Zuhra is a well known teacher, choreographer and bellydance show producer in the Atlanta&Duluth areas of Georgia. She is a partner in the Oriental Nights Workshops and Shows plus hosts Moonlight and Minarets annually. Her studies, work and efforts to preserve and celebrate Middle Eastern and African culture are endless. She recently shared Tips for a smooth performance with members of Atlanta’s Raqs Community!
Tips for a Smooth Peformance i.e. performance & costuming
Ladies,
Below is my list of dos and don’ts for a smooth performance. Teacher’s please feel free to share with your students. Typically when I sponsor a show I post these tips in the dressing room to remind performers of what I expect from them as professionals. It is a teacher’s responsibility to educate their students of dance etiquette before allowing them to perform in shows.
Tips for a Smooth Performance
1. Accept a formal invitation to perform in a seminar show at least 10 days after
receipt of invitation.
2. Do not go over the allotted time. Remember a three or five part routine is
never done in a seminar show except by the featured star(s).
3. Have not one but two performance CDs available. If your music goes wrong during your performance, smile sweetly, take a bow, leave the stage and quickly send your backup CD to the sound tech to begin again.
4. Record only the music you are performing on your performance CD. Use a high
quality CD for good sound. Cue your music to start playing 3 seconds of the
start button being pushed.
5. Label your show CD clearly with ink or permanent marker with your name (as
listed in show program).
6. Be prepared and ready. Check out all stage exits and entrances, ceiling
heights, etc., before going on stage.
7. Be on time. Check in with your host 30 minutes before show time and be prepared to dance two slots before yours. Be prepared to step in for a no show or a
suddenly ill dancer.
8. Request special needs in advance – lighting, prop assistance, etc.
9. Prepare and return performance information sheet or index card for the emcee
back to your host as soon as possible.
10. Do not drink spirits or take mood-altering chemicals before a performance.
11. Cleanliness is next to godliness. The entertainment world requires that
professionals shave legs and underarms, shower, i.e., be groomed impeccably.
12. Wear full stage make up so that you can be seen under strong lights. Many
people think that red lipstick works best under theatrical lights.
13. Always wear underwear that looks like the costume – mainly wear underwear. When you are performing on a stage of any considerable height people in the audience on the first two rows may occasionally see your under garments. Use safety pins to assist in securing costume closures and have extra with you in case of broken bra straps,etc…
14. Wear a cover-up caftan. Do not spoil the surprise of your costume, elegant
entrance, or the mystery of your dance by allowing the audience to see you in
costume before your performance. After your performance, if you must go through
an audience, a cover-up caftan is required.
15. Be extra thoughtful if you want to add tattoos, extremely risqué costuming, or
use strange music. Keep your audience profile in mind when you make those types
of decisions.
Zuhra has ongoing courses: 6 week session of classes begins Mondays, Sept 20 -Beginners. Weds, Sept 22 – Intermediates 7:30-8:30 PM at Peachtree Ridge High School Dance Studio in Duluth. Intermediates will enjoy a bellyrobics workout course and beginners will learn to use fans.
