WANTED: Professional Dancers
by
Cheri Berens
|
COPYRIGHT 2003
When I tell people I am a professional dancer, they assume that I have worked and trained and there is a certain amount of respect and
recognition. If I say I am a belly dancer, their reaction and the image they conjure is not the same. After watching a recent performance
(public display might be a better term for it) I had no doubt as to why people might not have the same respect for this dance and why it is
confused with stripping, and sometimes, even prostitution.
As I travel around America and abroad, I hear lots of comments of frustration regarding the general public attitude towards “belly dance”. I
write this knowing that many belly dancers would like to see their dance recognized as a respected, professional dance art. The following
suggestions will promote professionalism and create a more positive image. I am not inferring one way is right or wrong, it is up to the
individual to decide how they want to be perceived, what style of dance they prefer, and how they run their business. These tips are for
those who want to start being recognized as a professional dancer.
Costuming
A flamenco dancer would not wear underwear or lingerie and call it a costume (no matter how much trim was sewn on to it). Would a
professional tango be done wearing something from Frederick’s? When a professional ballet or ballroom dancer does a turn or pirouette,
does tacky underwear or bare buttocks show? Re-evaluate your costumes, including what body parts and underwear can be seen.
Professional dancers meet standards regarding presentation.
Your costume should enhance the dance, not “focus on” or blatantly “expose” body parts. Skirts that are see-through or that have deep
slits should have matching costume panties like ballroom dancers wear. Don’t wear thong underwear that makes people think you are not
wearing any underwear at all. The current trend for quite awhile in Cairo has been matching costume shorts and they have a very
sophisticated look. Tasteful, sensual glamour is entertaining, yet leaves the audience comfortable; tacky, sexual exposure is . . . tacky,
sexual exposure.
How is Your Dance Perceived?
There are audiences that appreciate and understand floor work, but often, audiences unfamiliar with floor work cannot relate to it other
than a scantily clad woman slithering on the floor like a stripper. I use floor work only as an example because I’ve seen it look quite
distasteful. If there is anything in your routine that can be misinterpreted by the general audience, let it go. Your dance can be just as
powerful without using movements that are misunderstood as sexual.
Income
If you want your dance to be acknowledged as a professional dance, don’t dance at bachelor parties or men’s birthday parties. Aiming your
dance at men puts the dance in the titillation category, not the professional dancer category.
The tipping scene is like the stripping scene. Your dance is seen as stripping because that’s what strippers do. When you allow a
stranger to touch you and put money into your costume, you are confusing your audience with stripping. Again, I am not saying one way is
right or wrong—this suggestion is for dancers struggling for a different recognition within their community. This one change alone makes
the difference for many audiences as far as recognition between dance art and titillation or stripping.
Alternatives
Find a restaurant where you can host a Middle Eastern night. Charge an entrance fee or table minimum. I used to put information on the
tables describing the dance as it is done in Cairo’s 5-star nightclubs. I explained that tipping in the costume is considered disrespectful
and offensive.
Rent an auditorium and invite teachers and students. Post flyers or advertise in the local paper to include the general audience. Add an
informative program or include food if you want to charge more for your event.
Get creative when planning an event. Advertise differently. Send mailings to woman’s groups, children’s centers, senior citizens centers.
Don’t forget other dance venues. Send a mailing to dance studios such as ballet, jazz and ballroom. I have done this and it works!
I used to perform at baby and wedding showers, birthings, women's events and weddings. I wore an elegant beledy dress at those
performances, never a 2-piece bikini costume. Know your audience! At a particular restaurant where I put on a "Middle Eastern Night", I
wore glamorous one piece costumes. The audience came back again and again. They brought their kids, relatives and friends. They loved
to see a sophisticated show and not have to face a suggestive dancer begging for tips at their table. I put programs on the tables
describing the music, its meaning and the dancer’s relationship to it. The audience took home a positive image they will remember and talk
about for years. Make a difference!
** Please Note: I am not against the 2-piece bikini costume, I include them in my nightclub performances along with glamorous 1-piece
costumes. The point I am trying to make is to know your audience and think about what kind of image you are portraying.
Responsible Teaching
Create standards in costuming and money receiving and then create a forum where student dancers must meet these standards. Sponsor
haflas and performances and network with other teachers to promote professional events and workshops. Make the audience aware of
the different styles so that images can be defined. This is important so that we aren’t lumped into one stereotypical category.
***
Jazz and modern dance productions often have extreme sensuality, some times even nudity, yet they are not confused with stripping or
titillation. They are respected as talented and professional dancing because they are presented in a professional manor and in a
professional atmosphere. Oriental dance can be accepted into the main stream with other professional dance arts by making the
necessary changes as an individual dancer and by networking with dancers in your community.