Go With Your Flow
If you look at movies or read biographies based on the lives of famous entertainers, one thing that stands out is that they all are compelled to perform and are true to who they are. Ray Charles was a good performer when he copied other people’s style. People definitely appreciated his talent, but he didn’t [...]
Hiring a Professional Belly Dancer
httpv://youtu.be/4IeD9A6lYAc A friend just passed along this youtube link. I think anyone who is considering hiring a professional belly dancer or is embarking on a dance career should watch it. It will save us all some time and headache. Pass it along if you want to combat stereotypes.
Don’t Take It Personally
Belly dance can be a cut throat, dog-eat-dog world. If you want to survive in it (or any other competitive “sport”), you have to learn not to take it personally and not to give weight to everything you hear. Hemingway said, “Forget your personal tragedy. We are all bitched from the start and you especially [...]
The Videotaping Debate
People tend to get into trouble when they look at things from only their own point of view. Videotaping performances is a good example. Many people feel the typical “no videotaping” rule is unfair and stupid, but the big picture includes right to privacy issues, copyright issues, and revenue issues that may not be considered. [...]
It’s Not Me, It’s You: Toxic People and What To Do About Them
Every profession and hobby attracts toxic people (people who are harmful to those around them) but sometimes belly dance seems to have more than its share. The problem is, sometimes it’s hard for a reasonable person to tell if she or he is under attack by a toxic person who intends harm. Reasonable people ask [...]
Ruhiyyih- Reaching for the Stars
I started dancing as a toddler. I did ballet for thirteen years, but quit because it was I knew I wasn’t going to be a prima ballerina and it hurt! My mom and my sister were training in belly dance with Aisha Mau, so I started doing it to. At first it was really hard [...]
