Central Coast Belly Dancer Mary

Last Friday, TLC’s wedding show “Four Weddings” featured a “belly dancer” at a reception and a very prominent interview clip of another bride calling said dancer inappropriate. Not being much of a television-watcher myself, I heard about the episode through the online dance community.

At first, I got caught up in the artistic indignation – “How dare they call bellydance inappropriate!? We are SO misunderstood…” and then I thought about what I was saying, watched the clip and realized – the bride had a point.

How many times have I cringed at the sight of an “authentic” performance by a “professional belly dancer” or purposely avoided show nights at restaurants with poor quality dancers? I can’t give a number, but I can tell you that it’s happened enough times my husband would never plan a date to a restaurant with dancing unless we (a) knew the performer personally or (b) had done enough background research to know she was good. It’s far too easy to find bad dancing.

The scariest part about this is that I have devoted years to the study of Middle Eastern dance and even I occasionally have difficulty separating the good from bad without having seen the performer in person. A slick website, good marketing materials, and even a claim to have been dancing for years doesn’t mean anything if the dance quality isn’t there come show time. The proof of a dancer’s skill is always in the dancing – if you know what you’re looking for.

I hardly expect everyone to go out and study belly dance just so they can differentiate between good and bad dancing – finding a good instructor can be an odyssey in and of itself, and most of you probably just want to know how to to spot the difference between good Middle Eastern dance and “I wouldn’t want that at my party.”

The quickest way to determine if you want to consider a particular dancer for your event can be summed up in one question: Does the dancer make you feel uneasy when you watch the performance? If yes, move on. Your time is valuable and you shouldn’t spend time researching a performer whose dancing doesn’t make you feel 100% comfortable. If the dancers don’t perform in a public location like a restaurant where you can “research” – try youtube videos or just call and ask about performance footage.

If you want to enhance your event, a little research goes a long way to ensure your guests leave saying “wow” and not “woah”.

To watch the “Four Weddings” episode trailer: TLC\’s Four Weddings – Belly Dancer Episode

For a link to a lovely performance by an excellent dancer: Orit Maftsir

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Specializing in “wow,” Mary is a professional belly dance performer based in the Santa Ynez Valley. To find out more about adding international elegance to your next event, all Mary at 805-323-6449 or e-mail maryraks@gmail.com. Don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook!

Hello darlings! I don’t know if it’s the warmer weather, the flowers blooming, or just the start of the spring party season here in Santa Barbara County, but I’ve been getting so many questions recently about hiring a dancer for events and the logistics involved that I thought I’d share some for you it the blog.

Dear Mary –

Audience participation seems to be part of every belly dance show I’ve seen. My guests would probably really enjoy a show, but they aren’t the type to get up and dance. Does this mean I can’t book a belly dancer?

- Cultured but Shy

Dear Cultured but Shy,

Absolutely not! While audience participation is a very commonly requested part of a belly dance show, it is not “required” by any means. Most performers will gladly listen to your needs and adjust their show accordingly. A truly experienced professional will even be able to make on-the-spot adjustments to show delivery if necessary.

I once performed at a party where the hostess thought few of the guests would be willing to get up and dance, so I tailored the set accordingly. It was a very pleasant surprise for her, and a fun surprise memory for everyone when people were practically jumping out of their seats wanting to dance by the end of the set because they were having so much fun watching the show, they wanted to participate!

Dear Mary –

We’ve booked our wedding reception venue for 4 hours and want to have plenty of time for toasts, dinner, cake and dancing to the DJ. Would I need to add additional time if I want to hire a bellydancer too?

- Bemused Bride

Dear BB,

Save that money for the honeymoon! You don’t need to book extra time at your venue to add a bellydancer to your day. Most of the time, the belly dance performance occurs in conjunction with another part of the reception – like dinner. Whenever I’ve worked with brides for a wedding, I always set up a planning meeting or phone call with the bride and her planning team so we can select the best point in the reception to schedule the show so it makes the most sense in the flow of the day and still fits her vision.

Dear Mary –

My guests aren’t Middle Eastern and my event doesn’t even have a Middle Eastern theme. Will a belly dancer seem weird?

