Well the Belly Dance Spectacular is only 9 days away...and counting!
Although we've done this show annually for several years now, I still get nervous and excited about doing it....and there is such a buzz afterwards that it is all worth it! This time has been a little different and has meant more rehearsal time as I not only have Miramar in the show, but also Shuvani. The girls have all been fantastic and very professional in their approach, but it has meant more work for me. Because the two troupes are very experienced, confident and capable women , they are great at organising themselves and getting on with costumes etc with little help from me, but as artistic director I have to give constructive criticism, encouragement and guidance, and as director of the show I have to hold the vision of the whole production and how it needs to work. Suits a control freak like me down to the ground!! And as Miramar are now down to 6 (Jackie has had to bow out of the show due to an old back problem), I have to take part in more of their dances. I'm very happy to do that, but the unfortunate consequence is that my knees and also one ankle is starting to complain. One student asked if it was the dancing that had caused problems but I realised when I looked back that as a child I used to constantly fall over onto my knees and twist my ankles on a regular basis. I was a farmers daughter and tomboy to boot, plus very adventurous and bold, so I was often found climbing over, and under things, swinging on things and generally having a very physical and dangerous time! My parents were very strict about safety, but I didn't always understand why, so of course I just carried on if I thought I could get away with it....and now I am reaping the results!! I don't regret being a bit of a wild child but it means that I have a few scars and weak spots, and they are now making themselves known! So, I mana ged to twist my ankle and knee a couple of weeks agao, and it seems that there is still a problem, so the lively drum-solo-type dance I had in mind to do for the show is probably off the menu. I must admit to not feeling too inspired by the idea anyway, but am instead looking for a good piece of music to instead dance a Sufi/Whirling kind of thingy, which could be slower and less technical. I know it all sounds a bit last minute, but I am the mother of invention and love to improvise so am confident it will be good enough on the day- providing the body holds up!
Would love to write more, but the strict little slave driver voice in the head is telling me I have work to do....gotta go!
Friday 2 March 2012
Tuesday 14 February 2012
How we stage our belly dance show.
At the moment, most of my admin hours are being taken up with the Belly Dance Spectacular, which we are staging on 11th March.
I decided a few years back that it would be good to challenge the troupe (Miramar) by giving them a taste of performing professionally on a proper stage with lighting. I've always had a great love of the theatre, and had long dreamed of putting belly dance on the stage, so it seemed like a good idea! As the costs of hiring professional theatres was out of our means we decided to do it to raise funds for charity, which usually gets us a preferential rate of hire, and makes the whole thing more do-able. The first show was so successful that we have been doing them yearly ever since!
We have tried different formulas over the years but have broadly stuck to a format of two or three troupes with solo spots and sometimes a comedy number, and all in all this seems a good combination. Doing a complete show with one troupe would be quite hard work, so collaborating with others makes it more enjoyable, less stressful and very interesting, as you then get a bigger variety of styles, choreographies, and costumes. And most troupes don't get the chance to perform on a stage. We all get used to just performing one or two numbers at a hafla, with basic lighting and no platform or stage, and simple sound systems, which is very informal, so it's both exciting and challenging to have to think about entrances and exits, colour combinations, formations, lighting and sound- it's a big learning curve, but very enjoyable!
Preparations seem to take around six months- but as we meet about once a month (and more closer to the show), this feels a good pace.
So we usually invite two other troupes to join us, so there is anything from 20-30 dancers involved in the project. I ask each troupe to prepare 5 seperate and different dances, and the teacher can have a solo spot. The dances can be either the whole troupe or varying combinations, like duos, trios, and smaller groups- doing this does take some of the stress out of performing and avoids too many quick changes. And then I ask each troupe to join us in a big finale. I must admit to being inspired by the Belly Dance Superstars, and thought, if they can do it, why can't we? So the finale music is usually divided up into four sections- one for each troupe, and a short section at the end for the whole cast to join in with. Then I get together with the other troupe leaders/teachers, and we work on the end section together and create a short choreography. Then each troupe goes off to work on their own section and the end piece. Then about a month before the show we get together (preferably on the actual stage, if possible) to have a try out. This gives us a chance to tidy up the entrances and exits, and sections where one troupe comes in and another exits, or moves to one side. On the day of the show, we book the theatre from the morning so we all get to practise our dances and also a finale practise together. As we have the show on a Sunday afternoon, we then have a bit of time to get lunch and get ready before kick-off at 2.30pm
Most troupes have different costumes for each seperate dance, and Miramar have got quite inventive at recycling things in different combinations, but we always have a colour scheme for the finale, when all troupes wear the same colour- which makes it especially dramatic.This year we are going for gold!!
