The Belly Dance Geek Clubhouse: Recent Episodes
Belly Dance Geek
The Clubhouse is a show where dancers can get together and geek out on all the things that are hard to get in classes and videos.
If you want help with the "what": moves, combos, and choreographies, there are lots of classes and videos available. But if you want to learn about the "why" and "how": business, composition, ethics, culture, musicality... well, those are a lot harder to find. So in every episode, I interview a different guest expert on a different geeky topic.
If you think knowledge & creativity go together like chocolate & peanut butter - you're in the right place!
Nadira is retiring! To celebrate (and maintain our legacy), we’re opening up the Belly Dance Geek® catalog with “pay what you want” pricing and granting permission for classroom use.
Read the announcement: https://bellydancegeek.com/2022/11/nadiras-retirement-and-the-future-of-belly-dance-geek/
Terms for classroom (and other) use: https://bellydancegeek.com/usage/
Our "pay what you want" store: https://bellydancegeek.gumroad.com/
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
The Market and the Pro Dancer Belly Dance Geek Clubhouse Episode 54:
My guest, Shahrzad, will talk about the interplay between markets, audiences, and professional dancers.
| | Get the recording |
As dancers, we often categorize ourselves by our role in the dance community: student vs teacher, touring teacher vs. local studio owner, hobbyist vs pro.
But the reality is more nuanced. The experience of being a professional dancer depends on the context, and the market they’re selling to.
How a pro makes their living (teaching, traveling, performing, and outside income), and who their market is (the general public, Middle Easterners, or other dancers) profoundly affect how they operate, and even how they dance.
How does who we’re selling to change our dance?
You’ll learn: * How your primary clientele affects your dance * How being a pro in a hobby market differs from a general entertainment market * How the experience of full time and part time pros differ * What it’s like to make a living primarily from performing (from someone who has!) * What happens when the dance community becomes a greater force in the market.
We’ll also have some discussion time, so you can ask Shahrzad your questions.
Special Thanks to The Bellydance Bundle
| | | This episode is sponsored by The Bellydance Bundle, a heavily discounted bundle of amazing belly dance products from dancers around the world. All online, all at your own pace. I’m one of the contributors, and so are several Clubhouse guests! Sign up for updates at: https://bellydancegeek.com/bundle |
Logistics: This free call will take place on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at 8pm Eastern Time.
(see that in your own time zone)
You can attend by phone or Skype, or listen on the web.
If you can’t attend live, don’t worry!
The call will be recorded, so you can listen later.
About Shahrzad Shahrzad is a full time dancer from the USA specializing in Raqs Sharqi and regional styles of dance from North Africa and the Middle East. She is currently based in Cairo and tours internationally to teach and perform.
Check her out her website at: www.shahrzadraqs.com
Or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ShahrzadDancer/
Get the recording This event is over, but you haven’t missed out! Download the recording now.
Belly Dance Geek Clubhouse Episode 54
How to download the recording:
Just click on the link above.
(There’s no need to right-click or double-click. A single left click will save it to your default downloads folder.)
If you have trouble downloading:
Drop me a line at info@bellydancegeek.com.
(Be sure to let me know which operating system and browser you’re using, and what happens when you try to download it.)
Or try this link.
Resources mentioned on the call: Sahra Saeeda
Habiba
Aisha Ali
Shahrzad’s DVD on Egyptian Folk Styles
Join Us in the Clubhouse – FREE You don’t have to sign up to download the call recording, but it’s a great way to stay in the loop.
Sign up now to:
- Be notified when call recordings are ready
- Join us live on the calls (and ask our guest experts your questions)
- Join our private discussion group on Facebook (dancers only, please)
- Receive other geek-tacular resources and news from Nadira Jamal
Your information will never be shared, and you can remove yourself at any time.
Whether you sign up or not, The Belly Dance Geek Clubhouse is completely free.
Want to invite your friends to geek out with us? Tweet them an invitation!
Click to Tweet: “Geek out with Shahrzad on working as a full time pro dancer!”
The post Geek Out with Shahrzad appeared first on Belly Dance Geek.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
NOTE: This is the audio extract of video episode, so you may want to check out the video version at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MP6Q98ceIw
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
My guest, Zahra Zuhair, talks about how cultivating a more positive outlook can improve your dance.
