so you can take your time. When you’re done, offer to
share and make a friend!
If it’s not yours, don’t touch it.
Treat other people’s things as you’d want yours to
be treated. Don’t borrow someone’s mirror to brush
you hair and leave the hairball from your brush as a
present. Yes, that really happened too. Gross, huh?
Sadly, some dancers have even had things stolen -
from cash to whole costumes. We’re in this together
backstage, let’s act like it.
Careful with the costumes!
A crowded dressing room is not the place for food or
drinks, other than water in a closed container. Can you
imagine if someone’s green super smoothie spilled on
your precious Bella? Costumes and food don’t mix.
Step outside the room to snack.
Step out before you spray.
Your hairspray or perfume doesn’t just land on you. Also,
some people have fragrance sensitivities.
Put your phone on vibrate.
If you need to take more than a very short call, step out
of the room.
BE NICE :-)
A pleasant attitude does wonders for backstage
energy. Contribute to the good vibe. Or at least don’t
contribute to a bad one. Complaints, bragging and
“one-upping” don’t leave a good impression.
Dressing rooms at Yaa Halla, Y’all Bellydance Convention
- showing dressing areas and “Help!” counter where you can
find safety pins and more. Photos by Tracy Hammonds
DO warm up, and please be compact about it.
Ideally, you should leave the dressing area to do your
warm up (you DO warm up before a show, don’t you?).
For times when that is impossible, learn to do an
effective warm up in your own space. Shoulder circles,
standing cat/cow, knee lifts - it is possible.
If you have something “not nice” to say.... wait.
If you have concerns about the show procedures,
backstage isn’t the place to vent. Close your lips and
put your lipstick on. Save your thoughts and share
them in a polite way with the person they actually
concern - in private, by email or by phone later. Let’s
keep that vibe positive backstage!
October 2017
The Belly Dance Chronicles
33