In the past Miramar have done a comedy number- usually incorporating our panto camel Yasmine Le Bump,but last year we have a guest troupe come in and do that, which gave us a bit of breathing space, and gave another troupe a bit of the limelight! We also usually get some friends into the camel to go and collect money at the interval, as kids really love her!
About a month or so beforehand I get all the details of the dances and sit down to work out the programme. This usually takes a fair bit of time as there are lots of considerations, and I try to achieve a balance. I try to space things out so people have enough time to change between dances ( ideally two or more dances, but it can be done in one!), and then I look at the style and feel of a dance to a certain where it might best be placed. Sometimes teachers make a special request because of costume or hair changes and I try to cater for that. I also look at the costume colours and style, as well as any props or complicated entrances or exits. I also try to space out the solos and duos to give the other dancers a bit of breathing space. I also ask the teachers if they have any special lighting requests and consult with the lighting guys beforehand to arrange this.
In previous years we have had 'blue state' blackouts between acts which looks more tidy and professional (so no hanging around for lots of applause and bowing!!), but try to have the next troupe in the wings ready to go straight on. We have also always had a stage manager to liaise with the tech guys (lighting and sound) as well as keeping control of the performers - checking they are ready and in position and not making a noise! We usually also have an assistant SM who will come and give the performers a call just before they are on, and help with costume changes, run errands etc.The stage manager is also in charge of setting and preparing props.
We have also had a compere for the shows, and she has kicked off the show and ended it too, but it has been very useful to have her on hand to step in if there are any embarrassing gaps due to costume problems. Our compere usually does our haflas too but because of the large nummber of acts she usually does less in this show. We also try to get a rep from the charity to say a few words at the beginning.
We have also had friends come in to help our troupe with hair makeup and costume changes- especially if there are any quick ones, which is sometimes unavoidable!
Most years we have had a photographer as well as someone video-ing the show. We have sold DVD's of past shows to raise extra money for the charity.
Of course there would be no point to any of this without an audience, so we have to promote the show well in advance. Happily many people now come back year after year to see it, and supporters of the charity will also swell the audience numbers. As an added attraction we also open the bar an hour early and have a belly dance trader as well as a display by our chosen charity. But we promote the show with press releases, posters, Facebook, and emails, as well as badgering our friends to come along. Getting a photo in the local paper is a great boost! And then we just cross our fingers and pray for a good turnout of generous people with deep pockets!
If you are thinking of doing something similar- go ahead! It will be hardwork, but hugely enjoyable, and it really pushes your dance performance skills and technique forward too. It's a wonderful experience which the performers will be talking about for months- if not years. I thoroughly reccomend it!
I decided a few years back that it would be good to challenge the troupe (Miramar) by giving them a taste of performing professionally on a proper stage with lighting. I've always had a great love of the theatre, and had long dreamed of putting belly dance on the stage, so it seemed like a good idea! As the costs of hiring professional theatres was out of our means we decided to do it to raise funds for charity, which usually gets us a preferential rate of hire, and makes the whole thing more do-able. The first show was so successful that we have been doing them yearly ever since!
We have tried different formulas over the years but have broadly stuck to a format of two or three troupes with solo spots and sometimes a comedy number, and all in all this seems a good combination. Doing a complete show with one troupe would be quite hard work, so collaborating with others makes it more enjoyable, less stressful and very interesting, as you then get a bigger variety of styles, choreographies, and costumes. And most troupes don't get the chance to perform on a stage. We all get used to just performing one or two numbers at a hafla, with basic lighting and no platform or stage, and simple sound systems, which is very informal, so it's both exciting and challenging to have to think about entrances and exits, colour combinations, formations, lighting and sound- it's a big learning curve, but very enjoyable!