- Planning Perfection

Dear Planning,

It won’t seem weird if fun, elegant and unique are already traits your friends associate with your style. Thankfully, the days when we were expected to only enjoy certain activities because of our cultural background or limit our options to have fun because of a cookie-cutter “expected” theme are fast becoming distant memories. If we can spend an afternoon watching American football and then go out for sushi and salsa dancing, why limit party entertainment to the “expected”?

–

Do you have any questions you’d like Mary to answer about events or hiring a Middle Eastern dancer for your next special event? Drop me an e-mail at maryraks@gmail.com or call 805-688-5446.

I believe in giving back to the community. This year, I got involved with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life events in Lompoc and Solvang. Cancer has affected my family, my friends’ families and maybe even your own. I’d never been involved in the Relay before, so this is definitely a new experience, but one I plan to repeat.

One way I chose to raise funds was by offering a workshop at the Lompoc YMCA where 100% of the registration fees went to the American Cancer Society. The day was extremely rainy and I was concerned about attendance because of the weather – but I really shouldn’t have been! Four lovely ladies came out to the event and despite not having any bellydance experience at all, they had a great time and learned a very cute choreography to “I Will Survive” – in Turkish!

I had such a wonderful time teaching you all! The day was filled with sunshine in spite of the rain.

Mary and the workshop attendees after 2 hours of dancing! Don't you just love the huge smiles?

If you would like to get involved at a Relay Event near you, please visit: www.relayforlife.org

Would you like to find out more about cancer prevention or access valuable resources for survivors, patients, caregivers, friends and family? Visit the American Cancer Society at: www.cancer.org

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Mary is a professional bellydancer based in Solvang, California. To find out about community involvement or upcoming special events like the workshop, “like” Mary on Facebook.

… hip hop

… modern dance

…. ballet

… bollywood

… hula

… Goddess worship

… etc.

Bellydance is a celebration, a stage form of a social dance danced by men, women and children – young and old. It is not a collection of movements one learns and then uses in whatever context one wishes. There is a style, a feeling, an essence that stems from the culture, the music, the roots from whence this dance comes that cannot and should not be divorced from the dance if a performer is going to call it “bellydance.”

I believe in artistic expression, but I also believe that when creating art and associating it with a culture, one should respect the culture! So why is it that so much of what is called “bellydance” is not recognizable to Middle Easterners nor does it appear to have anything to do with Middle Eastern culture?

Bellydance is beautiful, it’s exciting, fun, artistic, elegant. But only if the artist recognizes what bellydance is – and isn’t – and chooses to show respect for themselves, the art and their audience by presenting a quality representation of the dance.

Experience the beauty, joy, and elegance of belly dance at your next event!

Mary is a professional belly dancer based in the Santa Ynez Valley who offers elegant, unique entertainment for events from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo. Contact Mary to find out more information by calling 805-323-6449 or e-mailing maryraks@gmail.com.

Life as a professional artist in a not-quite-mainstream and oft misrepresented dance form has taught me two things: 1. Not every client who says they’ve hired a belly dancer actually gets a “real” belly dancer and 2. Clients don’t always get enough respect.

On multiple occasions I’ve read or heard comments from dancers regarding the effort they put into various events and it’s interesting to see how wildly effort varies from event to event depending on the type of audience, type of event, alignment of the stars, etc. We all have good and bad days, but I feel there are some basic rights every client has when working with a professional service provider.

You deserve a performer who communicates openly with you about your event. Even if you have never hired a belly dancer before, you deserve to work with a dancer who understands the vision you have for the event and works with you to make it a reality, not someone who pretends to have all the answers because they’ve “done this before” and you haven’t. It’s your event and each event should be unique and special to the dancer because it is for you and your guests.

You deserve a competent dancer. This may seem like a given, but quality varies wildly and even professional trappings like a website, business cards or even a regular restaurant gig do not guarantee that the featured performer is able to provide the caliber of show you’d like for your event. Look for someone that invests in continuing education and can answer your questions confidently and openly. Someone who claims that belly dance originated in harems as a dance of seduction and goddess-worship rituals probably hasn’t spent significant amounts of time studying the origins of the dance and the folkloric styles from which it developed.

You deserve to hire a belly dancer. You hired a belly dancer because you wanted a belly dancer to provide fun, family-friendly entertainment and add a unique touch to the party. You probably weren’t looking for any other style of dance or show for your guests – you should get what you pay for.

