Part 1 - Skill Level & Experience

This is the first in an 8-part series titled "What is a Professional Belly Dancer"

What qualities does a professional belly dancer have?

• A minimum of 5 years of solid, continuous belly dance classes
• A solid understanding of basic Middle Eastern rhythms
• should be able to identify the most common rhythms
• A willingness to continue taking classes, workshops, seminars
• A regular practice routine
• The ability to perform to recorded or live music
• must be able to identify & dance to classic pieces of music from top composers
• Comfort in performing choreographies or improvising for a full show
• A strong knowledge & skill level with finger cymbals
• should be able to identify & play (well!) basic & more complex patterns
• should be able to play & dance at the same time
• Experience & comfort working with other props such as veil, sword, Isis wings, fan veils, cane or other such props
• An understanding of the history of belly dance (people will ask you & you must know this)
• where did the dance originate?
• how old is the art of belly dance?
• do your movements or hand gestures have specific meanings?
• A knowledge of & ability to perform different styles of belly dance (Egyptian, Lebanese, Turkish, etc...) -- both Raqs Sharqi & folkloric
• Suitable & professional costumes
• should be appropriate for venue
• should be suited to type of music you are performing to (Raqs Sharqi, folkloric, tribal)
• colour & style should be flattering
• The knowledge & ability to create a professional & glamorous look
• The understanding of what are appropriate hair styles
• How to utilize make-up for a performance or theatrical look
• Proper accessories & foot wear for your costume, venue & performance
• Some knowledge of how to run a business
• advertising
• marketing
• business communication

To consider yourself a professional belly dancer you should have at least 90% of the qualities listed above.

This is a very broad overview & pertains primarily to the world of Raqs Sharqi belly dance. While it may look daunting--don't worry.  I'll be delving deeper into each topic and giving you the information you need to grow as a dancer.

You are always welcome to ask questions or add your thoughts.  Simply comment on my blog post (you can even do this anonymously!)

In part 2 -- Middle Eastern dance history & culture

A New 8-Part Series: What is a professional belly dancer?

So, what is a professional belly dancer?
What does it take to become a professional belly dancer?
Can anyone be a professional belly dancer?

It must be a glamorous life to be a professional belly dancer.
A closet full of sparkling, jewel encrusted costumes. Pretty accessories such as jewellery, headpieces, glittery dance shoes and such.  A chance to perform night after night in front of adoring fans; being showered with tips and compliments.  That's what it's really like, right?

Perhaps to the general public who typically only sees the professional performance side-yes.  But ask anyone who's been in the business for awhile & you'll realize that there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes.

I want to share with my students, blog readers & anyone else who is interested in learning--what it takes to be a professional belly dancer.  I have so much interesting & exciting information to share that I've divided it into an 8-part series.

Here is what you can expect for each blog post topic:

1. Skill level & experience
2. Knowledge of history & culture
3. Props, rhythms, folkloric styles
4. Improvisation, choreography, performing to live music, the traditional 5 or 7 part routine
5. Business sense, marketing & advertising
6. Professionalism, undercutting & ethics
7. Education, training, classes, workshops, DVDs, magazines
8. Costuming - Sharki, folkloric, tribal, fusion; make-up, hair, cover-ups

I figure this is a good start.  There is so much to know, learn & share that I could probably make this a 200-part series!  For now, I'll stick with the 8 topics I've defined.

My fellow instructors & professional performers--I hope that you'll chime in and share your thoughts & experiences as well.

Look for part 1 to be posted soon!

Fall 2012 Classes with Shahenda

While you are enjoying the remainder of summer I hope you're thinking about fall belly dance classes. Before you know it we'll be into September & the fall session will have begun!

For details on my classes please visit my website.
Fall classes with Shahenda

One of the most common questions I get from my students is...what type of choreography will you be teaching?

Level 1 (Beginner) - a brand new veil choreography
Level 2 (Intermediate) - something with finger cymbals (zills) of course! Possibly Arabic pop or something more classical
Level 3 (Advanced) - a new sword choreography

I hope you can join me this fall!  If you have any questions about my classes you are welcome to comment on this post or contact me via my website.