Preparations seem to take around six months- but as we meet about once a month (and more closer to the show), this feels a good pace.
So we usually invite two other troupes to join us, so there is anything from 20-30 dancers involved in the project. I ask each troupe to prepare 5 seperate and different dances, and the teacher can have a solo spot. The dances can be either the whole troupe or varying combinations, like duos, trios, and smaller groups- doing this does take some of the stress out of performing and avoids too many quick changes. And then I ask each troupe to join us in a big finale. I must admit to being inspired by the Belly Dance Superstars, and thought, if they can do it, why can't we? So the finale music is usually divided up into four sections- one for each troupe, and a short section at the end for the whole cast to join in with. Then I get together with the other troupe leaders/teachers, and we work on the end section together and create a short choreography. Then each troupe goes off to work on their own section and the end piece. Then about a month before the show we get together (preferably on the actual stage, if possible) to have a try out. This gives us a chance to tidy up the entrances and exits, and sections where one troupe comes in and another exits, or moves to one side. On the day of the show, we book the theatre from the morning so we all get to practise our dances and also a finale practise together. As we have the show on a Sunday afternoon, we then have a bit of time to get lunch and get ready before kick-off at 2.30pm
Most troupes have different costumes for each seperate dance, and Miramar have got quite inventive at recycling things in different combinations, but we always have a colour scheme for the finale, when all troupes wear the same colour- which makes it especially dramatic.This year we are going for gold!!
In the past Miramar have done a comedy number- usually incorporating our panto camel Yasmine Le Bump,but last year we have a guest troupe come in and do that, which gave us a bit of breathing space, and gave another troupe a bit of the limelight! We also usually get some friends into the camel to go and collect money at the interval, as kids really love her!
About a month or so beforehand I get all the details of the dances and sit down to work out the programme. This usually takes a fair bit of time as there are lots of considerations, and I try to achieve a balance. I try to space things out so people have enough time to change between dances ( ideally two or more dances, but it can be done in one!), and then I look at the style and feel of a dance to a certain where it might best be placed. Sometimes teachers make a special request because of costume or hair changes and I try to cater for that. I also look at the costume colours and style, as well as any props or complicated entrances or exits. I also try to space out the solos and duos to give the other dancers a bit of breathing space. I also ask the teachers if they have any special lighting requests and consult with the lighting guys beforehand to arrange this.
In previous years we have had 'blue state' blackouts between acts which looks more tidy and professional (so no hanging around for lots of applause and bowing!!), but try to have the next troupe in the wings ready to go straight on. We have also always had a stage manager to liaise with the tech guys (lighting and sound) as well as keeping control of the performers - checking they are ready and in position and not making a noise! We usually also have an assistant SM who will come and give the performers a call just before they are on, and help with costume changes, run errands etc.The stage manager is also in charge of setting and preparing props.
We have also had a compere for the shows, and she has kicked off the show and ended it too, but it has been very useful to have her on hand to step in if there are any embarrassing gaps due to costume problems. Our compere usually does our haflas too but because of the large nummber of acts she usually does less in this show. We also try to get a rep from the charity to say a few words at the beginning.
We have also had friends come in to help our troupe with hair makeup and costume changes- especially if there are any quick ones, which is sometimes unavoidable!
Most years we have had a photographer as well as someone video-ing the show. We have sold DVD's of past shows to raise extra money for the charity.
Of course there would be no point to any of this without an audience, so we have to promote the show well in advance. Happily many people now come back year after year to see it, and supporters of the charity will also swell the audience numbers. As an added attraction we also open the bar an hour early and have a belly dance trader as well as a display by our chosen charity. But we promote the show with press releases, posters, Facebook, and emails, as well as badgering our friends to come along. Getting a photo in the local paper is a great boost! And then we just cross our fingers and pray for a good turnout of generous people with deep pockets!
If you are thinking of doing something similar- go ahead! It will be hardwork, but hugely enjoyable, and it really pushes your dance performance skills and technique forward too. It's a wonderful experience which the performers will be talking about for months- if not years. I thoroughly reccomend it!
Thursday 26 January 2012
Happy Busyness!
