| Tips for Dancers |
Listed below are great tips for a smooth performance. I have compiled these from various sources. Many
of them are from the fabulous ladies of Bhuz & some are my own. If you have advice you'd like to share
please e-mail me.
of them are from the fabulous ladies of Bhuz & some are my own. If you have advice you'd like to share
please e-mail me.
- Always wear a cover-up. Walking around in your costume prior to your performance not only looks
very unprofessional, but also ruins the element of mystery and suspense. - Think about facial expression as well as body movements.
- If you find yourself feeling nervous, and your facial expression is stiff and unnatural, focus for a few
seconds on a body part - Try looking at your hand while doing hand undulations or hips while doing
any hip-focused move. This brings the focus inward for a moment, which adds variety to the dance.
It may also help calm your nerves. - Create a form on your computer for dance jobs. A fill in the blank type form with all the information
you will need including, contact name & number, address & directions, type of event/ party. If there
is a guest of honor what is his or her name? I also include a blank for costume & music so that I can
note what music to which I performed as well as what I wore so that if I get repeat business I don't
give them a repeat show. - It is helpful to have a check list, especially if you do not perform on a regular basis. I include this list
at the bottom of my job sheet. Some things that should be included in your list are music, zills, veil,
boom box (check the batteries!), water, business cards & your cell phone. If you'll be doing a long
show you may also want to include baby wipes or a hand towel and body spray. Don't forget your
lipstick or other cosmetics you may need for touch-ups! - Consider the flooring and what could be lurking on it. In a restaurant you could step on glass or
spilled food. Outdoor stages can become really hot during the summer and watch out for those nail
heads...ouch! Lost beading and stones from the previous dancer can get stuck in your feet as well. - Sew your finger cymbals with contrasting colors (thumbs black & fingers white) so that you can
determine which is which quickly. You could also sew a seed bead to your thumb zill elastic so that
you can feel which zills are which in poor or nonexistent back stage lighting.
| General advice for all venues |
- Consider your audience. If the venue is family oriented take care not to wear risqué' costumes. I
once saw a dancer wearing a chiffon top with no bra in a student show with the majority of the
audience being family members of the dancers. - Make sure your underwear matches your skin tone or your costume. You never know when you
might shimmy your skirt down! - Always pin your belt to your skirt and pin the bra for extra security. There's nothing like the girls
making a sudden surprise showing or your belt landing with a thud on the floor in the middle of your
performance. (Diaper pins are great if you can find them) - Take the time (and relatively low resources compared to costumes) to invest in good quality makeup
and hair products for performing. Learn to create a complete look with hair and makeup that
complements your costuming, style, and personality. It gives you the air of a polished professional. - Make any costume repairs before storing it so that it will be ready to go next time you want to wear
it. - Practice your routine at home in the costume you want to perform with. Every costume moves and
feels differently with the music and each costume has different 'dangers' you can prepare for --> e.g.
Silk veil combined with velvet skirt = bad clinging. - Boy shorts that match your costume can work well under a circle skirt or on an elevated stage- if
you'd like to forgo the harem pants, but remain covered. - If you really want to prevent bead loss on your costumes turn the costume inside out and glue all the
knots with fabric glue.
| Costuming |
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