Friday, December 18, 2015

Student Spotlight: Stephanie



Welcome to another student spotlight! This time, we talked to Stephanie about her experiences with bellydance and WIM.




How long have you been bellydancing?
I have been bellydancing for 6 years.

Why did you decide to start taking bellydance classes?

I started taking bellydance classes as a reason/excuse to get out of the house with an infant at home.

What classes have you taken at WIM?
I have mostly taken Tribaret, which is an awesome mix of Tribal and Cabaret style bellydance. I have also taken a class or workshop or two that Sara has done, including one on shimmies, of which I am always in need of practice. I took a great makeup workshop, and also enjoyed one of Emily's choreography classes to learn baskets.

What do you enjoy most about bellydancing?

I enjoy the way I feel when I dance. I am more comfortable in my body, as myself. You can feel it when you dance with others. It's a bunch of happy, expressive women, learning to move and control our bodies. So it's relaxing, but like a mind-body awareness exercise, as well.

Who is your favorite bellydancer?
As a mom to 2 young kids, and plenty of other hobbies, I don't "get out much" or watch much extra bellydance, so from my limited exposure, Emily Beaman is my absolute favorite bellydancer. Her grace and stage presence is fantastic, beautiful. I always enjoy watching her dance. I also like her creative mix of bellydance styles, which fits with my own personal like of picking and choosing your favorite parts of things. I am always in awe of her creativity and thoroughly enjoy learning her choreographies, watching her dance, and watching LXBD perform.

Do you have any favorite props or bellydance movements?
I think my favorite prop would be fan veils. Regular veil is fun, but fan veils are like twice the fun. I like all the different ways you can dance with fan veils: wrapped around you, acting as a veil, and then the fun of closed and open veils. There's just something about all that pretty silk!

What’s your favorite part of taking classes at WIM?
I look forward to Thursday nights each week. It's my night of "relaxation". How can you not relax when dancing with a great group of ladies?!

Do you have any advice for prospective bellydance students?
Just do it! You'll be glad you did. And if you're nervous about the idea, convince a friend to try with you. Even if they don't stick it out, it's always more fun to have a friend in new adventure.

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Student Spotlight: Li

Welcome to the first installment of our student spotlight! We talked to Li, one of our fabulous students, about her bellydance journey so far and about her experiences at World in Motion.


How long have you been bellydancing?

As of September of this year, I've been bellydancing for ten years!


Why did you decide to start taking bellydance classes?

I knew that I wanted to take a dance class in my freshman year of college, and two of my friends had at that time already been bellydancing for years and I knew how to do wrist circles and loved the awesome thing that they could do. So I signed up for my first class and have been learning since!


What classes have you taken at WIM?

American Tribal Style bellydance is what initially brought me to World in Motion - I had been wanting to learn about this beautifully-communal dance language for years. I found Dawn and Sashi on the Carolina Belly Dance Website and watched some videos of their dancing, sent out a query e-mail and showed up at the beginning of the next year!

Since then, I've been taking ATS classes regularly, first Fundamentals with the excellent Sashi and now Intermediate with the also-excellent Dawn.

Once I was more comfortable in the ATS style, I wanted to reconnect with the Egyptian and Tribal Fusion dance styles that I had done before and still love, so I've also taken:

- Emily's shimmy-specific Belly-Dance Fundamentals session

- Sara's Intermediate & Advanced Bellydance Technique

- Emily's Explorations in Bellydance (Metal edition) session

I've also been lucky enough to take advantage of a number of workshops offered through WIM as well, including (but not limited to) a robot choreography with Emily, ATS costuming with Dayanisma, ATS slow moves and also duets with Dawn, and also my first drumming class with Brian that led to me buying a doumbek!

I'm also looking forward to upcoming workshops like Sara's "Finding Your Voice" workshop, the Shimmy Clinic, and the League of Extraordinary Bellydancers' "Dance Like a Jedi (or Sith)!" workshop.

I wish I could take everything - WIM instructors are intelligent, open, kind, and highly adaptable to whatever kind of student you are and wherever you're coming from physically or experientially. They're also great dancers in their own right!


What do you enjoy most about bellydancing?

In ATS, I enjoy the communication and connection with fellow dancers the most, specifically when improvising together. There is just nothing like it.

In other bellydance forms (as well as ATS, really), I love the joy of the movement and the amount of expression that this form of dance offers. Dance, and bellydance specifically, is my favored form of emotional creative expression.


Who is your favorite bellydancer?

Oh no! That's like asking me for my favorite book!

I hold up a number of dancers as inspiration for me in various styles and for various reasons. My favorites are the ones that I get to interact with regularly, like Emily, Sara, Dawn, Sashi, all of the Dayanisma ladies, and my sister Sarah. Every dancer brings something special to your dancing that I try to incorporate in my own practice, and can because I get to see them in person and ask questions in classes later!

Outside of WIM, there are still too many. I'll go with Rachel Brice, who is my longest-standing favorite and whose DVDs helped me learn and practice and grow when I was without a formal dance class.