I have had lots of occasions in the last couple of weeks where I wanted to write a blog, but just haven't had the time! That's a good thing, because it's about having lots of work going on, but the creative side of me also needs a little outing, too! It felt as if just before Christmas there was a big bung stopping everything up, but now someones pulled the plug - and it's all gushing out really fast!!
Things have changed a bit since my last blog- mostly good, I might add. Just before Xmas in a state of panic and desperation I applied for a care job, and got an interview last week. By the time the interview came around I was feeling rather ambivalent about it, so maybe that affected my performance, but needless to say, I didn't get the job. My caring skills are a bit out of date, as I haven't done anything really for over ten years, and the policies and ways of doing things are being constantly updated, plus it's not my main career, so no doubt someone with better skills and more drive got it. In a way I'm relieved, as at the moment it would have been a bit of a stretch to fit in around everything else, but I'm confident that the universe will find me the perfect job. In fact, talking of perfect jobs, The Creaky Cauldron have asked me to make a Dumbledore 'style' wizard costume, and there are plans to make costumes for the staff too, which could fit neatly around my other work- maybe this is the perfect job already and I didn't realise it!
My classes are going well- numbers are still down with the 'old' classes, but I've still got the Warwick Uni classes, as well as a new beginners class at the college. I haven't had enough beginners there for over a year until now, so something has definitely shifted. And the Uni classes are a bit of a moveable feast as the first week we had 12 and last week we had about 30! I think that this will continue to be the case as the students obviously have more important things to do like attending lectures and doing essays, so I won't necessarily get the same students from week to week.But I'm very grateful for it, whatever is the case and it's an opportunity to learn more about teaching.
Things are also developing with the radio show....we have now got permission to use the new premises, but we need to raise funds to do remedial work and decorate. We also have a lively young man called Neil who is going to do his own show starting next week! His show will just follow on after ours, and will be about the arts. Peter and I are really excited about this as we would like to see The Alternative Show grow into a full blown radio station in the future, and this is an important step towards that. We've also successfully done our first Skype interview, and using Skype means that we can now interview and talk to people all over the world, which opens up all sorts of exciting possibilities. And we are holding our first MBS show at Lifeways in Sept! This is to raise funds for the show, as well as give Lifeways a big promotion....it's all happenning!
And as if that's not enough, there is the Belly Dance Spectacular coming up soon, and Le Petit Souk to organise for May! But I must admit to doing a lot of praying and making requests before Xmas....and someone was obviously listening- and it's all coming at once- phew!
Things have changed a bit since my last blog- mostly good, I might add. Just before Xmas in a state of panic and desperation I applied for a care job, and got an interview last week. By the time the interview came around I was feeling rather ambivalent about it, so maybe that affected my performance, but needless to say, I didn't get the job. My caring skills are a bit out of date, as I haven't done anything really for over ten years, and the policies and ways of doing things are being constantly updated, plus it's not my main career, so no doubt someone with better skills and more drive got it. In a way I'm relieved, as at the moment it would have been a bit of a stretch to fit in around everything else, but I'm confident that the universe will find me the perfect job. In fact, talking of perfect jobs, The Creaky Cauldron have asked me to make a Dumbledore 'style' wizard costume, and there are plans to make costumes for the staff too, which could fit neatly around my other work- maybe this is the perfect job already and I didn't realise it!
My classes are going well- numbers are still down with the 'old' classes, but I've still got the Warwick Uni classes, as well as a new beginners class at the college. I haven't had enough beginners there for over a year until now, so something has definitely shifted. And the Uni classes are a bit of a moveable feast as the first week we had 12 and last week we had about 30! I think that this will continue to be the case as the students obviously have more important things to do like attending lectures and doing essays, so I won't necessarily get the same students from week to week.But I'm very grateful for it, whatever is the case and it's an opportunity to learn more about teaching.
Things are also developing with the radio show....we have now got permission to use the new premises, but we need to raise funds to do remedial work and decorate. We also have a lively young man called Neil who is going to do his own show starting next week! His show will just follow on after ours, and will be about the arts. Peter and I are really excited about this as we would like to see The Alternative Show grow into a full blown radio station in the future, and this is an important step towards that. We've also successfully done our first Skype interview, and using Skype means that we can now interview and talk to people all over the world, which opens up all sorts of exciting possibilities. And we are holding our first MBS show at Lifeways in Sept! This is to raise funds for the show, as well as give Lifeways a big promotion....it's all happenning!
