Good vs. Bad Improv

You often hear me praising the benefits of improvisation. It’s not because I think all choreography is crap. It’s because I don’t see it taught or performed as often as it should be given that it’s a folk dance. Still, for all my praise of improvisation, I have to say that there is a difference [...]

When Are You Going to Get Rid of that (Choreography) Crutch?

If you are a stage performer, troupe member or member of a theater production, choreography is a MUST! You can’t go out there without it if you want a cohesive, intricate piece that is reproducible and creates a predictable effect over and over again. Choreography even has its place in the classroom. It gives form [...]

When an “Audition” is Not an Audition

There are people who like to take advantage of eager young dancer’s desire to perform. They make proposals that sound like they are open to the idea of having a dancer when all they really want is a free show. If someone isn’t offering you a fair wage in exchange for your work, walk away. [...]

How to Choose Your Stage Name

In the old days, instructors gave their students their dance names. Now days it’s more common for dancers to choose their own. Picking a belly dance stage name is a lot like choosing a business name. If you keep a few things in mind, you should come up with something that you love. * For [...]

Breaking Down the Karsilama Step and Adding Layers

Basic karsilama step is a rock step. You start from basic stance. The active foot moves forward on 1, your weight shifts back to center on 2, the active foot steps straight behind the body on 3, then you return to center on 4. Karsilama step with a hip slide- Repeat the same basic movement [...]

Drill, Baby, Drill

I don’t understand why folk dance students think that drilling basics is a waste of time. Some see dance as a series of choreographies to learn (maybe because some teachers teach that way?) and that drilling basics is for babies. If you go to a western dance class, you will see that all levels of [...]

Basic Belly Dance Stance

Your feet should be shoulder width apart. The weight on your feet should be evenly distributed. Your knees should be soft. The pelvis should be relaxed and neutral with your kwa open. Your sit bones should be facing the ground. Spine is long. Chest is neutral (not lifted). Shoulders are relaxed and neutral (not lifted). [...]

Find a Dance Buddy

If you are new to dancing, it might be a good idea to start out with a dance partner. Having someone who goes to class with you and rehearses in between makes a huge difference in staying committed. You are accountable to each other so you are less likely to blow class or rehearsal off. [...]

Finding Your Style

One of my pet peeves is when a teacher or professional performer mislabels her style. I once took a class with someone who advertised herself as “Classical Egyptian,” but it was 100% American style. What a let down. If you don’t know what style you are doing, you probably shouldn’t be teaching or performing it. [...]