Do you have any favorite props or bellydance movements?

I didn't dance with props for years, but now I'm dancing with zils and baskets and (soon) a lightstaber! Don't know that I have a favorite, though.

My favorite moves are undulations in all styles - the visual effect of these moves is wonderful to watch and rewarding to feel when you're doing them yourself. When I do a belly roll and feel every muscle, I remember the years of work that went into developing that movement and I appreciate every engaged muscle.


What’s your favorite part of taking classes at WIM?

THE PEOPLE. The instructors, the students, the community of dancers brought together at events and at ATS ATTACKs from around the Triangle, North Carolina, the US, and the world!

This is the most supportive and positive dance community I have ever been a part of, and my teachers at WIM have been my favorite instructors.

I love the learning and the challenge, but what especially stands out for me about classes at WIM is the people.


Do you have any advice for prospective bellydance students?

Go watch a show! See dancers at the Carolina Rennaissance Festival, Undulation Nouvea, Oasis, or any of the places that WIM and other studios in the Triangle perform. Like their facebook pages for updates! Visit World in Motion's open house December 19th!

Following closely: take a class! Give it a try! There are so many flavors and styles to choose from, try a few!

Finally, don''t be intimidated - you can do it! The first class may feel silly as you try your first shimmy, but you'll be amazed at what your body can do with practice. And your instructor is always there to help and support you.


Thanks again to Li for sharing her experiences with us! For more information about WIM, visit:

www.worldinmotiondance.com

Friday, October 11, 2013

Interview with Burlesque performer and instructor, Cherry Oh! by Lauren

Cherry Oh!: Burlesque Performer Extraordinaire!!

Photo by Hannah Combs

To someone who doesn't know what burlesque is, how would you describe it?

Burlesque is a form of entertainment that parodies current events using risque humor. It is the root of a lot of current popular entertainment, especially comedy shows and cartoons geared towards adult audiences. Dancing girls performing striptease routines were added to burlesque show lineups in the 1920s to help increase ticket sales. The girls performed between the comedian's acts, occasionally playing a part within the comedy act as well. 

How did you first get into burlesque?

In 2008 I expressed my interest in burlesque to people in the Asheville performance community and was invited to join the then newly formed Bootstraps Burlesque troupe. 

What do you enjoy most about burlesque?

I enjoy the creative freedom. It is a very malleable art form allowing for a lot of experimentation with different props, costume styles, musical styles and moods. Also, it is easy to garner interest in a burlesque show through the intrigue of scantily clad women. Then once you have warm bodies filling the seats you can throw whatever dark and dangerous stories at them and totally give them what they least expected. 

Why should people try burlesque at least once?

I can not say definitively that everyone would benefit from burlesque, but I have taught some unsuspecting students before through different opportunities such as a 24 hour dance festival where groups were chosen through drawing names, or teaching a workshop at a swing dance convention where people probably signed up for my class on a whim. From these experiences I have found that people are able to gain an incredible amount of confidence in a short period of time. Striptease combines the body awareness that you can gain from any sort of dance with the expression and emotion of theater and when you create your own routines you need to think about the development of the character you portray on stage. You can not leave the stage in the same state that you entered. There has to be a transformation. 

Who are your burlesque icons?

Sally Rand, Josephine Baker and Zorita to name a few. 

What's your favorite type of music to dance to?

I love to dance to music from the 1920s and 30s. I also love to use modern music from film soundtracks. I like music that is moody or that has a lot of energy.

Tell us about your favorite performance.

The Laudanum Express show was the final large production of Boostraps Burlesque, back in 2010 I believe. We did two runs at a venue that was called 828 at the time. The entire show was magical but our final group number was my favorite. It was a beautiful and mysterious piece with kimonos and parasols with Tim Burton style spirals on them. The movements were slow, allowing for this great meditative synergy to form between all of us on stage. Duets and group numbers are usually what I enjoy the most. 

What can people expect to learn during your Intro to Burlesque workshop?

I hope to allow people to gain a familiarity with the music and how to convey emotion and mood with their movements. I will go over posture and how to walk in heels. We will be learning dance steps that can serve as building blocks for any burlesque routine. I will talk a little about striptease and the bawdier bump and grind and I will teach a short routine to help people remember what we covered in the class. 

Don't miss Cherry Oh!'s Burlesque Workshop, Saturday, Oct. 12, 3- 5 pm at 

Monday, September 30, 2013

So how did you get to be a bellydance instructor/performer anyway?

Q & A with World In Motion Belly Dance Instructors and Special Guest Lisa Z by Holly Lloyd

After having taken many belly dance workshops over the years with instructors from all over the United States, I can say with sincerity that we are really lucky to have these women teaching in our own backyard.  

They are passionate and professional, understanding and supportive, encouraging and enthusiastic.

Recently, I started wondering about how each of them grew from dance newbie to dance teacher/performer.
I thought it might be interesting to see how they started and what words of wisdom they might have to share with us. 

