking a table and coming out for at least a few months.
Once my name was announced, I heard the words, ” Ahh, Halyma!” amidst very welcoming clapping. and all that went through my head was > “OH Crap.”
Suddenly, my time of relaxed and fun dancing- because I was still ” a student” -had switched. What did it mean to have people calling my name? It was too weird.
Really, too weird.
I danced with a flush of nervous energy that totally shifted my perspective on my dancing and made me realize that, if I was going to continue, I had to actually start to work at it. My colleagues at the time who had begun pretty much at the same time as I had, they were working at it. They were taking workshops and practicing and challenging themselves. I was having fun.
So I took a break.
I stopped performing. I stopped taking classes and dealt with my personal life. And I kept in touch with those cherished friends in my bellydance world as they had been a big part of making changes in my feelings about myself and my sense of self esteem.
I also had to come to terms with a few things before I could return to belly dance. I had to decide what was it about the dance that was most important to me. The fun, the personal challenge, the costumes, the community.
And I came back in my own quiet way and the next phase of my life started as a teacher and professional performer.
So, long story, without an answer – Do I still get stage fright?
No, not really. but I never did. As a student dancer, I told myself that it was okay to make mistakes because I was still a student. And once I realized I needed to smile more, something else kicked in – I developed a fabulous nervous twitch that affected the side of my face, and the only way to stop it was to smile!
These days, I get crazy hyper vigilant. I get moments of complete blankness on stage. I get a voice in my head that reminds me to keep smiling even when there is almost no energy to be felt from the audience. So, there is a full roller coaster of emotions attached to my performances, that I try to use to my advantage. When I do make mistakes { this happens much more often now that I dance with a group!}, or things go unexpectedly awry { wings incident a few weeks ago..}, I know to smile and keep going.
So, some of the sage advice from the conversations that happen backstage may help you, if you have moments of stage fright:
Don’t beat yourself up about making mistakes.
Keep smiling and laugh it off.
Warm up a bit and speed practice through those moves a few minutes before, just to refresh your memory.
And what advice has worked for you?
Post me some comments folks and share your advice for those new dancers who are making their way through the ranks!