You have a right to a great performance. I customize my sets for each event keeping the audience and type of event in mind, but even if the dancer has a “standard” show CD, you and your guests have a right to have the performance delivered with passion and enthusiasm! No one wants to watch a dancer “phone it in.”

You have the right to see huge smiles on all your guests’ faces during the show. Belly dance is FUN! There really is no better way to announce “It’s a party!” than with the clinking of finger cymbals and music that will have everyone up and dancing by the end of the set.

I performed at one country club event where the party spilled out of the ballroom and we ended up doing the debke through the club’s posh restaurant because the party-goers wanted to show everyone else what a great time they were having. The club’s president was the one leading the way and he just learned the basic debke steps at the party!

Ultimately, I firmly believe you have the right to enjoy your event, feel confident in the entertainment you hire and the investment you made and have fun!

Your advocate in all things dance,

Me

—-

Mary is a professional Middle Eastern Dance Artist in based in the Santa Ynez Valley.

In case you hadn’t heard on my official facebook page yet, I will be teaching a

workshop on March 20th to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. For the workshop, I am creating a brand new choreography and while it’s coming along, I’m still waiting for that spark of inspiration that pulls the entire piece together.

It’s almost like making crème brulee; without adding the blowtorch flame to make the signature crunchy sugar top layer, you still have a delicious custard dessert to serve – but it’s not as special.

Naturally this got me thinking about where I draw inspiration, where inspiration comes from, and I don’t have an answer. I’ve found inspiration for previous class and troupe choreographies in nature, music, sensations, smells, even watching my darling husband play his video games (strange, I know). Yet I still can’t find the formula that sparks inspiration-on-demand or something similar for “Mary the Belly Dancer” (who is really not different from “Mary” Mary – just add more glitter).

The upcoming workshop inspires me and it’s important to me to have crème brulee for the participants and not just custard. The cancer survivors, their caregivers, families and friends deserve something wonderful. The stories are inspiring and everything has fallen together beautifully – except the tiny remaining part of this choreography that will remain unwritten until I find that special spark of inspiration for a tiny event put on for a cause near to my heart.

Where do you find inspiration? I’d love it if you posted a comment to share!

If you’d like to find out more about the workshop, visit Mary on facebook, send an e-mail to maryraks@gmail.com, or call 805-323-6449.

Before we begin, I’d like to thank my lovely dance friends Ruya Gamal (Killeen, TX), Sabrina (San Diego, CA), and Carrara Nour (CT) for sharing some of their beautiful stagewear photos for this post – especially since I am still recovering from The Great Computer Crash of 2010 and Loss of All Studio Photos. If you’d like to learn more about my fabulous dancer friends, just click on their picture!

In our last Instant Expert blog post, we discussed the basics of bellydance costuming by looking at the number of main pieces in a costume.

Costumes can range from vintage styled bra and belt sets dripping with lush fringe and paired with a high-slit skirt for a dancer embracing the “vintage American” or Turkish Oriental look to sleek minimalist costumes currently en vogue with the stars of Egyptian dance. Most dancers have a wide range of costume in their preferred styles, with the majority of outfits falling somewhere in the middle of the spectrum between fringe-monster and fabric-only.

Costuming styles will change between students and professionals, and it behooves you as a client to have a basic understanding of styles to ensure the dancer you are considering is a good match for your event – you wouldn’t want someone in an ill-fitting “airport special” to dance at your corporation’s International Day gala. We shall start at the “bless her heart” and work our way up from there…

The Airport Special

The Airport Special is thusly termed because this is the style most commonly seen at airports and touristy shops in the Middle East. It was not designed for professional wear, and quite possibly not even with the human body in mind. The belts are oddly fitting with no contouring, the bra cups resemble dinner plates, and the fringe is cheap and prone to breaking and scattering seed beads all over the carpet. In fact, I’m pretty sure some of these costumes’ bases are made out of old tires.

I’m cringing as I type this, but I can say all the above from experience because I owned one of these costumes, and tore it apart to see if it was salvageable and able to be worked into something passable as stagewear. It wasn’t. I was a new dancer and excited about the thought of buying a “real” costume – don’t judge me!

