PROFESSIONALISM ON AND OFFSTAGE FOR HOURGLASS DANCERS:

When preparing for a performance, decide how long it will take you to get ready, and then add an hour. You will be surprised by the little extra things that come up while preparing to leave.

Make a list of everything you need to take with you and check the list before leaving the house. Examples of some of the things you may need are: Food (any dish you are bringing, as well as a snack for yourself), safety pins, water bottle, extra make-up for touch ups, hairspray, hairpins, brush or comb, a set of street clothes, camera with film, address of event. Some of the BIG things you need to make sure are on your list include: all parts of you costume(s) if you will be dressing AT the event, (double check to make sure you have EVERYTHING) including jewelry, veil, cover-up, and back up CD if you are doing a solo.

Be sure to go through your routine(s) before leaving the house and I recommend stretching and warming up prior to doing this. This last run through will help remind your mind and body of the routine.

BE SURE TO ARRIVE ON TIME! Arriving late is not only unprofessional, it also isn’t fair to the other dancers who did make the effort to be on time.

If you wear your costume to the event, be sure to wear a cover-up and sandals, or slippers, etc.

Keep in mind that ONCE YOU EXIT THE CAR, YOU WILL BE ON DISPLAY to the public. Don’t think for a moment that just because you are not performing, people are not watching you. From the time you arrive, until the time you get in the car to leave, you will be on display. So, if you want to touch up your make-up, rearrange your bra, deal with a wedgie, or pick your teeth, please wait until you get to the bathroom, or dressing room to do so!

Do eat a small meal before leaving the house. Don’t arrive with low blood sugar because you wanted to look extra slim. You need that energy for dancing—especially if you are going to do several numbers. Not only should you eat before you leave, but you should also bring along a snack (like a granola bar) in case you have an unexpected drop in blood sugar.

A SMALL portion of wine (and I am talking around 4 OZ), is fine and can be relaxing, but PLEASE do not imbibe much more than this prior to your performance.

Following your performance, exit the stage and room, put on your cover up and come back to watch the remainder of the show. The other dancers will appreciate the support and you can enjoy the performance. Please stand or sit at the back or sides of the room until the show is over. If you want to join your party during the show, change back into your street clothes before doing so.

When attending a public belly dance event, please refrain from talking in a derogatory manner about the other dancers. When we do this it ultimately reflects poorly on ourselves, and runs the risk of hurting someone else’s feelings should the comment be overheard. As we all know, we are doing the best job we can when performing and the truth of the matter is, virtually every dancer has something positive to offer us.

Lorrie Pierce