Be flexible in understanding that different hosts will do things different ways . For example , some prefer live shows , and some prefer videotaped shows . Take the initiative to take some time to learn about online events and platforms in advance of the event . There are tutorials and cheat sheets out there that can help you . Try to test your equipment with someone before the event and check to see how it is working . Follow your host ’ s directions such as turning off your video and muting your sound when it is not your turn so it doesn ’ t interfere with the performer ’ s audio and video .
Be ready to go when it ’ s your turn , and be ready to go even if it ’ s not your turn . Sometimes there is a technical glitch and the host needs to move on to the next dancer . Just like in real life , you need to be ready to get on stage . Be sure you ’ re remembering your stage area , and the camera range of your stage IS your stage , so you want to remain in character . Be careful when you are setting your camera and audio when it ’ s your turn as to where you are standing in order to not give the viewers an uncomplimentary view or hear you muttering under your breath while you ’ re trying to make your adjustments .
Some very serious etiquette breaches include plagiarism , giving credit to the wrong person slighting the event creator , claiming others ’ choreographies as your own , thievery , racism and flat out rudeness . To many , this dance is a sanctuary , and none of these belong . It is not ok to take other performers ’ hard work and put it out there like it is yours . Do your own work or hire it out to a professional ; do your homework so what you are saying is accurate , and give credit where credit is due . Be thoughtful and considerate in your words and actions . Ensure conversations are civil , with active listening and willingness to learn . Teachers and troupe directors , teach and address etiquette with your students and troupe members .
Although it is not the same as a real-life show or hafla , the opportunity to take workshops and perform with other dancers and musicians from around the world is pretty incredible . Looking at it as an opportunity , we have had the chance to study with those we might never have gotten to study with . We may have dancers in our shows and haflas we might never have had a chance to have in our hafla otherwise . Etiquette will always be important whether online or in person , so as we dance online and look forward to dancing again in person , remember to be courteous and thoughtfully communicative with one another and advance the case of etiquette .
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 .
October 2020 � The Belly Dance Chronicles 37