My only redemption is that this outfit was never worn, sparing me embarrassment and possible blackmail-worthy photographs.

Unless you are willing to risk seed beads flying into the sorbet, or a very likely costume malfunction, don’t take this costume (or anyone in it) as an accurate representation of Middle Eastern dance. While I’m on the subject, those butterfly top costumes fall into the category as well. A shoestring does not a secure garment-fastener make.

Student Costuming

Professional level costuming is expensive! With even bra and belt sets in the hundreds of dollars, most students (and teachers) struggle to find quality costuming for students that

Mary's students prepare for recital 2010 in coordinating Minya glitter skirt sets from Dahlal.

won’t break the bank. Thankfully, we are fortunate enough to have wonderful options at our disposal and vendors that can provide quality costuming for students and hobbyist dancers (links below!). Student costuming is usually simpler and consists of items that can transition into a more professional wardrobe as the student progresses or chooses to invest into higher end stagewear, and can be customized and flattering for everyone in a group while providing a cohesive look.

With my ladies, I have picked a color or two and let them select their own outfits from their preferred vendors (or make them if they have the talent) or ordered matching outfits from vendors like Dahlal and Sharifwear.

Entry-level Professional Costumes

“Back in the day” dancers had to make their own costumes and a hobbyist dancer or aspiring professional who wanted a set would need to learn to sew before even performing at a community event (i.e. – one with mainly dancers and friends in the audience). Like with student costuming, we now have a multitude of options available at a relatively low

GRITS Raq in fringe sets with matching skirts.

price point. For example, a basic bra and belt set of solid quality runs about $150 and can be paired with a multitude of skirts, or vendors like the Bellydance Store carry inexpensive, mass produced starter costumes that can be worn as-is or embellished for a unique look at little cost.

These are frequently found in the closets of newer professional level dancers, and are also particularly popular with those who dance at restaurants or hookah lounges since they are inexpensive and it’s not heartbreaking if something is spilled on them or they reek of smoke.

Handmade and Vintage Costumes

I placed this category between entry level professional and designer costumes because the

Carrara Nour (CT) in one of the vintage treasures she's discovered. Am I jealous? Yes.

quality and range of available costuming varies based on a dancer’s sewing skills. Some costumes have been around for decades and with a little loving care, still look as beautiful as they did when their first owner tenderly stitched each sequins into place (with maybe the aid of a few glasses of wine, a bit of colorful language, and accidental stitching of the costume to one’s lap).

The term “handmade” itself is actually somewhat misleading as all embellishment on Oriental dance costumes is done by hand, whether it’s by the dancer planning to wear the costume or at a shop creating the costume for sale.

A great place to see dancer projects is actually www.bhuz.com which has a monthly “What Are You Working On?” thread to discuss members’ current projects.

Sabrina (San Diego) in a gorgeous Madame Abla

The Designer Costumes

Quality, price and style vary wildly from designer to designer, but on average this category

Ruya (Texas) in a lemon lime Hanan.

covers costumes from$300-$1200+ and most professionals who purchase ready-made costumes will purchase from designers. Costs are higher, but the costumes are usually more durable, materials are of better quality, workmanship is higher, and for a busy dancer who does not have time or skill to sew and embellish, a worthwhile investment.

Some dancer favorites include: Pharaonix of Egypt, Hanan, Sahar Okasha (Egyptian), Sim Moda Evi (Turkish), Madame Abla Designs (Egyptian – sadly Madame Abla herself passed away, but her family continues her legacy), Bella (Turkish), and a recent discovery of mine whom I will definitely purchase from again – Eshta Amar (Los Angeles, CA).

Disclaimer: Just because someone has an expensive costume does not make them a good dancer. Anyone with available funds can purchase a high-end costume and claim to be a bellydancer even if they’ve never taken a class… packaging doesn’t determine quality. A quality dancer will invest in the entire package (look and performance skill) and it will show in her professionalism and performance.

I’ve included some links to for shopping below… enjoy!

