What Level of Belly Dance Are You Really At?

It's important to be realistic regarding the level you are at in the dance. In the end, if you are not realistic, you're only retarding your own growth as a dancer.

There is no such thing as an instant belly dancer. At least not a good one you would want to watch. It takes years of study and practicing to be a good, competent dancer. If it was really that easy all of us would be mega stars of the dance, touring the world with thousands of fans.

Over a period of time, I will write often about going back to the basics. If you were a ballet or modern dancer you do the basics everyday. It should be no different with belly dancing.

If you are just starting, don't try to take short cuts or circumnavigate the learning curve. Take your time and practice, practice, practice the basics. Only then start building on your movements. To be a graceful belly dancer you have to practice.

I can't tell you how many dancers I have seen, talked to, received their video in the mail and so on... that are delusional about the level of dance they are at. Heck, I get phone calls from dancers and I can tell by talking to them that they are at best a beginner. Most seem to think they are at the advanced or pro level. This has happened because they quickly skipped through the beginning and intermediate classes. Not good. Take your time and enjoy the experience of learning.

I would tell any of these dancers if they want to be a truly great dancer then they need to take belly dance more seriously as if they were taking ballet or modern dance. Take a step back and reexamine where you are at. Practice at least 4 times a week. Take at least one lesson a week - forever.

Never stop learning. Take lessons, workshops, private classes & buy instructional videos. You will never know it all. A professional dancer never stops learning.

I want to see you as the best belly dancer you can be!

Suzy Evans

BellyDance.org

The History of BellyDance.org

In a previous post I talked about the anniversary of our website BellyDance.org. It went on line in January 1999. But we have been on the internet before that. It was common back in the earlier days of the internet to be a part of another website - because there were few websites on the internet and most people did not have their own domain name.

I don't remember the exact date we went on line but I believe we were on the net at least 1 year before BellyDance.org. So that would have been 1997/1998. I believe the site was called webaccess.com and we had some pages connected to that site.

Over the years the website has undergone numerous design changes and all were quite beautiful and unique. Although in the beginning is a bit amateur looking compared to what websites look like now. Initially there was no store program that came later. The store part of the website has also been re-designed and has had various looks and upgraded to make shopping and checkout easier. We've added video clips of all IAMED videos, which to date is now more than 60. The clips were important to give people an idea of the content of the full length DVD.

The site has added articles, photos, events page, history of belly dance, and hire a belly dancer page. One of the more recent additions is the IAMED stars of belly dancers page. It features photos and articles about the stars of the dance.

The latest news is our store is currently undergoing an upgrade which should be complete within a month. It will offer some new features. I will keep you posted when it is finished.

To view BellyDance.org Click Here

Suzy Evans

Arabic Rhythms - A Must Have Belly Dance Video

I get emails from belly dancers all the time about what instructional DVDs I would recommend if say they could only afford 1 or a few.

One of our videos that always comes to mind is Arabic Rhythms with Tamra-henna. This is a must have for all belly dancers at all levels, beginner to advanced/professional.

What it boils down to is this: It's all about the music. Belly dancing is all about the music. If don't "get" the music, you can't possibly be a good dancer. Period. If you visit Egypt and go see the Egyptian dancers perform or see them on video you'll know what I mean.

I've seen too many dancers run roughshod over the music, as if the music matters not. And guess what, the audience does notice it and not in a positive way.

Tamra-henna's video on understanding the music and rhythms will give you the foundation you need to be a great belly dancer.

As an insider on the making of this video I can tell you this: This video was a real bear to produce. We probably put in more time, money and energy on this video than any other instructional video that we've ever made. To say that Tamra-henna put in over time on this one would be a gross understatement. The pre-production was long and very detailed. We ran overtime on the day of shooting. This one video took the equivalent time in editing of about 3 videos. This project was truly a labor of love. I felt the information was too important, not to produce it and make it available for dancers.

There is a 2nd volume of Arabic Rhythms in post production. I hope to release it by the end of the year.

Click Here for more information about the video and to purchase.

Suzy Evans

BellyDance.org

Look Like a Belly Dancer

Anyone watch Mad TV? Reminder Ms. Swan's most famous quote: He looka like-a man. Borrowing that idea, I think you should looka like-a belly dancer.

This post was inspired from a call I received from a gentleman about a week ago who lived in another state and he was looking on line for a belly dancer for his sister's party. He told me he found a website with dancers in his area, however, he didn't like the pictures of the dancers because they didn't look like belly dancers. And he wanted the style and look of a belly dancer. He told me they were wearing boots and in other pictures pants. I think you get the picture.

Whether we like it or not, the general public still see a belly dancer looking like what we call an American Cabaret belly dancer. And that's not likely going to change. Full skirt, bar and belt, a veil and maybe playing finger cymbals.

So here's my advice if you are actively looking for dance gigs. And this goes for no matter what style you are into. Have at least a couple of photos of yourself in a traditional cabaret costume on your website. If you perform more than 1 type of bellydance list types that you perform. This way you won't miss out on opportunities to be hired.

Suzy Evans

BellyDance.org - Producers of the Best Belly Dance Videos in the World!

Pictures - Its All About Pictures

If you are at the level where you are now getting belly dance gigs whether its a party, restaurant, wedding or a stage performance, you need great photos of yourself.

Photos are just one part of a professional dancers promotional package.

My best suggestion is to book a photo shoot at least twice a year. Put it on your calendar and make it happen! Promoters and anyone that would consider hiring you like to look at fresh pictures.

If you can't afford a professional shoot, find a friend with a camera, set up a backdrop with some good lighting and go for it. Post an ad at the local college for a photography student to take your photos. They will usually do it for free because they need it for their portfolio.

The best backdrop to use is white with no texture. It's a lot easier to punch your photo out of the background in photoshop. If you are wearing a white costume use a medium color backdrop. No texture is best for all photos. If you don't have a white backdrop, at least use a light color.

Do a photo shoot party with some of your belly dancer friends in your city. Invite some dancers you don't know very well. Great way to make new friends and its a lot of fun.

Don't forget your complete belly dancer look: hair, makeup, costume and maybe some jewelry.

This also reminds me of a funny story. One of my friends and I came up with the 30 Year/ 30 Pound Rule. Sometimes you'll see what is obviously an older picture of a belly dancer in a magazine ad or elsewhere and one of us will say: They're in violation of the 30 year/30 pound rule! Write 'em a ticket!

Don't get me wrong, we love the classic photos, BUT we would love to see new, hot photos of you! Everyone ages and some of us get a little chunkier - please don't let this stop you from taking new promo photos. You won't regret it.

I look forward to seeing your new photos.

Suzy Evans

BellyDance.org

PS - Remember,,, every six months. Just book it!

Wishing You a Happy Dance-able Summer

The start of summer is just days away and many of us will be going on vacation. I'll be making short trips to Phoenix, Nashville, and Evansville, Indiana. (What an interesting combination!) BTW - Evansville was named after me. I'll also be attending my high school reunion in September. I'm not sharing how many years its been. :) And I will be attending concerts at the Hollywood Bowl.

I know that most of us are very busy during the summer months even if we are not going away. Please keep your belly dance practice and routine in place as much as possible during the summer. Attend whatever belly dance workshops, classes, and events that you can. I'd like to see you in the fall at your new next level up in your belly dancing career.

Have a great belly dance summer!

Suzy Evans

BellyDance.org

This Week's Special: Buy 3 DVDs Get Sensations Free

Now through Monday buy 3 IAMED DVDs and get Belly Dance Sensations DVD free.
See this link to learn more about this beautiful performance DVD.

Belly Dance Sensations

Suzy Evans