And as if that's not enough, there is the Belly Dance Spectacular coming up soon, and Le Petit Souk to organise for May! But I must admit to doing a lot of praying and making requests before Xmas....and someone was obviously listening- and it's all coming at once- phew!
Tuesday 10 January 2012
Getting Busy....
Well, am now just starting back into regular classes this week, and as usual it's proving to be a bit of a shock to the system! I start out the holidays with good intentions of practising and stretching every day......and then never do it! So, apart from a couple of gigs I have done next to nothing in terms of dancing or practise!! Dear, oh dear! The downside (well, there are several, actually!) is that the lack of exercise gets me into an apathetic, grumpy state where I get very lazy and unmotivated. As soon as I start dancing again, my mood changes and I'm perky and lively! Must be something to do with the old seratonin levels, I'm guessing. And of course, like most people, I have put a bit of weight back on...uuurgh!
But quite a bit has been going on in the background...as I have been considering my work situation again. Selling my jewellery via the internet or a local shop hasn't worked out so far, but admittedly I haven't really advertised it much, but it feels as if that will only ever be a kind of paying hobby. I do get lots of enjoyment out of making it, though. I also ran a small jewellery making workshop before Xmas which went well, and have another lined up for a retirement group. I'm still continuing to search for a suitable job, but the boost of the Christmas work and the fees from students is helping me to draw back from the brink of financial ruin- phew! So if I'm very careful, I can chug along for a while longer, while I am waiting for the Universe to find me the ideal job! But I am not resting on my laurels, oh no- I am continuously looking for opportunites to perform and teach both dance and jewellery making and take my stall to BD events, as well as searching through the jobs section in the local papers.
As regards the classes, I'm pleased that most of the 'old' students are coming back this term, but the numbers have been further reduced by illness, and changed circumstances, holidays etc- it's the Incredible Shrinking Career at the moment! But some of this has been offset by a new ready made class I have been offerred. To cut a long story short, a friend had been asked to teach a class at Warwick Uni and couldn't do it, so she reccomended me...and hey presto, I'm doing it! It's really good because I don't have to advertise, or organise anything- just turn up and teach- and get paid! They are a keen bunch of twenty-something girls with a lot of energy, so it will be interesting see how we can work together. They have previously learnt from my good friend Di who is a fab teacher, so I have big boots to fill, but I'll do my best!
And on top of all of that there is the Belly Dance Spectacular, the Souk and various other gigs and events to organise or book myself into...time to get busy!
But quite a bit has been going on in the background...as I have been considering my work situation again. Selling my jewellery via the internet or a local shop hasn't worked out so far, but admittedly I haven't really advertised it much, but it feels as if that will only ever be a kind of paying hobby. I do get lots of enjoyment out of making it, though. I also ran a small jewellery making workshop before Xmas which went well, and have another lined up for a retirement group. I'm still continuing to search for a suitable job, but the boost of the Christmas work and the fees from students is helping me to draw back from the brink of financial ruin- phew! So if I'm very careful, I can chug along for a while longer, while I am waiting for the Universe to find me the ideal job! But I am not resting on my laurels, oh no- I am continuously looking for opportunites to perform and teach both dance and jewellery making and take my stall to BD events, as well as searching through the jobs section in the local papers.
As regards the classes, I'm pleased that most of the 'old' students are coming back this term, but the numbers have been further reduced by illness, and changed circumstances, holidays etc- it's the Incredible Shrinking Career at the moment! But some of this has been offset by a new ready made class I have been offerred. To cut a long story short, a friend had been asked to teach a class at Warwick Uni and couldn't do it, so she reccomended me...and hey presto, I'm doing it! It's really good because I don't have to advertise, or organise anything- just turn up and teach- and get paid! They are a keen bunch of twenty-something girls with a lot of energy, so it will be interesting see how we can work together. They have previously learnt from my good friend Di who is a fab teacher, so I have big boots to fill, but I'll do my best!
And on top of all of that there is the Belly Dance Spectacular, the Souk and various other gigs and events to organise or book myself into...time to get busy!
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