Being the nosy curious person that I am, I sent an e-mail questionnaire to:



Patti Beaman (aka Sashi, Owner of World In Motion Studio and Instructor) http://www.worldinmotiondance.com/instructors/sashi/







Sara Beaman (World in Motion Instructor and Director of Esprit Du Monde http://www.worldinmotiondance.com/instructors/sara/











Emily Beaman (World in Motion Instructor and Director of Raqs al Dunya)  http://www.worldinmotiondance.com/instructors/emily/











Nandana (World in Motion Instruction and Director of Sunanda Tribe) http://www.worldinmotiondance.com/instructors/nandana/









Lisa Zahiya (Guest Workshop Instructor at World In Motion and Owner of Studio Zahiya in Asheville NC) http://www.lisazahiya.com/









They were all kind enough to take the time to reply and here are their responses:

Question 1 – What made you decide to try your first belly dance class?
Sashi: I saw a dancer at the Renn Faire and it looked like fun. Plus to get out of the house and get some exercise and away from my family.  Look how that turned out ;D
Nandana: I was at Pennsic War in 1993, an SCA event, and saw Ghawazee perform!!  It was the most amazing thing I had ever seen and experienced in my entire life.
Emily: I took my first belly dance class a little while after my mom started dancing.  She showed me a few things and after trying some of her dance videos, I could tell that the movement style really suited me.
Sara: My mom kept encouraging me to do it. She started dancing when I was 15, but I didn't break down and try a class until I was 18. I didn't love my very first class, so I wasn't sure I wanted to continue, but then I started taking classes with Nandana and I was hooked!
Lisa: I was teaching hip hop after a belly dance class, I fell in love with the movement and beauty of the dance.
Fabulous WIM students in one of our first classes at the studio


Question 2- Have you tried other classes in other dance styles? If yes, what style?
Sashi: Not really. I took one Ballet for Beginners class in college and was the only person there over 100lbs and who had never taken a ballet class before so I dropped it after the first class ;-) I have just always loved to dance.
Nandana: I had never taken another style of dance.  I had 3 left feet...
Emily: I have always loved dancing.  When I was little, I took ballet and jazz classes.  In middle school I always took dance electives.  I got to high school and wasn't involved with any dance classes for the first time, but fortunately I found belly dance!
Sara: As a young kid I took ballet, tap, jazz and acrobatics classes at a studio in the small town where I grew up. The teachers there were fantastic and had a very positive and sane approach to dance. Unfortunately, after I moved to North Carolina, it was hard for me to find supportive, fun classes like that, so I quit dance altogether until finding belly dance.
Lisa: I have a background in hip hop, jazz, ballet and modern so YES!

Question 3 – Do you remember how you felt walking into your very first dance class as a student?
Sashi: Well, if you count that ballet class- intimidated. First belly dance class: excited and a bit nervous.
Nandana: Totally nervous and out of place.  My sweat pants and t-shirt were definitely out of place.
Emily: I felt very awkward and nervous, but excited.  I was taking one of the first classes that Nandana taught at the Solution Center and there were only two other women in the class with me, both of whom were much older than 15 year me. 
Sara: Yes. I was very confident that I would be awesome at it, because I had a dance background. I was shocked to discover how different it was from my previous dance training! I had to learn to think about movement in a completely new way.
Lisa: I was 5, so not really, I have always loved dance.



Question 4- What was your first belly dance class like?
Sashi: I liked it!  The teacher (Aziza Fadwa) was fun and warm and the class was challenging but not overwhelming.  I liked that there were women there of all ages/sizes/backgrounds and that the teacher was closer to my age than not.
Nandana: I remember feeling totally awkward and it was as if I had no muscle control.  It was as if I had never used my body before.  Very strange sensation.  However, I knew I was doing something amazing. 
Emily: To be honest, I don't remember much about it other than the fact that I was nervous and that Nandana was super nice to me.
Sara: It was a large workshop that focused on slow movements and isolations. I remember the teacher encouraging us to think of drawing shapes with our hips, and I found that just about impossible to do at first.
Lisa: It was with Autumn Ward in Washington, DC.

Question 5- Do you remember how you felt teaching your first class (or series of classes)?
Sashi: Oh, I prepared for weeks and weeks!  Wrote copious notes, practiced endlessly ahead of time, prepared witty comments (most of which I forgot to use), etc. I was excited, nervous and really happy that I had partners co-teaching with me so that it wasn’t all on my shoulders.
Nandana: I felt nervous.  I wanted everyone to love tribal belly dance as much as I did. I also wanted to show that I could actually teach!
Emily: I was very nervous!  I am an inherently anxious person, in case you couldn't tell from my previous answers.  I was teaching people that I also took classes with, and they were all older than me, so it was an interesting dynamic.  But, it ended up being really fun and I was so lucky to have the opportunity to get me feet wet in a supportive environment.
Sara: I started off as a teacher's assistant for Sashi and Nandana, which basically meant I helped them demonstrate moves during large basics classes. When I did finally start teaching my own classes, I was glad I spent so much extra time in their beginner level. I think you need to learn how to dance first, then go back and take beginner classes a second time to learn how to teach. Even given that background, when I first started teaching my own classes, I felt very nervous. I had to have note cards to help me remember everything!
Lisa: I was NERVOUS but had planned out every detail.  I had already been teaching dance but wanted to make sure I was doing belly dance justice.
Nandana and Sashi teaching at one of Blue Moon's early workshops circa 2003

