The influx of new belly dancers in recent years has proven a boom in the U.S. for the popularity of the oriental dance. It is a resurgence from the 1970s, when belly dance enthusiasm was at its peak. At that time, the era of dance seminars and shows was created, and has managed to survive throughout the years by the support of the die-hards which stuck it out through the ‘dry spell‘. While attendance does not rival that of seminars 30 years ago (with students totaling 75 to 100), the quality of instructors available today is better than ever. The exciting array is much like a delicious smorgasbord in which any serious connoisseur of dance indulges in order to expand her knowledge and expertise.
What exactly is the infamous "seminar scene"? It is a network of sponsors, vendors and instructors who provide weekend classes for all levels of students. Usually, the events are sponsored by dance teachers who know the value of exposing their students to various styles and techniques. These brave souls promote the art for art's sake and front all the finances, with only the hope to ‘break even’ at the end of the event. They seek out professional instructors/performers with excellent credentials and experience. They also provide space for dance suppliers from around the country to display their goodies, so lucky buyers can have a hands - on experience before purchasing.
Most often, the dance workshop is held within one or two days of a weekend, perhaps accompanied by a master class for advanced/professionals, or other classes such as a drum class. The workshop is most often taught by one guest artist, who is also the star of an evening performance. The show provides a performance venue that is wonderful, tasteful, and positive. It also presents the opportunity for local dancers and troupes to perform in a theater type setting, as well as to enjoy the talents of dancers from out of town which they would otherwise never get to see.
Smart sponsors hold the event in a location which is easily accessible by dancers both local and from out of state. One of the most popular locations is banquet hall or ballroom in a reasonably priced hotel situated near an airport. Other locations may include VFW halls, community centers, schools and universities.
Seminars educate all levels of oriental dancers. Even the professional will gain from exposure to a different style and perspective. There is too much to learn about this dance form! One cannot possibly learn it all from only one instructor. If you walk out of a seminar with two or three new ideas or simply with a burst of inspiration, then you have gained something valuable from having attended. You will be able to discern the styles and techniques you like and wish to incorporate into your own dance style. At the very least, you might see what you don’t like!
Teachers need to put aside any insecurities they may have about sending their students to a seminar. We must put the support of our art form first, and educate our students in every way possible, instead of allowing our fragile egos to get in the way and cause us to worry about losing students to someone else. Art is not a competition, nor does it have room for premadonnas.
To find out about seminars within your area of the country, you a try exploring the Internet. Many annual events have their own web sites. Or, sponsors, vendors and seminar instructors may list events they are participating in. Also, consider subscribing to a national belly dance magazine. Even though it relies on ’snail mail’, the magazines are still the best way to learn about the dance, discover who are the hottest instructors in the seminar scene around the world, find out where you can buy any variety of dance supplies, and network with other dancers and teachers all over the world.
If you attend a seminar and are a good dancer, you will eventually be invited to perform in a show. It is to your advantage to perform for the experience and the exposure. It may lead to other invitations to perform. If you are interested in traveling, you can perform in many states, meet all the wonderful people that are in this dance form, and slowly build up a reputation for yourself that might someday lead to being asked to instruct a seminar yourself. It is a long process that requires a patient investment of time, effort and money, but if you have talent and your goal is to be an artist in your field, your investment will eventually be recognized. It is a very rewarding experience to teach a seminar, because the students there are special people. They are dancers who love to dance, who are open-minded and eager to learn, and who truly appreciate a good oriental dancer.
Remember, a seminar is not a get rich quick scheme. Usually, a performer is offered a percentage off her seminar registration as compensation for her part in the show. A sponsor prays to cover all expenses. And the instructor, whiling getting paid a fee for her time, has certainly paid her dues in the past and must expend a ton of energy and effort to bring you worthwhile information and training.
So next time you hear about a seminar in your area, go ahead and check it out. You won’t regret getting a taste of the seminar smorgasbord.
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©2000 Jasmin Jahal