Here are some reasons why you may want to use a different name :
A ) Your original name is too complicated or awkward . For instance , “ Ima John ,” “ Cornelia McGillicutty ,” “ Maria Consuelo de Ramos Sifuentes y Rodrigues .” The whole point of a stage name is to be memorable and easy to say . Think “ Cher ,” “ Jillina ” “ Prince ,” “ Shakira ,” “ Dahlena .” Here are some examples of well-known artists that changed their names for this reason : Margot Fonteyn ( formerly Peggy Hookham ), Fred Astaire ( formerly Frederick Austerlitz ), Cyd Charisse ( formerly Tula Ellice Finklea ). Avoid highly hyphenated names . Graphic artists , computer typists , emcees will all thank you . A name that uses accent marks , hyphens , etc . will always be cumbersome and not as useful .
B ) You want to have a wall between your legal name and stage name to keep stalkers or fans from finding you . Although this is not a huge problem in our dance world , there have been many times when I was grateful that the odd fan in the audience couldn ’ t show up at my house . ( As a side note : NEVER list your home address on any of your marketing materials for this same reason .)
C ) By adopting a stage name , you can create a mystical or exotic persona . “ Suhaila Serene ” sounds much more enticing than “ Susan Smith ”. As performers we are selling fantasy , escape , magic . An intriguing name will help . For obvious reasons , do not choose a name that is attached to another dancer---especially if he or she is already well-established . You will only cause confusion and irritation .
D ) In the past , many dancers have adopted an Arabic sounding name , but this trend seems to be fading . Be especially careful if you decide to go with a foreign language name . There was an instance of a dancer being given an Arabic name by a group of exchange students . They told her it meant “ exotic .” She changed all her literature to this new word . It was only after she placed a zill order with an Armenian vendor she was told the truth . The word actually meant “ sh #@* t !” She was mortified . Please don ’ t consider naming yourself after politicians or any world leaders . There was a dancer that thought “ Gaddafi ” was a good stage name . A thousand times NO ! ( Look him up if you don ’ t know about this man ’ s history .) Always double and triple check with several people who speak other languages . Sometimes what works in one language may be too close to a negative word in another , for instance , “ Murano ” in Italian depicting a city known for beautiful blown glass versus “ Marano ” or “ Marrano ”, a disparaging Mexican Spanish word for pig ! One letter off can such make a big difference .
Ultimately , finding a stage name must be a natural fit . After all , this name may have a long and glorious history ! Figure out what is unique about you and about your dance . Be aware of this vision and believe in it . Yet , at the end it is still about who you are as a dancer . Your talent and your style will always be the most important part of your legacy .
AMAYA
Amaya resides in the Land of Enchantment , also known as New Mexico . She enjoys an eclectic life of green roasted chilis , sunflower harvesting , writing , sunset gazing , fire fly dancing and scratching the heads of her boys , Mr . Smith , Buddy ( rogue Scottie Terriers ) and Partner Pete . For more info on Amaya ’ s dance see www . AmayaDances . com
May 2021 � The Belly Dance Chronicles 31