Dahlal – www.dahlal.com

Bellydance Store – www.bellydancestore.biz

Beledi Boutique (run by the lovely Lacy of Atlanta) – www.belediboutique.com

Pharaonix of Egypt – www.pharaonixofegypt.com

Bella – www.bellacostumes.com

Joharah – www.joharah.com

Sim Moda Evi – www.simmoda.com

Eshta Amar – www.eshtaamar.com

Sharifwear – www.sharifwear.com

Asi Haskal – www.asihaskal.com

Invoke the Goddess – www.invokethegoddessdesigns.com

Stagewear for Middle Eastern dance comes in a variety of styles, cuts, and colors. Dance style, country of origin, designer aesthetics, and current global fashion trends all influence bellydance costumes. Additionally, styles range from lower-end mass produced “airport specials” to one-of-a-kind couture creations.

The dazzling array can be overwhelming for dancers and a little confusing for audiences! Before you ask yourself “What in the world is she wearing???” the next time you see a dancer, tune in for my fabulous two part “Instant Expert” blog posts on bellydance costuming!

The first topic we will discuss simply relates to the basic costume styles, separated by number of pieces – accessories not included in the count.

Three

The most commonly recognized costume style in the United States is the two piece bra and belt set paired with a fluffy chiffon skirt or sleeker straight or mermaid cut skirt. This classic style, while being highly recognizable as “bellydance costuming,” is only about as old as the modern Oriental dance genre we refer to as “bellydance” – approximately 100 years old. The look was heavily influenced by Hollywood and Orientalist art at the turn of the century.

Many dancers love the versatility a bra and belt offers because one set can be paired with a

variety of skirts and accessories to offer different looks. In fact, many dancers make a good bra and belt set their first major investment towards building a costume wardrobe.

Two

In the past 15 years, the bra and skirt styles have gained popularity because they are easy

to create and allow for dancers to change costumes quickly during a show – an important feature for professional dancers in the Middle East who often have multiple changes in one set. The two piece costume also takes up less space making it easy to transport to gigs and the ability to integrate belt and skirt offers designers the opportunity to play with interesting cuts and fabrics that would n0t be practical, or well showcased, in the three piece style.

The two piece look is also more modern and heavily favored by modern Egyptian dancers. Recently, the minimalist look was all the rage in the dance world inspired by Sahar Okasha – an Egyptian designer favored by superstar dancer Dina. For a while, nary a strand of fringe was to be found on haute couture Egyptian costumes. Thankfully, I think the trend has passed somewhat as more ateliers are adding fun and unique details instead.

One

One piece gowns for oriental dance were out of style for a while, but we are seeing them appear more frequently, even on very famous dancers. They offer flattering coverage, an elegant look, and a little more coverage for more conservative audiences and situationswhere a bare-midriff outfit wouldn’t be fitting. Personally, I always have at least one oriental dress in my closet – there’s just something so elegant and glamorous about putting on an intricately embellished gown with a killer pair of dance heels.

When performing a folkloric style piece, the costume is usually one piece and represents a glamorized version of what everyday people would wear when dancing at a party. With changing global fashion and increasing westernization of styles, this is changing as well and Egyptian designers like Eman have designed 2 piece saiidi-inspired costumes for superstar dancers like Randa Kamel to wear during their folkloric sets.

American dancers will usually have a variety of costumes ranging from one piece gowns (both folkloric and oriental) to the full three-piece bra/belt/skirt – plus accessories – and will select which to wear according to venue, music selection, and dance style.

Look for Part 2 of my costuming blog series coming soon… I’ll even share links so you can check out some of my favorite sites to shop for everything from practice wear to one-of-a-kind custom creations!

Typically the New Year is a time where many people take stock of their lives, think about what they’d like to leave behind, and make resolutions for the future. Nevertheless, by the time the champagne has gone flat and the confetti is gone, most resolutions are forgotten with no real progress made.

In 2010, I went through some huge transitions personally and professionally, and things that I can normally ignore started to impact my life in a big way. Thankfully, I am very blessed with wonderful friends and family who listened while I refocused, and I’m pleased to say I’m better for it, but it was an interesting experience that helped define me further as an individual and a dance professional.

I would like to share some of the nuisances that suddenly became major annoyances in my dance life, and some advice for helping you deal if you see the same in your corner of the dance world.

