Marya
Member
How do you like to enter the performing space, whether a stage or a restaurant? How do you like to exit?
As a student of Egyptian Style Raks Sharki I was taught to follow the music and that for a lot of the classic Belly Dance pieces the first few bars (sometimes first few minutes) are an introduction that is not to be danced to. The dancer's entrance comes when the music changes, usually from the slow taxim type music of the beginning to a faster more structured rhythm and melody. The entrance is dynamic, covers space and is used to greet the audience and claim a space for the dance. A veil may or may not be used. The introduction (with the dancer still off stage) builds suspense and interest in the music and anticipation of seeing the dancer. I like these kinds of entrances, they are fun, and upbeat.
When I studied American Style BD I noticed that this slow part at the beginning of the music was frequently used to make a slow sensuous entrance and for the dancer to set the mood for her dance.
I found it a huge challenge to use this improvisational introduction for an entrance. Slow entrances are way more difficult to carry off in a manner that captures the audience's attention. I have seen few dancers that can accomplish a good entrance to slow music. I really like the Egyptian Style type of entrance.
For exits I have been taught to end with the music, even if it has been faded and there is no proper end for the music and to stay on stage and take a bow to a slow count of three.
I actually prefer to exit while dancing, maybe waving good bye, and stopping to pick up a veil and to skip the bow. However, I have been told that audiences prefer a distinct ending to the performance.
I have seen exits that combine these aspects, a bow to music that culminates in a distinct ending, but then an exit to a short piece of music with lots of energy that allows the dancer to make a few turns on the dance floor and leave with a flourish.
I don't like endings and have frequently flubbed them up.
So how do you deal with entrances and exits, what works best for you, what have you seen other dancers do that you liked?
Marya
As a student of Egyptian Style Raks Sharki I was taught to follow the music and that for a lot of the classic Belly Dance pieces the first few bars (sometimes first few minutes) are an introduction that is not to be danced to. The dancer's entrance comes when the music changes, usually from the slow taxim type music of the beginning to a faster more structured rhythm and melody. The entrance is dynamic, covers space and is used to greet the audience and claim a space for the dance. A veil may or may not be used. The introduction (with the dancer still off stage) builds suspense and interest in the music and anticipation of seeing the dancer. I like these kinds of entrances, they are fun, and upbeat.
When I studied American Style BD I noticed that this slow part at the beginning of the music was frequently used to make a slow sensuous entrance and for the dancer to set the mood for her dance.
I found it a huge challenge to use this improvisational introduction for an entrance. Slow entrances are way more difficult to carry off in a manner that captures the audience's attention. I have seen few dancers that can accomplish a good entrance to slow music. I really like the Egyptian Style type of entrance.
For exits I have been taught to end with the music, even if it has been faded and there is no proper end for the music and to stay on stage and take a bow to a slow count of three.
I actually prefer to exit while dancing, maybe waving good bye, and stopping to pick up a veil and to skip the bow. However, I have been told that audiences prefer a distinct ending to the performance.
I have seen exits that combine these aspects, a bow to music that culminates in a distinct ending, but then an exit to a short piece of music with lots of energy that allows the dancer to make a few turns on the dance floor and leave with a flourish.
I don't like endings and have frequently flubbed them up.
So how do you deal with entrances and exits, what works best for you, what have you seen other dancers do that you liked?
Marya
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