Performers Attending Shows

Continuing on the issue of belly dance events that was started online and I replied to in my previous post:
"Questions Regarding the Differences Between "Professional" and "Student-Level" Performers"
Now we move to the larger issue of lack of support for shows by performers.

There have been quite a few comments and questions over the last year or so from different regions of the U.S. about performers not attending shows unless they are performing in them.  This is oddly fascinating to me.  Where is the love of the art form?  And the respect for the community as a whole?   Or is belly dance a narcissistic dance form? Don't the performers want to share their art with other performers? What drives some performers to organize date nights or nights out to a bar with their dance "sisters" rather than to watch others in their community perform that same evening at the same time as the impromptu organized outing?   And how would it feel to those performers to see these public postings of organized outings (created after the event was posted) with other dancers during their performance?  Would they feel less supported, less like a community of artists, or does the idea of support within the dance community (regional or global) mean anything to them as a artists? Is it better to save the $10, $20, $30, etc it would cost to watch others in (and outside) your community express themselves in the dance you enjoy?  Is this art form all about the ego?  Does narcissistic motives matter more than support for the creative drives within others? Or are there other reasons this is epidemic in the larger community of belly dancers?

Based on some small research I have done, I have found that:

• Some dancers do not like to attend events that offer performances in styles that are not their own.  It's beneath them.  
• Some dancers do not like the promoter, so unless they are "personally invited" to perform (and get paid for it) they will not attend their shows.  
• Some dancers do not want to spend the time to create a new choreography for a show so they will not request a spot to perform and do not want to spend the money to watch others who did take the time to create and rehearse choreography for it.   
• Some dancers stated that they could see any of the performers listed in any of the shows I asked them about anytime they wanted to (apparently even the celebrity out of towners are at their viewing beck and call).
• Some dancers will only perform at certain venues.  Several stated they do not like to perform in a dance studio.  It's beneath them. 
• Some dancers only wanted to perform in shows with the words "Pro" or "Professional" listed in the title (regardless of their dance status as a student/hobbyist). 
• At least one was "afraid" to perform in certain venues unless there was an agreement that certain people in the community she did not get along with were not allowed in.  
• Finally some dancers do not want to attend a show they need to pay to watch because they feel the promoter is making huge amounts of money off it and that bothers them.

On a very personal and professional level, I was fortunate enough to host an instructor and performer who is world renowned and very much loved by the larger community.  While the workshops brought in a modest number of dancers, the show did not.  I was horrified and embarrassed for how it made our community look.  As a promoter, instructor, director, and performer, I often pay attention to what is going on in the community. I admit that I often count heads at all the events I attend (which are many) to get a feel for how many other promoters, instructors, directors, and performers actually attend events, particularly if they are not performing in them. It helps with my research and understanding of the community. My embarrassment and utter sorrow was because many dancers, even those in the workshops, did not want to take the time or spend the $10 to support the show.  Her show.  Her beautiful and technically amazing performance.  We were super fortunate for her to come out as she had suffered a recent, personal tragedy and could have canceled for understandable reasons.  But dance was what kept her going. Dance is what she loved and gave love through it and could receive the love back if others would have the love to send back.  As performers we all know that we can see who is in the audience when we walk onstage, as we mingle, we see the faces of love and support, of compassion and interest. We can also witness the absence of this.

The next morning I had asked a few of the dancers that I knew pretty well why they were not able to attend the show, the answers ranged from "I got free tickets to a concert" to "I didn't feel like it" to "I'll catch it next time."  But they all expressed how much they loved her and how happy they were that she was here and hoped I'd host her again.  But they did not support her performance.  Since then I have been pondering the community and the dance style for answers and suggestions on how we can elevate the art and support each other.  So this is important to me on many levels.

I offer an opportunity to send me your questions, comments, and feedback on this subject as it seems to be epidemic in the larger belly dance community.  I would love to try to find a way to make shows appealing to the audience, the performers, and the promoters so we do not continue to lose remarkable performers and fabulous shows and so we can elevate the art form with a mutual love and support for all involved.

Questions Regarding the Differences Between "Professional" and "Student-Level" Performers

Within the world of belly dance, I am an event producer, dance instructor, and troupe director.  These roles over the years have opened my eyes to many things.  Questions have been popping up over the last year or so from the community (locally and beyond) about the integrity of our dance events.  I've been pondering the many issues about this as well.  But instead of trying to tackle it all in one blog post, I think a few will be best since the issues are diverse but yet all feed into the same issues.

Today's question is about the differences between the "professional" bellydancer or belly dance troupe and the "student-level" belly dancer/troupe.  Questions about shows which have too many "students-level" performers that may not seem worth the $10, $20 or $30 admission have sparked these questions.  

First of all, who decides if a dancer or a troupe is "professional" and what is the criteria they use?  It is based on technique alone?  And if so, who measures the technique needed to call the dancer or troupe "professional?" Does it include having the relevant credentials such as years of in-person professional training, professional photos, a CV, business license, insurance, etc?  What about their handling of events?  If they only show up to perform and then leave, are they acting respectfully and/or professionally?  What about being on time with their music, intros, contracts, call time, etc?  What if they are punctual to events, have professional photos but can't hold a rhythm or execute the moves appropriately, are they professional or student-level? 

If a dancer gets a paid gig, no matter how much, are they then a "professional" or if they are a teacher are they then a professional?  As most of us in the industry are aware, there are dancers who take a 4 week belly dance session and then start teaching.  Unlike the professional ballet dancers who spend years in classes before they don a tutu and pointe shoes, belly dance is viewed much differently. I am not sure why, I suppose that's another blog. 