As dancers, we are often fortunate to have supportive communities of other dancers around us, many of whom become cherished friends.
However, between social media, competition for performance spots, and varied motivations for pursuing the dance, we sometimes compare ourselves to other dancers, making us frustrated with our progress and actually discouraging us from the very habits that improve our dancing.
Learning how to free yourself of those negative judgments and mindset can help you unleash the artist within.
You'll Learn:
- The pros and cons of social media
- The dangers of comparing yourself to others
- The uselessness of self judgment
- Awakening your inner dancer
- The power of creating small habits
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
Nadira Jamal and Heather Wayman of Belly Dance Geek® geek out on everything but the steps: improv, composition, stage presence, history, culture, musicality, practice, values, and more.
My guest, A’isha Azar talks about the cultural context behind Shaabi, and how it differs from what we usually think of as “belly dance”. Whether you’re a hard-core fan of Shaabi, or a total newbie, you’ll want to hear this!
You'll Learn:
- Shaabi’s history and unique cultural context
- Important ways that the dance and music differ from standard “belly dance”
- Why it isn’t really belly dance – but belly dancers should learn it anyway
This episode is sponsored by the DVD “Dynamic Zilling for Tribal and Cabaret Bellydance” b Ustadza Azra. Learn new techniques to spice up your zilling and create dynamic group acapella numbers. Check it out at: http://ustadzaazra.com/shop
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Sausan, talks about The Egyptian Dance Code®.
You'll Learn:
- The differences between American and Egyptian belly dance
- How those differences transfer into Egyptian style belly dance
- Sausan’s “Egyptian Dance Code®” concept
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Roberto Mejía, will talk about the role of male dancers in modern and historical belly dance.
You'll Learn:
- Men’s dancing traditions Turkey, North Africa, and the Middle East, as well as ex-pats living in the West.
- Myths and misconceptions about dancing men
- The roles of gender and sexuality in dance
- How to make classes welcoming to serious male students
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guests, Ranya Renee, Anasma and Kelley McKinnon - the directorial team behind the Theatrical Bellydance Conference - talk about the use of narrative arcs in belly dance.
You'll Learn:
- What “narrative arc” means
- Why it’s important, even for traditionally non-narrative belly dance
- How you build a narrative arc
- The difference between narrative arc and character development
- How describing your narrative arc improves your performance proposals
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Sahina, talks about dance mentoring.
You'll Learn:
- What to expect from a mentoring relationship
- How to approach your teacher
- Finding a mentor who is right for you
- Steps to take on the road to going pro (teaching and/or performing)
- The story of how Sahina took up her teacher’s mantle when she retired
This episode is sponsored by the new book Belly Dance Practice Prompts: Inspiration for tribal, cabaret, and fusion dancers, which offers 120 inspiring ways to jazz up your practice, plus $50 of free belly dance goodies. If you’re tired of practicing the same moves over and over again, check it out at: http://bellydancepracticeprompts.com/amazon
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Shadia Tohme, talks about costuming considerations for every body type.
You'll Learn:
- Common mistakes and misconceptions that lead dancers to less-than flattering costume choices.
- Special costuming considerations for every body type
- Easy tweaks you can make to make an “okay” costume more flattering
NOTE: This episode featured live costume critiques. You can download the photos on the episode page at:
https://bellydancegeek.com/2015/11/geek-out-with-shadia-tohme/
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Julie Eason, talks about how to write a book, a blog, or any kind of content for a dance audience.
You'll Learn:
- How publishing a book is easier than ever
- Why dancers should write a book or blog
- How to get started, even when you feel lost and frustrated
- How to find the time to write
- An effective question-based outline to make writing as easy as answering questions in class
This episode is sponsored by Amity Alize, Author of three business ebooks for dancers: Hosting Dance Workshops 101, Dance Teacher 101: Business Basics and Tips for Independent Dance and Fitness Instructors, and Dance Studio Startup Kit: Planning for Success. All three ebooks were inspired by Julie Eason! Check them out at: http://raq-on.net/index.php/store/ebooks-for-professional-dancers/
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Kay Hardy Campbell talks about Khaliji dance. Khaliji (sometimes written “Khaleegy”) isn’t belly dance, but is often included in a belly dance show. Kay will help demystify this gorgeous, but often misunderstood dance.
