
Originally Posted by
Aziyade
Vague title, I know, but I couldn't think of a better one without more coffee.
So here's the thing: I've been doing Middle Eastern and international folk dance now exclusively for about 7 years. I was teaching, but I've decided to hand over most of my classes to my teacher-trainer, to give me more time to focus on my own dancing.
A'isha writes- In fact, I think there is actually no better way to improve your own dancing than actually teaching the dance. It leads to a very intensive understanding of the dance when you have to try to explain it to others. However, it you are not really into teaching right now, then I can understand your actions on that level.
I am, in all my teachers' opinions, an "advanced" level dancer. Big deal. What does that mean? What's supposed to come next?
A'isha writes- It's kind of like, "Now you are enlightened." and yes, what in heck does that mean, exactly? So you are enlightened, (or advanced), so what? Is being "advanced" some end in itself? This is one reason why I have beginning and continuing classes only. That whole "advanced" concept has never quite been fully satisfying for me. After 33 years, I am a continuing student, even though I am an "expert" in some areas of Middle Eastern dance. When I know them all on a expert level, maybe THEN I will be advanced!!
There are NO restaurant jobs in this town, and I did sub for one restaurant dancer and absolutely hated it. So I'm not looking for a regular restaurant gig. But I have a lot of knowledge, and a lot of skill, so what should I DO with it?
A'isha writes- That would depend on what your goals are. Do you want to interact with other dancers, and can you travel to do so? Do you want to make money? Do you want to research and get more knowledge? Is your goal to educate the general public for free or otherwise? Decide where you would like to go so you can have a vision for yourself and that will make it easier to decide how to proceed.
Apart from teaching (which is where "advanced" level dancers seem to be aiming) what is there to DO with this dance? My group does some cultural programs and international festivals, but our "group" is sort of a loose group of friends, and frankly they don't want regular gigs. I can't do a whole show by myself either.
A'isha writes- I have found any number of things to do with the dance. Find a cause to get involved with. My group recently decided to find a cause and support them with volunteering our dance services at any events where they need entertainment, free of charge. ( We very, very rarely dance for free, but felt we need to give back to a community that supports us.) If you know of any community events where there is entertainment, send in a publicity packet. If you want to be paid for your services, be sure to make them aware of that. You CAN do a whole show by yourself it you are in charge of how long you dance and what you do. MOST venues will work with you. Talk to your local community center and offer to put on a program to benefit some local cause. Set up a student night at a nearby restaurant or club, or location of your choice. I do this 3 times a year and it's always fun. I charge a whole $3 for people to come in and watch the dancers, so I can pay my rent.
I guess I'm just wondering what some of you do with your dancing, especially if you don't teach. I ADORE performing, and should probably make an effort to try and do more of it while I'm relatively young, but I don't even know where to start.
A'isha writes- Try talking to someone at a local coffee house or other such establishment. Make up a publicity packet and send it to the organizers of local and regional fairs of all kinds, the Chamber of Commerce, any colleges or universities in the area, clubs and organizations. Make sure your marketing materials are very professional, short, to the point and carry pertinent information about what you can offer without being too over the top. No busy person wants to spend the rest of their life reading all about YOU. They just need some info, not a huge Me-fest in writing. Usually one or two photos will suffice, an introductory letter on good stationary and one page describing what you have to offer. Contact info should be on all sheets if possible.
(By the way, I've missed you all! I had a really rough spring and summer while my husband and Mom were in the hospital at the same time, and it's only JUST now started to calm down a bit. I have SO MANY threads to read through!! Glad to be back, though. And I've lost 20 pounds since I was here last! Whoo hoo!)
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