Image-me after performance in street clothes. Will post costumed pics hopefully tomorrow.
How my First Belly Dance Performance Went
There were maybe 100 people at my hafla (party/performance). I invited only 3 people to see my first dance-my ex husband Scott and our 2 kids-ages 4 and 5. The reason I only invited Scott is he is the only person whose presence wouldn't make me uncomfortable. I've been going out with my current boyfriend for only a few weeks, and if he had been there I would have totally freaked out and forgotten all of the steps. Also, my parents weren't there because I haven't told them I belly dance. They are fundamental evangelical Christians, and although I think they would not be opposed to belly dancing, I'm not so sure. Many people have an incorrect assumption that belly dancing is similar to stripping. My parents are awesome and very good people, but there are many things that are best left unsaid around them.
There were maybe 100 people at my hafla (party/performance). I invited only 3 people to see my first dance-my ex husband Scott and our 2 kids-ages 4 and 5. The reason I only invited Scott is he is the only person whose presence wouldn't make me uncomfortable. I've been going out with my current boyfriend for only a few weeks, and if he had been there I would have totally freaked out and forgotten all of the steps. Also, my parents weren't there because I haven't told them I belly dance. They are fundamental evangelical Christians, and although I think they would not be opposed to belly dancing, I'm not so sure. Many people have an incorrect assumption that belly dancing is similar to stripping. My parents are awesome and very good people, but there are many things that are best left unsaid around them.
My performance was Sat., June 28. It was similar to preparing for prom- shopping for just the right jewelry, bindis (forehead jewelry), fixing hair and makeup, etc. Everyone was supposed to bring a food dish, preferably a middle eastern one. I brought the delicious middle eastern dish banana pudding, ha ha. I arrived 2 ½ hours before show time. That time was spent putting on makeup, jewelry, costume, helping other women get ready, taking pictures, and running through the routine. There were so many people getting ready, we had to go outside in the parking lot (barefoot) and practice. This must have looked really odd to people driving by.
My troupe was on the schedule 6th to dance. It was so nerve wracking having to watch 5 other troupes dance while “waiting for the guillotine” myself. The first people to dance were the studio owner and her mom who was probably in her 60's. I thought it was wonderful to see a mom and daughter dancing together. Next, the studio owner explained to the crowd how to show belly dancers you're enjoying their dance.
1-say the Greek “opa!”-A little kid in the audience kept saying opa and everyone in the audience followed suit. It was so cute!
2-say the middle eastern high pitched Xena Warrior Princess “la la la la”-my favorite
3-hiss-in any other context, hisses would be considered bad, but in belly dancing, the audience hisses during a slow dance to show appreciation
Finally, it was my troupe's (the “Sapphires”) turn to dance. I did really well I think. When I actually danced, I was not nervous at all. The hardest thing for me to do while I'm dancing is to smile. I get so wrapped up in the dance. I did notice my instructor a couple of times looking at us and motioning for us to smile.
Then after all of the dancing was over, we took our friends and family downstairs and ate. After that, all of the dancers got in a circle with drummers in the middle and free-styled. It was so much fun.
One thing I learned from this performance is that I want my nose pierced-with just an itsy bitsy, almost microscopic stud. I wore fake stick-on nose studs and loved them. I don't know if I will actually do it, but I'm giving it some thought.After the performance, the instructor gave everyone a graduation gift, a handmade tassel. A lot of the more experienced dancers wear a lot of these around their waist. They make your hip movements really stand out. I totally enjoyed my first hafla and am definitely looking forward to my next one.
My troupe was on the schedule 6th to dance. It was so nerve wracking having to watch 5 other troupes dance while “waiting for the guillotine” myself. The first people to dance were the studio owner and her mom who was probably in her 60's. I thought it was wonderful to see a mom and daughter dancing together. Next, the studio owner explained to the crowd how to show belly dancers you're enjoying their dance.
1-say the Greek “opa!”-A little kid in the audience kept saying opa and everyone in the audience followed suit. It was so cute!
2-say the middle eastern high pitched Xena Warrior Princess “la la la la”-my favorite
3-hiss-in any other context, hisses would be considered bad, but in belly dancing, the audience hisses during a slow dance to show appreciation
Finally, it was my troupe's (the “Sapphires”) turn to dance. I did really well I think. When I actually danced, I was not nervous at all. The hardest thing for me to do while I'm dancing is to smile. I get so wrapped up in the dance. I did notice my instructor a couple of times looking at us and motioning for us to smile.
Then after all of the dancing was over, we took our friends and family downstairs and ate. After that, all of the dancers got in a circle with drummers in the middle and free-styled. It was so much fun.
One thing I learned from this performance is that I want my nose pierced-with just an itsy bitsy, almost microscopic stud. I wore fake stick-on nose studs and loved them. I don't know if I will actually do it, but I'm giving it some thought.After the performance, the instructor gave everyone a graduation gift, a handmade tassel. A lot of the more experienced dancers wear a lot of these around their waist. They make your hip movements really stand out. I totally enjoyed my first hafla and am definitely looking forward to my next one.
P.S. I just visited a Blog Catalog member's blog who goes by the name of Won't Let Life Define Me
5 comments:
think you should pierce your nose (if your place of primary employment wouldn't mind). Then again, I see them fairly often around where I live so maybe it's just easier for me to flippantly suggest that to someone who might otherwise think it's a huge step. But regardless it looks good on you. I'm pretty gullible - were you serious about the banana putting being a middle-Eastern dish? I wouldn't have thought so, but of course I put a lot of weight on the knowledge and insight gained on your page. ha. I def know what you mean about not telling the 'rents. Some things are just better left unsaid. That's great that you and your ex can still get along (even if for the sake of the children.) I try my best to be civil with my boy's mom but that woman tries me like a free sample sometimes. Don't get me started in your comments section, Robin!! ;)
Sounds like you got off to a great start! What style of bellydancing do you practice? And how long have you been taking classes? I'm a bellydancer too, I dance both classical Egyptian and Tribal Fusion style.
I can understand you don't want to tell your parents. It's one of the things I keep running into as well, people really seem to think bellydancing is all about sex, when it's so clearly a form of art.
-Marjolein
Marjolein,
Great! Another belly dancer! I can't believe how many belly dancers I've run into on blog catalog. We need a belly dancing discussion group:) I've been dancing for 3 months-fusion style and I love it. I'm glad you visited my blog.
Erick (if that is really your name),
Hmmm...I think I could get my nose pierced and if I wasn't wearing a stud, it probably wouldn't be noticeable when I didn't want it to be. I'm a accountant, and you really don't see too many of us with nose studs, lol. Just kidding about the banana pudding. That is pure southern Baptist food, ha ha. Sorry to hear about your ex. She sounds like she's hard to get along with. Feel free to vent in my comments anytime. Let it all out:)
Hey - I have a friend that pierced her nose and when she was at work she put a clear 'placeholder' stud in there so maybe you'd be okay if you were seriously considering it.
I'll spare you the baby mama drama! It's actually not as bad as it could be if I cared more about certain things.
HAHA..I like how you kept it real with the banana pudding. Nice.
-Erick
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