particular style , mood or preferences . For example , when a show has an Egyptian theme , coming in and doing a fullon burlesque or a gory fusion number would be really not ok . If it ’ s belly-burlesque or an adult Halloween event , then those would make more sense . When it ’ s a live event , plan on dancing live and when it ’ s pre-recorded , plan to send in a video . Just as you want to rotate your costumes and choreographies and not do the same thing at every live event for months on end , try not to plug the same video into every hafla you can , mix it up . Know your venue and event .
Those dancers who professionally get their applications , intros , promos , music or what have you right away instead of waiting until the deadline are a godsend . When the producer asks for a brief intro , sending half a page is overkill . When they ask for a promo , sending your favorite instead of a pile of your favorite pictures telling them to pick one is helpful . Making pre-show deadlines and being ready for showtime instead of having to be chased down is also really appreciated . Dancers who do what they need to do are so appreciated . As a dancer , I follow this same advice .
Other things professional dancers do ( and when I say professional , I am using this term as in acting professionally and understanding dance business and etiquette , not that they are a paid professional dancer , though that often applies as well ) is being mindful of others . If it ’ s online , keep your camera and mic off when you ’ re not using it to prevent “ dressing room ” preparation . Be aware of where the camera is when you ’ re adjusting it . An innocent significant other really doesn ’ t need a surprise eyeful when they ’ re helping set up . Other dancers don ’ t need the distraction and reduction to bandwidth . Keeping your personal conversations out of the dancer info groups helps producer information not get buried , prompting more work for them .
ribcage right in someone ’ s face in a live event , avoid doing that on camera as well . When all the audience can see is an extreme closeup , it may not be providing the intended effect .
Dancing and performing are wonderful things , and thankfully many of us have been able to continue dancing through the pandemic in one way or another . Whether you plan to perform live or virtually , keeping these things in mind will make for a smoother event either way . And your producer is going to appreciate you even more !
NIZANA
Nizana has been instructing , performing , studying , choreographing , troupe directing , event producing and otherwise being engaged in the Florida ( where she resides ), Washington ( State ), Hawaii , and Bay Area California dance communities . A published author , she is a long-time writer for “ The Belly Dance Chronicles .” Nizana and her “ occasional troupe ” ( the rest of the troupe lives in WA ), the Desert Silk Dance Company , can be found on Facebook and events on one coast or another ! Photo by Robert Akins Taylor
Always keeping etiquette in mind helps the producer in many ways as well . If you ’ re at an in- person event , don ’ t hold the door to the dressing room open when dancers are in there getting dressed . Being ready when it ’ s your turn to do a tech check if online and trying to work out what you can in advance is endearing . So is being ready when it ’ s your turn to dance . Flexibility is always appreciated when there are delays . Know your producer when you can ; some notoriously start late , while others meticulously start on time . Some things that cause delays may be out of their control and patience is always helpful . And just like you should avoid doing a
58 The Belly Dance Chronicles � May 2021