You'll Learn:
- What Khaliji dance is (and isn’t)
- The benefits and downsides of doing research on YouTube
- How it’s different in its cultural context vs. in a belly dance show
- To Thobe or Not To Thobe – and why that’s a good question
- How to learn more about Khaliji
And check out the YouTube playlist Kay prepared for this call.
This episode is sponsored by Susan Hughart, who is hosting An Evening of Music and Dance featuring dancer Tiffany Ahdia and vintage belly dance rock band Ishtar. To join them for this fabulous event on Saturday, November 14th 2015 in Charleston, WV, visit: http://www.susanhugharthipcurve.com/
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Nadira of Virginia talks about how to promote yourself beyond your local dance community. Whether you’re promoting yourself, a troupe, or an event, we’ll have something here for you!
You'll Learn:
- Whether broader promotion is right for you
- What techniques work best
- Common mistakes that dancers make when they step beyond their local area
This episode is sponsored by The Belly Dance Business Academy, where we teach dancers how to build more profitable businesses. Get more students, land bigger gigs, starting right now. http://www.bellydancebusinessacademy.com
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Assala Ibrahim talks about Iraqi Kawliya dance. Whether you’re a Kawliya dance fan, or have never heard of it before, you’ll come out of this call with a better understanding of the people, history, and culture behind this exciting dance style.
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, attorney and belly dancer Amia D'Itri, talks about what dancers need to know about contracts.
You'll learn:
- The difference between legal advice and legal information (and why you need to know)
- What must, should, and could be in a dance performance contract.
- Tips for finding and speaking with an attorney to create a contract for you.
- Tips for finding self-help resources to write your own.
DISCLAIMERS
1) This episode was recorded in 2015, and a lot may have changed since then
2) The information shared here pertains only to US contract law
3) This is legal information, NOT legal advice. Please consult a qualified local professional for personalized legal advice.
You can download the slides used during this call on the episode page at: https://bellydancegeek.com/2015/06/geek-out-with-amia-ditri/
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Roxxanne Shelaby, talks about the early belly dance scene in LA. If you enjoyed our “early days” episodes on the early dance scenes in Boston, New York, and San Francisco, you’ll love this one!
You'll learn about:
- The first generations of dancers in LA – and the musicians they danced with
- The middle eastern communities that made their homes in LA – and the nightclubs that brought them together
- What has changed since then, what has stayed the same
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Terri Allred, talks about the use of props in American Tribal Style®. Whether you’re a tribal dancer looking for new sources of inspiration, or a cabaret dancer curious about how other styles use props, there will be something here for you!
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Katayoun, will talk about how to tell when you’re ready to start teaching belly dance.
This call is for you if you are:
- An aspiring teacher
- A newer teacher looking for some guidance
- A seasoned teacher grooming your own students to teach someday
- Just curious about what it takes to be a qualified teacher
This episode is sponsored by The Las Vegas Belly Dance Intensive & Festival, now in its final year. To make sure that you don’t miss out on this epic event, sign up now at: bellydanceintensive.com
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Nadira of Virginia, talks about how engaging the dance community is crucial to your event. (And how to do it.)
(With twice the Nadira, you know it’s going to be good!)
You’ll learn:
- How can a healthy dance community help you as a student, a pro, or a promoter
- How to increase community interaction
- Why Nadira chose to start a local Bellycouncil
- How you can create your own
This episode is sponsored by Raq-On Dance, providing Belly Dance classes in NH, VT and online, as well as events, performances, and publications on the business side of Belly Dance. For more information, visit: Raq-On.net
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Amity Alize will talk about tax considerations for dancers.It doesn’t matter whether you’re making big bucks, or not even close to making a profit. If you earn any income through dance, you need to hear this!
(Note: we’ll be discussing US tax laws on this call. Some of the concepts will be universal, but some concepts (and most of the details) will only apply to dancers in the US.)
You’ll learn:
- How to determine what expenses are safe to deduct for dancers and teachers
- When you need to file 1099’s for independent contractors (it’s not always obvious!)