Question 6- Why did you decide to teach belly dance classes?
Sashi: People kept asking, “Do you teach?” and I thought why not?  There were no other tribal style instructors in the area at the time so it seemed like a good thing to do. I must admit I was naïve and it was probably premature in some ways, and I honestly am not sure that I would have started teaching when I did had I known then what I know now. But I had taught in many other settings and I really did my homework ahead of time so I think it worked out okay, fortunately for me and the students! 
Nandana: I had just moved from PA to NC and knew no one.  I felt like it was a way to meet new people and also share this style of dance.
Emily: It just seemed like it was time, if that makes any sense.  I'd been dancing for a while and I felt that I had knowledge that I might be able to share with others.  Mostly, I wanted to share my love for belly dance and have some fun.   I didn't start teaching in earnest until WIM opened, and it has been a life changing experience.  I've learned a lot about myself, teaching, and my fellow dancers and I wouldn't trade it for anything
Sara: In 2005, I got word about a teaching position at the Chapel Hill YMCA from another dancer who decided to pass on the gig since it was so far away from her house. I was a student at UNC at that time, living in an apartment very close to the Y, so it was super convenient for me. I decided to try it out to see if I liked it, and of course I did! I have been teaching regular classes ever since.
Lisa: People were asking me to teach.


Question 7-Do you have any advice for someone thinking of taking their first belly dance class?
Sashi: Have fun, relax, don’t worry if you make mistakes- everyone else is worried about the same thing! Ask questions if you have them (chances are everyone else wants  to know the same thing) and ask for modifications if you need them. Don’t forget to breathe and try your best to relax- it will actually be easier to execute the moves if you do. And if you want to get better- practice, practice, practice!!
Nandana: Try it and enjoy that it is something new, challenging and wonderful for all ages and body types.  Belly dance challenges our brains, our bodies and encourages growth within ourselves.  I can't encourage someone enough!!!
Emily: Just go for it!  Even if you are nervous or unsure about yourself, take the chance.  Our classes at WIM are so supportive and fun, so if you have any interest whatsoever you should try it out.  Also, don't be discouraged if you don't look like your teacher or fellow students right away.  It takes most people a while to learn the movements and no one is going to judge you if you aren't perfect.
Sara: Come to class with an open mind. If you don't connect with the first teacher you take a class from, try another teacher in your area. If you live in the Triangle, you've got lots of options! Most of all, make sure that you never do anything that causes pain--although muscle burn is, of course, totally okay!
Lisa: DO IT!

Question  8- What should a new student wear to class?
Sashi: Something comfortable, breathable, and not too loose fitting so that the instructor can see your torso, legs and feet in order to assess your posture and form. This type of clothing also allows you to see your body better in the mirror (if they have them in your class). Skirts look pretty but aren’t the best choice. If there are no hip scarves to borrow, a plain scarf around your hips is nice too- no need for coins per se, but they are a lot of fun to wear. You can dance in bare feet or dance shoes, but no sneaks/tennis shoes, please!
Nandana: Yoga pants are wonderful as is a tank top or top that does not cover up the hips.  Instructors need to see what is going on with each dancer’s body.
Emily: Something that makes you feel comfortable and that you can easily move around in.  Yoga pants or leggings and a tank top or t-shirt is what most of my students wear.  Also, you don't have to show your belly if you don't want to.
Sara: I love it when students wear fitted tank tops and leggings, because it makes it much easier for me to see their body lines and give them technique corrections if they are doing something dangerous. That being said, start with whatever makes you feel most comfortable, even if that means super baggy clothing. Just try to avoid wearing a skirt--you don't want to flash people if and when you do any stretches on the floor.
Lisa: Yoga pants and a tank top - let your teacher see your knees!
 
Great class attire- just add a hip scarf and you are ready to go!

Question 9- What should a new student expect to learn during their first class?
Sashi: Proper posture, body alignment, form, and weight distribution; safety tips; some basic moves; background on the style you are studying;, and getting started on zilling (playing finger cymbals) is almost always included right from the start in my classes. And to how have fun and smile!!
Nandana: Good posture, a basic move or 2, maybe basics of zilling and also that we as instructors are there to help and encourage everyone. 
Emily: It really depends on the instructor.  For my beginner classes, they will learn some basic belly dance isolations and a few moves or a small combo.
Sara: If all you take away from your first class is an idea of what belly dance is about, that's still awesome. Don't expect to become an amazing dancer overnight.
Lisa: That really depends on the teacher, in my class, basic hip moves, posture and history of belly dance.

