In our last issue, we learned of Vanessa’s beginnings and history in dance,
her move and work in Egypt, and more. We continue her story with her
advice for dancers on pursuing work in Egypt, her typical night in Cairo,
and the American dancers Vanessa feels “paved the way”.
Lisa: Has there been any backlash by the Egyptian dance
community against foreign-born dancers?
Vanessa: In general, it has never been very easy for foreigners.
Right now, due to changes in laws and policies, it is even
more difficult. Some foreigners have undercut Egyptian
dancers (probably because they wanted to work, and perhaps
didn’t know what the going rates really were, or possibly
were misinformed by greedy managers who wanted to make
a larger profit by exploiting the fact that these girls need
them to find and secure work.) Of course, Egyptians have
the right to feel like protecting their work opportunities.
Now the cost of a work visa for foreigners has gone up, and
the number of venues they can work in has been limited.
Now, another thing that you have to remember is that
dancers are not natu rally respected, and Egyptian women
have a harder time getting respect as a dancer in Egypt. As a
foreigner, I was immediately put into another category, and
not judged by the same standards that the Egyptian dancers
are. This may not be fair, but more times than not, it is the
truth. I’ve seen and experienced it firsthand for almost 8
years. I had to work hard to gain the respect of the managers,
musicians, singers, guests, and fellow dancers. I had to prove
myself. If you are good at your job and likable, it makes your
life a lot easier, because eventually you can win most over.
Not all, but many have warmed up to me over the years.
So the backlash is but a natural reaction–but if you try
to handle the people with respect, and do your best to
understand their culture and follow their rules, you can be
accepted. It won’t happen overnight, but it is possible.
Advice for dancers on pursuing work in Egypt?
“You don’t know, until you go!” Go. Go to the nightclubs,
hotels, boats, and weddings if possible. Figure out why each
dancer is performing at any venue – check out at least ten
different dancers and see what works for each venue and
adjust your style – what worked in NYC or California may
26
The Belly Dance Chronicles
October 2016
not work in Egypt. You will need to adapt. You can’t go and
think “I’m good, they will want me.” Go for a month and
check it out.
Don’t expect to get work the first place you go. It is harder
now than it was 8 years ago due to the changes in policies and
laws. You have to get a special contract for foreigners from
a hotel, boat, or nightclub that has a proper updated license
to hire foreigners. Be aware of aesthetics – unfortunately,
regardless of how good of a dancer you may be, many places
want someone who looks Egyptian or fits in with a general
aesthetic, which they prefer. You can’t be too aggressive!
Egyptians like REAL. Having a sense of humor is a MUST.
You gotta know the (general) meaning of the song you are
dancing to. You must be able to improvise and actually
FEEL the music, as well as interact well with the crowd,
and know how to deal with any sort of situation.
Be aware that different regions like different things –
Lebanon, Bahrain, Dubai, Turkey – everyone has a different
style, so be on the lookout for that. Perhaps certain elements
that are not popular for Egypt might work in Lebanon, or
elsewhere. As dancers, we work so hard to train and have
technique, but that is but a small section of the overall
package. Being able to deal with people inside the cultural
framework of this field is mandatory. If you can’t deal with
certain cultural aspects or habits of the way the system
works here, it will be very difficult to insure a successful and
lengthy career in Egypt, or any Middle Eastern country, for
that matter.
For example, night clubs just want that money to rain. You
have to have a rapport with the people – also, even though
it’s your show, you may not have 100% control of your
musical selection! The music is going to be what the crowd
wants to hear! Sometimes a guest may ask for a song that
you have never heard (much less danced to!) before. Oh well!
That’s the way it goes sometimes. Make the people have