- How to determine whether you have hobby income vs. business income and the important difference in filing your taxes
This episode is sponsored by Alia Thabit, offering a free webinar, How to Break Out of That Dance Rut: 7 ways to spark inspiration, refresh creativity, and awaken joy–for real. Check it out at: http://aliathabit.com/dance-rut
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, DeVilla, artistic director of troupe Isis-Siren-Sekhmet, talks about how to run a troupe with style, grace, and ease.
You’ll learn:
- How student, amateur, and pro troupes differ – and what’s universal
- Whose vision is this: group leadership vs. a single leader
- Why a dance company needs to set goals and have a mission statements
- How to style your troupe for a cohesive look
- Why your members make or break the group – and how to choose the right ones.
- Group finances: the money you spend, and the money you make
- How to run productive rehearsals – and still have fun
- How to handle crisis, drama, and conflicts (and come out of it with your troupe intact)
If you’re running a troupe, participating in one, or wondering if troupe life is for you, you need to hear this!
This episode is sponsored by Shadia Costume Design, with 30 years experience in custom design and revamping. To learn how Shadia can make you look like a star, visit: shadiacostumedesign.com
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guests, Rosa Noreen and Jonatan Gomes Derbaq, creators of "Rhythm and Pause" will talk about finding space within continuous drum beats, so you can stop and be in the moment.
You’ll learn:
- Why pauses add drama to a drum solo
- How to pull pauses out of fast music with a continuous beat
- How to navigate unknown music by using the rhythms
We’ll be approaching this from both the dancer’s and musician’s perspective.
This episode is sponsored by Belly Dance New England, the Northeast’s premiere online resource for dancers. Check it out at: bellydancenewengland.com
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Julie Eason of the Belly Dance Business Academy, talks about how to use crowd-funding services like Kickstarter to fund a big project.
You’ll learn:
- What crowd-funding is
- What kind of projects can be funded through crowd-funding
- How to create a crowd-funding project
- How to set your project up for success
This episode is sponsored by Blue Moonstone Designs, maker of tassel belts, tie-dyed silk veils, cover-ups and more. Check them out at: bluemoonstone.etsy.com
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Sahra Kent (aka Sahra Saeeda), talks about how understanding the context is the key to making sense of Egyptian folklore. If you’ve ever wondered why so many videos of the same folkloric style (such as Saidi) can look so different, Sahra’s breakthrough “tables” approach can help you make sense of it.
So check out this geek-tacular discussion on how to put together the puzzle pieces so you can finally get a clear picture of Egyptian folkloric dance.
This episode is sponsored by LeoToes, makers of padded dance footies. Check them out at: LeoToes.com
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Amira Jamal, author of Language of the Dance (and MY teacher!!!), talks about different learning styles.We’ll approach this from both the teacher and student perspective.
You'll Learn:
- What learning styles are
- How they help teachers get through to their students
- Specific techniques for accommodating different learning styles
- Why understanding your own learning style helps you get more out of class AND practice time
- What to do if your teacher isn’t accommodating your learning style
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Treasure Marshall talks about how to use costuming to help your show make more of an impact on your audience.
You'll Learn:
- How to costume yourself for large vs. small stages
- How to choose skirts for skirtwork and other types of dance
- Considerations for quick changes
- And a LOT more!
Note: This episode includes some visuals. You can download the slides on the episode page at:
https://bellydancegeek.com/2014/07/geek-out-with-treasure-marshall/
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Rhea of Greece, shares stories from her time in Jamila Salimpour’s troupe Bal Anat, the hippie movement, her decades-long international dance journey, and much more.
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Alia Thabit, gives a preview of her upcoming book, Midnight at the Crossroads: Has belly dance sold its soul?
A frank and provocative discussion about:
- The essential values of oriental dance
- How we’ve strayed from them (and why)
- How to stay true to those values – without stifling ourselves or the evolution of the dance
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guests, Anasma and Linda Faoro of the International Urban Belly Dance Collective, will talk to us about how to build a successful career as a fusion artist, both from an artistic and business perspective. (We’re going to focus on the special needs of fusion dancers, but even traditionalists like me can benefit from thinking beyond the “belly box”.)
