intro / bio requests , and it ’ s a good idea to have an intro ready whether or not you are asked for one upfront . For in-person shows and haflas , those index cards come in handy ( always keep pen and paper in your dance bag .) Remember to write clearly and big enough for the reader to see . Keep in mind the lighting may be dimmed , they may have their glasses off or have limited vision , so make it as easy as possible . Try not to make it longwinded . Find out how long of a bio is expected , which is usually a few sentences highlighting your performance , your style , and other highlight info you ’ d like to share with your audience .
Another “ how do you ?” for those who have never performed virtually , is to realize it doesn ’ t require a lot of technological savvy . If you have a smartphone and can carve out a dancing space in or outdoors , you can join online shows and haflas . Zoom appears to be the favorite , though there are several online platforms that are used , and not all require you to have an account . There are people and sites willing to help with this , including groups on Facebook . The Night in the Global Village online haflas of which I am the organizer , has an awesome team that handles “ tech checks ,” working with dancers to ensure the best video and audio setup for their performances . Many things are opening up , but there
are still online haflas and shows to help dancers get through the latest COVID surge , and connect dancers from around the world .
There is always more to learn , and appropriate times when you can help others learn , how to do the things we as dancers need to do or be aware of . There are social media groups , associations , aforementioned teachers and reading materials , and classes and workshops where some of these kinds of helpful hints might be shared . Any time you can add something to enhance your dance , your costume , or your presentation repertoire is a good thing !
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
18 The Belly Dance Chronicles � September 2021