Question 10- How long between your first class and your first performance?
Sashi: Wow, I’m not sure!  Maybe 6 months?? It was so long ago that I don’t exactly remember :P
Nandana: I feel as if it really depends upon the student.  If they are practicing and advancing at a significant level, they will get to the performance level faster.  If they are only working on moves/concepts, etc. during class time, it will take longer.  It also depends on natural ability.  Some bodies are able to understand how to move and other bodies take longer.
Emily: I can't remember exactly how long it was, but I would guess around 6 months.  I was so excited about belly dance and wanted to show the world how awesome I thought I was.
Sara: Well, I was born willing to do anything to get people's attention, so I wanted to perform right away. I think my first public performance was about three months after I started taking regular classes. My first "classes" were actually semi-private lessons with Nandana, however, so I learned a lot very quickly.
Lisa:  For me it was 6 months but I came from a very intense dance background.

Sara and Emily at one of their first performances

Question 11- What can you tell me about your first performance? Where was it, how big was the audience, do you remember feeling excited or nervous? What was your costume?
Sashi: First performance was at a hafla sponsored by Qadria at the YWCA in Raleigh. There were probably about 30 people in the audience, and I was very, very nervous as well as thrilled to be performing. My costume was a broomstick-style skirt I had gotten from Goodwill, a gypsy-type top from a now defunct store in Chapel Hill, some jewelry that I had already, a flower in my hair, and my very first coin scarf which I loved, but somehow has disappeared over the years 
Nandana: I honestly can't even remember my first ever performance!  I guess it was just that long ago.  I was nervous for every performance for several years.  I still get nervous when performing solos, but now I feel more excited than nervous.  I think that having a little bit of nervousness helps us to focus and feel the moment.
Emily: It was at a Blue Moon student hafla.  There wasn't a very large audience and I was fortunate to dance with my sister.  All I remember is that I regretted that I wore my glasses with my fancy costume.
Sara: My first performance was a duet with my sister Emily. We choreographed a routine to "Sitare" by Oojami and performed it at the Silk Road Teahouse in Chapel Hill, which was where Tallulah's is today. I wore a purple circle skirt and lime green pantaloons I made for myself, and a purple mirror choli my mom bought for me at a Tribal belly dance festival. I felt like a character from a fantasy novel. I wasn't terribly nervous because I was a little bit arrogant about my abilities at that time, to be honest!

After one of Sashi's first performances. Can you tell how nervous she was?


Question 12- What advice would you give a new student who wants to perform?
Sashi: Most students want to perform- it is exciting!  The costuming, make-up and the chance to show what you have learned are all part of the allure of belly dance.  But keep in mind that there are appropriate venues for students to perform such as haflas, recitals, student showcases, amateur nights and friend and family celebrations. When in doubt, seek your instructor’s guidance and advice re: appropriate venues.
It is not appropriate for beginner students (and most students are considered beginners for a very long time- much longer than just one 6 week class session!) to seek paying gigs or to ever offer to dance for free/less than the going rate at a place that can and/or does pay professional dancers. This is highly unethical and lowers the standards of our art form for everyone. Professional performers should have years of studying and experience behind them, know the ins and outs of performing for a variety of audiences, and have a thorough knowledge base of the type of dance they are doing.
At World In Motion, we have a student code of ethics which we ask all of our dance students to read and sign as an acknowledgement that they have read the document. It includes the following:
At a performance I will:
-refrain from detrimental representations of this dance
-not falsely represent others’ choreography as my own
-strive for professionalism in all aspects of this dance
- practice my piece so I can do my best; try to practice in costume in advance
- show my support for other performers (smile, clap and cheer), be polite and not gossip about other dancers while they perform
- know how to be culturally respectful
- know the music I am dancing to and its meaning if I can
- dress appropriately for the venue and audience, make sure my costume fits properly and is in good repair, and wear a cover-up
Nandana: Make sure you are ready.  Preparation is so important if you want to come away from a performance feeling good.  I always try to make sure I know my music, check my costuming, videotape myself before I perform to see how everything flows and make sure I feel confident in my dancing.  Remember that dance should be fun and make you feel amazing.  Practice and preparation are so important in order to have fun when performing.
Emily: Talk to you teacher about finding an opportunity to do so.  There are plenty of good events for beginners to dance at in the local belly dance community.  I would tell them to try to relax (easier said than done) and just have fun with it.  Even if you mess everything up, you still are awesome for being brave enough to put yourself out there.  Plus, the more you perform the more comfortable it will become and everyone has to start somewhere.
Sara: Do it! But make sure you perform at an appropriate venue. There are many opportunities for students to perform in an amateur context. Amateur is not a dirty word! Wear that label with pride until you can reasonably charge a rate in the same neighborhood as the professional dancers in your area.
If you want to do a solo, consider taking a private lesson or two from a dancer you admire beforehand, or take a class or workshop which specifically addresses performance skills. There's a lot of stuff that goes into performance that won't be covered in a technique class: emotion, creativity, costuming, and so much more. Getting some instruction on these topics will give you a sense of direction and probably make you feel more confident about what you bring to the stage.
Lisa: PRACTICE!

