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"Thank Heavens that you are able to dance...Remember there are those who
cannot
even walk."  -author unknown

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Music

 

 

"The girl's got rhythm"
 Are you unsure of what you like? Try a compilation to find several artists or there are even free downloads out there such as myspace/mazika & below.

Free Middle Eastern Music Mp3s.

When dancing at a new venue bring a portable stereo, the sound system may not work or be compatable with your music.

Its always worthwhile to create back-up cd's and tapes...you never know. 

Free Belly Dance Radio!
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Stage presence

As dancers & performers we spend hours on costuming & rehersasal don't forget that your stage make-up/Persona is also an important part of your presentation.

Gum arabic of the Acasia tree & Frankincense(crystalized tree sap) both found in the Arabian penninusula were the worlds first chewing gums...cleaning & refreshing the breath... but please do not chew it in class or on stage...dancers should focus on relaxing the face & lifting...not choking

Its good practice to keep a sealed h20 bottle in your dance bag...hydration good...thirsty bad.

When applying make-up for stage think of  black & white photo.
Then stand at least 10 feet back to check your final presentation.

Bindi's & Tikka's have been used for centuries in India to decorate the forehead. This method also was used to denote caste or societal position.

For a sultry full lip pout do apply make-up base, powder, lip liner & a nice red or plum color. Follow with light powder & touch silver or white gloss in the center for the bee stung look.

khol eyes

Natural Khol(somtimes made from charred Frankincense) Eye make-up was used as an anti-microbial & reduces glare from the sun.

Bold eye contour, shadow(blush), Dark liptint & Cleopatra's secret black eyeliner(minimizes glare from the desert sun{stage lights}). All create the art of stage beauty.

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False Lashes can enhance your stage presense. Start at the center of the eye and carefully apply untill the outer edge is reached.Great for a large stage dynamic. Available in many styles, use lash glue to apply.

Apply glitter to focused areas (not all over)  avoiding the discoball effect. You can use gel for adhesive.

You only have one Body, Take care of it by using good warm-up & cool-down streches.Never hyper-extend the spine(tuck it).

As a dancer & performer in this genre you represent a diverse & complicated culture.
It is important that you show respect.  

Children

Kids love Belly Dance! They love to be included in class & performance time...do let them know what is accepted per venue & instructor...do let them know when they are allowed to dance. It also may be best not to dress them in adult fashions until they are ready... Beledi dresses, Gawazii coats, Caftans & Harem pants keep them a bit more covered up & can be fun/flashy too...Kids get a beautiful rosie blush when they are performing & may not need any more make-up than a little touch of glitter shadow & natural(not red) lip gloss. Remember no gum when dancing!

 

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Belly Dancers Make-up kit???

Don't fret, a basic kit can be acquired for a reasonable cost. Even in a Vegan lifestyle.

*Foundation:The base should be matte or oil control in your color.

*Powder:Should be matte or oil control in neutral or your color.

*Liner:Dark or light brown eyebrow and lip liner may be the same.

*Eye-liner:Dark brown or Black. I recommend liquid waterproof eyeliner. Some prefer cake, creme or khol powder.

*Blush:Use a nice dark brown or peach. Or try a Bronzer powder or cream.

*Lipstick:Color is up to you. Dark and rich reds are your best bet. There is all kinds of colorstay several hour lip shine out there now.

*Eyeshadow color:This is up to you. Cream, Powder or Liner...Color and contour as you wish. Perhaps multi color and glitter too.

*Mascara:Choose Blackest black or very Dark Brown and waterproof is your best bet.

 

Costumes

If you have a hard time with the off the rack costume options chances are you like to sew....Artemis Imports has compiled a top notch pattern collection.

How do you take care of costumes???
Just be carefull!!!
I just polish my coins &  rinse the basics in cold water with a touch of downy... dry flat.
store wrapped in towels to absorb humidity... with a dryer sheet for freshness...
Rhinestones... if they are painted or mirrored on the back even water will cause it to flake off... if they are swarovski they can handle washing, I have a jewelry pal who would use clear class cleaner on them... spraying a dust free cleaning cloth then wiping it over the crystals...when I buy new stones I like to brush on clear nail polish and wipe it off smoothly to help set the prongs & prevent dust build up in the spaces...
Sequins do not like any chemicals... depending on the sequin, delicate soap is risky... some times you can repair them with a spray opalescent or metallic paint, glitter even lite nail polish... test it out first to see what results you get...
                                                                         

Protect your investment add a half sole to those expensive dancer sandals

Create no sew harem pants by stringing elastic through the hem of casual or yoga wear pants.

Will you be performing outdoors? Be sure to bring a veil that is Heavier Weight than the average silk veil.

If you can see through your costume in light,
bellydance
So can the audience.

Wear a cover-up between performance and off-stage, keep the surprise under wraps & protect your costume.

Eyeglasses are stylish not to mention helpfull...for a polished appearance onstage it is best to go without, if possible. They reflect stagelights away from the eyes & crop the face in unflattering ways. If contact lenses are not an option do practice in low light with directional marks...do envision your audience around you even if they are a bit blurry.

Image by Chanel

Protect coins by wrapping in towels.

You can protect knees with sport pads.

It's a good habit to bring Back-up Zills, Sandals, Pins & Veil, Someday they will be needed.

Please never touch the edge of your sword even when dulled for stage.(you lose the magick entirely)

Headscarves were used for modesty & sand/dust deterants.Currently not only decorative but also absorb excess sweat &  a great place to add adornments.

 

DON'T UNDERSELL OR OVER PRICE YOUR PERFORMANCE. IT'S BEST TO STANDARDIZE THE PAY SCALE FOR FAIRNESS. Click Link To Belly Pay By Samira Shuruk!


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