The 2 Speed Belly Dancer

Yes, I know you've seen it too. Too many times. Generally it's a symptom of an inexperienced dancer. What are the 2 speeds?  Fast and faster. 

So you're sitting in the audience at a belly dance event and you're watching one dancer after another. A belly dancer comes out on stage and frantically runs through the first part of her routine. Then the slow music comes up and what's supposed to be the slow sensuous part of the dance, the dancer instead moves faster than the music. Sometimes she whips out her veil and almost uses it as a weapon on the audience. Then the drum solo music comes up and she seems to be doing double time even on the fast music.  She ends her routine and runs off stage.  I often wonder if she falls over from exhaustion then drinks a gallon of water. Then you realize that you're exhausted from watching her too.

Well, there's a simple cure for the 2 speed dancer. 

1. Practice the routine a lot before performing it in public. This will give you confidence in the dance and slow you down. 

2. Breathe. Be sure you are breathing properly through out the routine. Don't be afraid to take a slow deep breath during the performance. 

I hope this cures all future 2 speed dancers. 

Suzy Evans

Please support us and visit us at BellyDance.org

Keep it Short

"Always keep them wanting more."  
Far too often belly dancers performances are too long.  I can count on 1 hand the numbers of dancers that I can avidly watch for more than 10 minutes. Most belly dancers should keep their routines to no more than 7 minutes.  Even if you have been given a 10 or 15 minute spot on a program, that does not mean you should fill it. 


Some years ago I was offered a 15 minute performance spot.  I felt obligated to fill the entire 15 minutes.   That was a mistake.  Not only did the audience get bored during the performance, but I did too.  


Be sure to add variety, layers and changes of pace in the routine.  If you are newer to the dance, there is nothing wrong with doing a 4 or 5 minute piece.  You want to be comfortable in your routine.  


If you keep your dance short, your audience will want to see more, but don't give it to them, it may be stepping just over the line. Learn how to gauge the length of your performance. Better to dance 1 minute shorter than 1 minute too long and start losing the interest of your audience.    

Tamra Henna in Belly Dance Sensations

Please visit our website BellyDance.org