Haflas are a great place for first performances

Question 13- What advice would you give a new student on purchasing costuming items? (Meaning what essentials would you recommend making, borrowing or saving for if they plan to perform?)
Sashi: This really depends on the genre of belly dance you are doing. For tribal, I would say a full skirt (at least 10 yards if possible), a fringed hip scarf, some simple silver or “ethnic” looking jewelry, and something basic to wear as a top. We often wear “cholis” which are cropped tops with our without sleeves and which can be covered in the back or just have ties, but you do not have to show your belly unless or until you are ready to do so. You can get many of these items at thrift stores, major retailers like Target or TJ Maxx or online if you prefer. Or if you are handy, there are online tutorials and/or patterns you can download or purchase to make many of these items.  Many instructors have hip scarves and zils for you to borrow, but I would recommend that if you are serious about continuing with belly dance that you purchase a good pair of zils of your own.  No need to do that right away, but if you have been taking classes for a while, they are a good investment b/c you need to practice zils if you ever want to be able to perform with them and the loaner zils just aren’t the same.
Nandana: I would say that for tribal group improvisation a 10 or 20 yard skirt is essential (borrowed or purchased) as is a nice fitting choli.  Also, a hip scarf to go over the skirt.  Many items can be borrowed, but saving for your own is always fun.
Emily: My biggest piece of advice is to not run out and buy a super fancy costume.  When brand new students wear professional quality costumes, it is visually dissonant and it looks like the costume is wearing the dancer.  Instead, maybe get a nice pair of dance pants or skirt and a choli.  Wear something that you feel good in and know isn't going to fall off/apart at any moment.
Sara: Every dancer needs a good hip scarf! A pretty hip scarf and some belly dancer-y jewelry can make a costume out of a black tank top and black yoga pants. I think that's the best place to start, especially if you're not sure what style of belly dance you want to focus on.

Question  14- Do you have any advice for a student about practicing on their own, outside of class?
Sashi: Just do it!!  Even if only for 5- 10 minutes each day. You will be amazed at how quickly you will progress if you do. Practice whenever/wherever you get the chance, and don’t just practice in front of a mirror (or not!) Try doing it both ways and see what a difference that makes in your body awareness. You don’t need specific music; anything with a strong beat and 4/4 rhythm will work (such as good old rock and roll!) For zilling, don’t just stand in place- at least move your feet and change your arm position from time to time. Better yet, dance and zil. Start slowly and work up to a faster tempo/longer periods of time. And when you know that you want to continue with the dance, purchase some middle eastern/tribal style music.  It is important to cultivate an ear for different rhythms, tempos, etc. as well as to familiarize yourself with the culture that is the basis of what we represent
Nandana: Set aside a time on certain days to make sure that it gets done- just like going to the gym.  Have a wall sheet or board that has written things that you would like to focus on so that your time can be well spent.   Time is precious, so keep focused.
Emily: Commit to spending 15 minutes a day dancing.  It can be drilling a move that you need to polish or just free styling to the music.  Anything that allows you to get more familiar with how your body works and what the movements look and feel like.
Sara: Remember that practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect. If you practice things wrong, you're just creating bad habits. This is why I think it's so important to take regular classes, and not to simply rely on DVDs (or God forbid, Youtube) as your main source of instruction. Videos can't tell you when you're doing something wrong!
Lisa: Do it! Ask your teacher to help you make a practice plan.

Question 15- Do you have any words of wisdom for continuing students?
Sashi: Keep studying and practicing. Study from different teachers in different genres. Take other types of dance and movement classes- they will help with strength, coordination, fluidity, and conditioning. Take as many workshops as you can afford, but also ask your teacher who they recommend so you aren’t wasting your time and money. Practice some more. Learn about the dance and culture you are representing and what the costuming your wear and music you dance to represents. Take a drumming class/workshop- they are invaluable in helping to improve your rhythm and musical interpretation. Really listen to your music to hear phrasing, tempo changes, flow, and mood. Try improvising on your own even if all you ever do is choreography.  Try developing choreography even if all you ever do is improvisation. Watch Youtube for videos of all kinds of dancers for inspiration and costuming ideas (but don’t rely on them for instruction!)Practice some more. Respect your body and its needs, the community you belong to, your fellow dancers, and the culture(s) you represent. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, advice and for constructive criticism. Now that you know the basics, focus on refining your posture, stage presence, technique and form. Practice even more! Most of all, have fun!!
Nandana: Belly dance is an art form!  It takes time, commitment and hard work, but the rewards are amazing!!   Belly dance is great for the mind, body and soul.   Keep up the hard work and the end result is wonderful.
Emily: As a continuing student myself, I would say to keep going to classes even if you feel like you reached a plateau.  Maybe change things up by taking a class with a different instructor, or supplement with a different style of dance.  It is important to realize that you are never going to be exactly like your instructor or you belly dance idol, and that is a good thing!  Embrace your own dancing and never stop learning!
Sara: One of the best things about belly dance is that it is both broad and deep, with many different subgenres and traditions. Since it's always evolving and changing, you could study belly dance for your entire life and never learn everything there is to know! Don't be afraid to try different styles, even if you're not sure you'll like them. When I first started dancing, I thought I would never like something like Modern Egyptian, but now I love it!
On the other hand, don't let this depth and breadth drive you crazy. You don't need to know how to use every single prop, or how to do every single Middle Eastern folk dance, in order to be legit. All you need to do is follow your heart and keep learning what really draws you in.
Above all, stay humble. There's always something more to learn.