You'll Learn:
- How career-building differs for fusion vs. cabaret dancers
- How the audiences, venus, and opportunities differ
- Why the “belly dance” label can be both an asset and a liability
- How to market yourself when your dance doesn’t fall under a commonly-understood label
- Why it’s smart to leverage resources outside the belly dance community
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Samira Tu’ala of the Las Vegas Belly Dance Intensive, talks about how to get the most benefit out of a large dance event without running yourself ragged. If you’ve ever come back from an event with a case of “festival fatigue”, but not much else, this call is for you!
You'll Learn:
- Why knowing your goals is the key to getting the most out of a large event
- The 6 things you may be looking for in an event
- How to make sure you don’t run yourself ragged
- Why trying to learn everything makes it harder to learn anything
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Aegela, talks about the life and work of Mahmoud Reda, founder of Egypt’s famous Reda Troupe.
You'll Learn:
- Who Reda is
- The history behind the Reda Troupe
- How his work is seen in Egypt vs. in the West
- How it differs from traditional folk dance
- His impact on modern Egyptian belly dance
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Morocco, share stories from the early days of oriental (belly) dance in New York City.
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
Oreet, founder of SharQui – The bellydance workout® and a 5 time award winner, returns to the Clubhouse to talk to us about belly dance competitions.
She will give you tips to help you win and explain how competitions helped her promote herself and why sometimes it’s not winning that counts.
You’ll learn:
- 4 benefits of competing (even if you don’t win)
- How performing in a competition is different from a regular show
- What judges look for
- How to tell if competitions are right for you
- How to tell if a particular competition is right for you
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Amity Alize, talks about the mistakes workshop organizers make that cost them money and sleep. Whether you’re a professional sponsor, or thinking about organizing your first charity event, there’s something in here for you!
You’ll learn:
- How to avoid common pitfalls in workshop hosting
- Important tax rules and reporting when hiring dancers
- Helpful tips on how to organize yourself so you can actually participate in the events day-of
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Alia Thabit talks about elements of dance other than the moves and steps.
You’ll learn:
- How to free yourself from just the moves
- What “emotional timbres” are
- What “feel the music” actually means
- Why the audience makes a difference in your dance
- How to find a balance between abstract & narrative elements in Oriental dance
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Princess Farhana, creator of "Strike a Pose" talks about how to make the camera love you.
You’ll learn:
- Composition and posing techniques for dance shots of all kinds
- How to relax in front of the camera
- How to create beautiful facial angles and body lines
- A sneaky trick to make your arms look more toned in photographs
PLUS Her Highness did two photo critiques live on the call. You can download a PDF with the critiqued photos on the episode page.
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, music attorney Valerie Lovely talks about music copyright concerns for belly dancers. We’re also joined by paralegal and dancer Joie Grandbois (Selcouth).
DISCLAIMERS:
- Copyright law varies from country to country, and Atty. Lovely can only address US copyright law. The general concepts are universal, but the specific details we cover only apply to dancers operating in the US. (Although if you sell DVDs to the American market, you’ll need to know this, regardless of where you live.)
- US copyright law has changed since this call was recorded almost 10 years ago, so some of this may (very likely!!!) be out of date.
- Attorney Lovely is providing legal information, NOT legal advice.
So while this episode can introduce you to the basic principles of US copyright law, please seek out more recent information, and ideally, personalized legal advice from a copyright attorney in your own country.
You’ll learn:
- What copyright is
- When you need permission to use a work (or not!)
- How to license music
- Who is responsible for licensing music when you perform or teach
- Licensing concerns for video: from YouTube to DVDs to rehearsal videos
- Licensing concerns for Skype classes
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Julie Eason, founder of The Bellydance Business Academy, will talk about the different ways we define “professional” in the belly dance world, and what that means for YOU. Whether you’re a pro, an aspiring pro, or just curious about what the professional world looks like, there’s something here for you!
You’ll learn:
- The different things that “professional belly dancer” can mean
- How to decide where on the professional spectrum is right for you
- How your marketing needs change (or don’t) on different points on the spectrum
Download the accompanying slides at:
https://bellydancegeek.com/2013/05/geek-out-with-julie-eason/
(We start using these around 32 minutes into the episode.)