So if a promoter is trying to hire dancers, are they the main source of who is a professional?  Or if you are a dancer or troupe director, how do you market yourself as professional? Or is it solely based on the audience's impression of their dance and if they are willing to pay to watch them perform? And can the label of professional being removed based on behavior, lack of technique, etc?  Any thoughts or comments, feel free to post or send to me.  Thanks.

Making a List, Checking It Twice

Let me get this out of the way now:  I am not a Trump supporter.  I will not vote for him, even if Hillary Clinton is running against him.  I thought about it for a minute.  However his tactics which are provoking violence, racial tension, and sexism cannot be dismissed by me or explained away. I have heard his comments on the matter over and over again and I am done with any consideration of him due to these issues.

What has been of most concern for me recently is watching and hearing others take his stance, particularly with racial issues and violence.  I have always been a fan of hearing both sides of any story and talking directly to the people involved if I know them or doing considerable research  of what happened and why regardless of the issue.

Anyone remember the LV Ren Faire about 5 years or so ago? A dancer was accused of physically assaulting the, then, boyfriend of another dancer.  Everyone took sides without talking to either party.  Just by hearsay and rumor.  I, and a troupe mate of mine, actually spent a couple of hours talking with them, and of course, we were criticised for the due process but we felt it was best to hear from everyone before making a decision that may hurt either side.  Recently I have been posting about both sides of the issues at the Trump rallies lately.  I think it's a fair and balanced approach, which I am always in favor of, and it demonstrates that the people involved on both sides have their reasons.  I do not think it's fair to just say all of Trump supporters are jerks without looking at the other side's supporters, remember my posts about the Nevada Democratic Caucas and getting screamed at and drowned out by the Clinton supporters?  Not wanting to walk to my car alone, like other Sanders supporters????  Hmmmm????

Most people who know me know that if I speak out of turn or say or do something that bothers them, I am an open door.  Please come and tell me.  I, as well as many others, have stuck my foot in my mouth now and again or forgot to do something in a particular way, etc.  If I am not told about the infraction, I cannot learn and grow from my mistake.  I also cannot take responsibility and sincerely apologize for it.  We cannot have an open-minded conversation about our relationship or things that could effect it without an open discussion.  And many of you that have talked to me about these sorts of things know that I am pretty rationale, approachable, and observant about these sorts of discussions.  I have never shied away from uncomfortable conversations and have approached them with empathy. and sincerity.

So THE LIST.  Here it is:  Naughty or Nice?  Hmmm,  more like Rational or Irrational; Trumphet or Non-Trumphet.  I have low tolerance for the close-minded, the narrow-minded, and the quick to judge without hearing the facts or having an intelligent conversation about it particularly when dealing with the racially insensitive issues, sexism, and the provocation of violence.  Those people, in my mind,  are Trumphets.  They don't want to take responsibility for their narrow mindedness and they just want to point their finger at someone else without cause. And life is too short to just let someone fling that around me without an open dialogue.   And how would they feel if they were on the receiving end? But the Trumphets are not always supporters of Trump. They, in recent situations, are supporters of Sanders or Clinton, but use the same tactics as Trump.  Quick to blame others, quick to call "bullshit" about things that may not make Trump supporters look so bad all the time, short tempered, irrational, and inconsistent in their views.

Open-minded, open-hearted, empathetic conversations will always win.  Even if BOTH sides decide to agree to disagree.  They have at least communicated effectively and have gained a mutual understanding of their differences.  I understand that this election season has many on edge.  It is seeming to bring out the ugly side to people I never thought had it in them.  It is divisive which saddens me.  I understand if for one moment you are caught up in the anger.  It happens to all of us.  But hopefully it can be shaken off.  But I have little room in my life these days for the consistent Trumpheting and the anger that ensues.  I wish the Trumphets well and hope that someday compassion and understanding will develop but that is the side of the list I am just not that into. And the list does not mean you will be getting coal or gold for Christmas.  It just means I am not going to pay any attention to the Trumphets like I will to the Non-Trumphets.

Questions About Elevating the Art Form

The term "belly dance" has been taken to mean many things to the public.  As artists and instructors, many have tried to change the public's perception that our dance form as an offshoot of something more sexual or provocative or easy to master without needing any technical dance skills.  However, even within the belly dance community there have been questions about how we can elevate our dance form to a higher level, where professionalism, commitment, and technical skills are key.  I have had quite a few discussions with professional dancers and students about this topic over the last couple of years and continue to listen for information, perceptions and ideas about how this can be done or if it should be done.

Is the question of elevating our art form important or shall we just dance and enjoy it regardless of the public and/or dance community's view of how it is presented and/or taught?

If yes, then how do we elevate the dance form? What elements are influential?  And are those elements different if you are a performer or a teacher?

For example, for performers is it only about the costuming, music, and technical skills?  Or does the language you use while at the venue make a difference? If you are having a bad night, can you curse and bitch or does that bring down the art form or just you as an artist?  Does showing up to venues late matter to the art form or just you as a performer?  How about turning in your contracts and music on time?

If you are a teacher, do you have to keep your opinions to yourself about controversial topics such as politics or social issues?  Or are these segragated by the belly dance discipline you teach?  For example, as an Oriental teacher, should I censor myself more than a Fusion dance teacher?  And does the censorship only apply to the classroom and venues but outside those places I am free to be who I am?

How does social media play into the elevation of the art? Do you need to remain silent on threads that are demeaning, rude, or controversial?  Does making posts on your own page about social or political issues that may challenge other people's opinions effect the art form we represent as performers and/or instructors?  How are potential students and/or opportunities to get hired for a gig impacted by our Twitter feeds, Instragram photos, and Facebook posts? Is it better to fake super happiness about every little thing on your social media posts, even though in real life often don't feel so super happy and the people that know you know the over-the-top happy posts are a lie?

These are important and interesting questions to me and I appreciate any opinions on these.