Lisa: Always, always continue to learn.  



Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Attack of the Grumpasaurus by Holly Lloyd

Here is the second in a series of blogs by the intrepid Holly Lloyd recounting her varied experiences in the belly dance world.  Enjoy!

As students of belly dance, most of us will want to perform at some point.

Fortunately, many of us will make our performance debut during a student showcase. Student showcases are a great opportunity to give performing a try.
(And I can personally attest that World in Motion student showcases are a great venue for first performances.)

The audience at student showcases will be mostly comprised of fellow students and the friends and family of fellow students.

They want you to do well.  They are eager to applaud your efforts.  They are prepared to be dazzled.
You will try your best and they will give you their undivided attention and their enthusiastic applause. 
Everybody’s happy.

Eventually, you may want to take on bigger audiences and different venues. You’re feeling more confident and taking a bigger risk is slightly less horrifying.

Stepping outside the safety of a student showcase is a great opportunity to meet other dancers, to see other dance styles and to feel adored by a bigger audience.

It also increases your risk of finding an uncooperative audience.

Fortunately, so far, I’ve only had one extreme experience with an uncooperative audience member.
It was several years ago at a conference for women.  Our plan was to dance through the crowd, then give a short performance/demonstration of belly dance moves and then lead the audience through a few basic moves.

 I was decked out in my most fabulous costume. I felt a bit out of my depth but I was excited and ready to perform.

We began playing our zills and dancing through the doors to our dressing area. The “crowd” consisted of probably 300 or more women.

My heart started to pound. My mouth went dry. I felt anxiety bubbling up. I thought “What have I gotten myself into here?”

And then I saw the smiles and heard the cheers from all of these women. 

The majority of the crowd had stopped to give us their undivided attention. I felt appreciated and empowered.

We finally made it to the stage.  We ascended the stairs and took our places as we waited for the next song to start.  

Somehow I ended up in the dead center of the stage. A woman a few rows back in the audience caught my eye. She was sitting in her chair, arms crossed, glaring stonily at the stage, face twisted into a grimace.
I kept getting distracted by this woman. Part of me hoped that she was okay. Another part of me wondered what her problem was.

We finished the demo and the emcee for the event announced to the audience that we would now lead the audience through a few simple moves.  A cheer erupted as the audience came to their feet.

But Grumpy Pants did not leap to her feet.  She threw herself back against her chair and yelled “Boo! No! Get off the stage!”


I was shocked.  That wasn’t the deal.  The deal is that we dance and you smile and clap.  That’s the unspoken bargain.  

I looked frantically over at my dance teacher to see her reaction.  What did we do? How could someone not love belly dance as much as we did? What could possibly be happening?

My teacher followed my gaze to Grumps, looked back at me, shrugged, winked at me and continued on with the lesson.

I felt the tension in my chest loosen and I felt myself smile.

My teacher was absolutely right.  So what if Grumps was unhappy?  That didn’t mean I had to be. 

I made sure to look over the top of Grumpy’s head after that.

At one point the music became quiet and I heard Grumps yell “No! Boo! No! Boo! Get out!” 
(Note:  The exit door was literally 10 feet away.  I’m not sure why she didn’t just leave.)

Our music ended, we took a bow, the crowd applauded and we left.

I’m not sure what happened to Grumps but I do hope she enjoyed the next performance more than ours.

In the end, I still remember the event fondly.  I decided that day not to let the fear of another Grumps stop me from performing.  Not everyone will get belly dance.  Not everyone will think it is as fun as you do. And that’s okay. 

When you are in the audience, think of Grumps. Give the performer your undivided attention and your best vibes.  Clap along with the music to encourage them.  Give a zhagareet when they do something tricky or beautiful.  Smile if they look at you.  Applaud with gusto when they are done. (If nothing else, you are applauding them for taking a chance on performing.)  Be kind.  And when you can’t be kind, be quiet.


And if you are the one dancing, remember my teacher’s reaction to Grumps….shrug, smile and carry on! 