For more geek-tacular resources, visit:
http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time:
https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guests, Anasma and Ranya Renee, co-founders of the New York Theatrical Bellydance Conference, will talk to us about using theatrical techniques to enhance your belly dance performance.
You’ll learn:
- How theater techniques help you express yourself as a performer
- Why they can help you reach wider audiences
- Literal vs. abstract modes of expression
- How to create suprises with staging
- How to use props unusually
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Oreet, creator of SharQui – The bellydance workout®, will talk to us about belly dance fitness classes. We’ll approach this from both the student’s perspective and the teacher’s. So no matter where you are in your dance journey, there’s something here for you.
You’ll learn:
- How a belly dance fitness class is different from a traditional class
- How belly dance fitness can fit into your training routine
- What belly dance teachers need in order to move into belly dance fitness
- How lesson planning is different for a fitness class
- How to position a belly dance fitness class in the age of Zumba
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
Leyla Lanty, creator of "Habibi You Are My.. WHAT?" will tell us how just a little knowledge of Arabic language can help us interpret our music with nuance and meaning.
You’ll learn:
- The importance of the lyrics in your performance
- Common words and phrases found in belly dance music
- How to use gestures for good, not evil
- Why “habibi” doesn’t mean what you think
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
Belly dance is much gentler on the body than many dance forms, but all physical activity comes with some degree of risk. My guest Mahin of the Daily Belly Dance Quickies will share important knowledge and tips to help you protect yourself and your students.
You’ll learn:
- The elements of fitness (and how they apply to belly dance)
- When and how stretching fits into your dance class and practice
- Key muscle groups that support your dance
- How to prevent common dance injuries
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
Party clients often ask for an hour-long show. But that’s way too long! You’d get exhausted, and the guests would get antsy.
As the dancer, your job ISN’T to give the client what they ask for. It’s to give them what they really want: a show that makes their party exciting and special. But that takes some convincing! So Zari will teach us how to negotiate a show that is fair to you, and thrills the party guests.
You’ll learn:
- Why clients are sometimes happier paying more
- Why boundaries gain you freedom
- How to put yourself in the clients shoes
- How to hold your own when the haggling sets in
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
Did you know that the first Middle Eastern nightclub to feature live entertainment in the US was probably Boston’s Club Zahra?
The American Cabaret style didn’t have any single source. But as the home to large Middle Eastern diaspora communities, Boston was one of its earliest hotbeds. Learn about the melting pot of cultures, influences, and people that sparked the evolution of belly dance in the US.
Check out my interview with Amy Smith, editor of Belly Dance New England Magazine, on the early days of belly dance in Boston and the US.
You’ll learn:
- The Near Eastern ethnic communities that came together in Boston
- Boston’s musical heritage
- The first generations of dancers
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
My guest, Rosa Noreen, creator of "Delicious Pauses: Negative Space in Movement" debunks the myths and mistakes that keep dancers from using stillness effectively in their dance.
You’ll learn:
- 3 myths that keep dancers from using stillness effectively
- How to create anticipation
- Why drum solos need stillness – and how to incorporate it
- How to practice stillness
For more geek-tacular resources, visit: http://www.BellyDanceGeek.com
Also check out our sister program, "More Than Steps" where I geek out on how belly dance works, one coffee run at a time: https://anchor.fm/more-than-steps
In my Rock the Routine course, we geeked out on the 6-part routine, as used in Vintage Orientale (aka old-school American Cabaret). But many of the participants asked about how to adapt that material for Egyptian style. So I brought in the big guns!
My first guest for The Belly Dance Geek Clubhouse, Yasmin Henkesh, worked in Cairo in the 80s and early 90s and is the co-creator of the Vive la Difference intensive, in which she and Artemis Mourat demystify the differences between Turkish and Egyptian style dance. In this episode, Yasmin shares secrets to the classic routine, as it was done before the sweeping changes of the Dina era.
You’ll learn:
- How the classic Egyptian routine is structured
- Yasmin’s fascinating approach to each section (my brain is still buzzing over this!)
- How to adapt the classic routine for a shorter show
- How it’s being done in Cairo right now