Monday, July 29, 2013

Emily's Bellydance Recommendations: Bellydance Taqasim w/ Ranya Renée

Bellydance Taqasim: Improvisation Skills & Drills with Ranya Renee
More often than not, I'll buy a bellydance DVD, watch it once, and then never look at it again.   The instructor doesn't explain things in a coherent fashion, the production quality is low, or the content is uninteresting.  I don't want to waste my time on something that I could have figured out on my own.  So when I say that Bellydance Taqasim featuring Ranya Renée is the best DVD I've ever purchased, it must be awesome :)

Ranya Renée's teaching style is dynamic and at times very entertaining.   It is clear that she knows what she's talking about!  Taqasim has always been something that I didn't quite understand and this DVD does an excellent job of breaking down both the musical structure and the techniques used while dancing.  One of my favorite parts of the DVD is a long segment where each type of instrument used for various taqasims are introduced by musicians who play them.  The various drills and movement qualities that Ranya Renée pairs with each type of taqasim makes improvisation seem much less daunting.  The production quality is excellent; it is easy to see and hear everything and the navigation is smooth and intuitive.  The DVD case even has a list of taqasim key term definitions.  I really can't say enough how awesome this DVD is!

If you're interested in purchasing the DVD or want more info about Ranya Renée, visit ranya.net

Here is the DVD trailer:


 

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Performance Anxiety (or How I Learned to Let Go and Laugh!) by Holly Lloyd

Guest post by Holly Lloyd, a member of World In Motion's Sunanda Tribe, our newest staff member, and person extraordinaire!

I’ve been a student of belly dance for ten years now. I’ve performed more times than I can remember and I’ve been a happy audience member for more performances than I can remember. It has just been in the past few months that I’ve felt a feeling of peacefulness when I perform.

That doesn’t mean I don’t get nervous.  I’ve just learned to tolerate the nervousness and trust that no matter what could possibly go wrong, I will live through it and probably laugh about it later.


Here’s a small list of things I’ve experienced as a performer:

  • My veil landed in someone’s (full) tea cup.  I spent the last minute of the song unaware that I was slinging droplets of a stranger’s tea all over the rest of the audience in the first row.
  • I somehow ended up with my veil wrapped completely around my head. Of course someone got a photo of the exact moment when I looked like a really fancy and completely confused beekeeper.
  • I fell on my behind in the middle of a performance.
  • I got my right toe caught in the left leg of my harem pants in the beginning of a spin sequence. This resulting in my harem pants ending up around my ankles with 2 minutes left in the song to which we were performing.
  • I’ve had the pleasure of seeing lipstick on my teeth in every photo of a performance.
  • I’ve stepped on my skirt while coming off the floor from doing floor work which caused me to stagger around ungracefully for the first few seconds of my big solo.
  • I’ve completely and totally blanked on an entire choreography as the music started for a duet performance. (Not a lot of room for faking your way through it in a duet.)
  • I’ve experienced having a finger cymbal go flying off my thumb and making a loud “thunk” sound as it hit the stage during literally the only quiet moment in the song.
  • I’ve missed cues, turned the wrong way, started a spin too late, started a spin too early and smacked my hand into the person next to me during performances more times than I can count.
Each one of these incidents are pretty traumatizing on their own much less as a collection.

I continue to perform because the benefits outweigh the risks.

I don’t perform because I particularly enjoy attention. As an introvert, I prefer to blend in and not be noticed most of the time.

What I enjoy about performing is the opportunity to wear my costumes and I love the sense of community, accomplishment and giddiness I feel after I perform. I wish everyone knew that particular kind of happiness.

And you can get there too if you give a class a try. 

You have to have some chutzpah to try something out of your comfort zone with as an adult.  There is the risk of frustration and feeling foolish. Performing adds another layer of risk of looking foolish in front of other people along with the fear of letting down your dance partners if you make a mistake. No wonder you’re nervous about taking a class at all, much less performing in front of people!

I was terrified walking into my first ever belly dance class. I didn’t know what to expect. Would the teacher be nice? Would the other students be nice? Did I have any rhythm? Would I be able to physically do whatever it was we were going to be asked to do? Would it be fun? Would I have to do anything in front of the class by myself and look like a fool?

The answers to those questions are: Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes and No.

Okay, I did resemble a drunken moose on roller skates for a long time. (Sometimes I still do.) And some really embarrassing things have happened to me during performances.

But I’m really glad I stuck with it.  And I’m especially glad that World In Motion came to be.
Through World In Motion classes, performances and social events, I’ve met some of the kindest, most hilarious and most supportive women I’ve ever known. I’ve come out of my shell and tried new things. I’ve seen some amazing performances. I’ve been surprised at how loud the audience can be cheering for the dancers after a performance.

It’s okay to be scared.  It’s okay to not be perfect. You will be okay. You might even laugh about it.
The point is, don’t let fear of the unknown or uncontrollable hold you back if you’re interested in dance.
World In Motion is a great place to start.  I can personally attest that the instructors are kind and encouraging.

Check out our schedule at World In Motion and give one of our classes a try.  

All you need to bring to your first class is a sense of humor :-)