Political correctness is not a good thing for us, especially in the bellydance community. Yes, there are certain things I feel we need to be “correct” about, especially as representatives of a cultural and ethnic dance form, but not others. It’s horrifying to see that certain “name” dancers are above reproach even if their dancing is more fakelore than folklore and they run their businesses with questionable practices that damage the community, yet a rising-star, local dancer who tries to run a successful company using standard, universal business principles is an “elitist.” Look for a blog later about why I think the bellydance world needs a good dose of “elitism.”

I will not be politically correct. Openness and honesty preferred to sugar-coating.

Dance evolves – the 1980s make a great party theme, not a great model for business practices. A pro-artistic evolution stance may seem strange from a self-proclaimed purist, but I’m all for fusing good business sense with bellydance. We only punish ourselves when we use antiquated methods to run our companies and not every dancer has to run her business the same way. We don’t expect each dancer to perform identically, so why are many so quick to chastise those who embrace newer business practices?

Your clients aren’t a faceless mass of “public,” and you aren’t “just another bellydancer.” Just like the personal computer has greatly improved since the 1980s, so have marketing and business practices.

A restaurant gig is not the “be all end all” of professional dance. Why is it that every professional dancer is expected to be a teacher, choreographer, and one-size-fits-all performer for everything from Renaissance festivals to couture galas? Scratch that, why do we put so much emphasis on dancing for pay anyway? It’s impossible to stop every female with a costume from walking into a restaurant and dancing for tips and falafel, but I don’t see why we have to accept these “performers for pay” as legitimate professional dancers. I understand classes cost money and many are cash-strapped, but like any other dance art, it requires lifelong training and development to be a professional dancer.

Just because someone is paid to dance or makes certain claims doesn’t mean they can deliver. Be discerning about quality and ensure there’s substance behind the “name” or marketing fluff.

No community is perfect, and the business of bellydance can get a little complicated sometimes and you may want to give it up occasionally – but don’t. More dance, less drama. Keep things simple. Concern yourself with your own dance development and may 2011 be filled with love, joy, success, and happy shimmies.

The 5-part show, sometimes referred to as a “full set,” “professional show,” or other similar term is a universal option all professional dancers offer to their clients.

Since professional dancers are hired by the set rather than by the hour, we have devised this show to provide the best balance of variety, entertainment, and time. Trust me, you really wouldn’t want a dancer for an hour anyway – like fine wine, bellydance performances are best enjoyed when “sipped” instead of mindlessly guzzled.

Let us begin the show!

The Entrance or Magency – Big and orchestral, this piece announces “Ladies and gentlemen, the dancer has arrived.” It is an entrance, an opportunity for the dancer to introduce herself to the audience, and a small preview for the rest of the show. The musical arrangement for entrance pieces transitions through several different moods and rhythms – most if not all which will reappear later in the set. Oftentimes dancers will enter with a veil or isis wings (if space allows) and zills (aka – finger cymbals). Either or both may be used throughout the entire piece or just in certain sections.

Impress your friends hint: A dancer performing in the Egyptian style will usually only use the veil or wings for a short time before discarding while a dancer performing in the Turkish, Lebanese, or American styles is more likely to use it throughout the entire song.

2. For the second song, many dancers will show off their technical skill and wow the audience by including some sort of prop – sword, fire tray, and veil are all common options. Depending on style and audience, the dancer may also forgo a prop altogether and instead express the nuances of a soulful taqsim (improvisational instrumental solo).

3. Since the second song is usually a little slower in tempo, the third piece is upbeat and can be either a modern folkloric-inspired song or a current chart-topper in the Arabic music world.

The hand-clapping beats and up-tempo rhythms builds energy for…

4. The DRUM SOLO! A crowd favorite, the drum solo is a high energy piece featuring music created exclusively with percussion instruments. It’s fun, playful, and usually has a few audience members shimmying along in their seats.

5. Since it’s impossible to sit still through all the amazing music – the last song is for you! Dancers refer to this as the “audience participation” piece where we invite audience members to join us on the floor and show off their shimmies. This song is a great photo opportunity! Designate a friend or two to take pictures or give your event photographer notice to have cameras at the ready.

Dancer tip: Don’t try to embarrass anyone to get up and dance – it’s not fun for anyone and it is totally unnecessary. There are always fun-loving audience members who want to get up and show off their moves!

With a swirl and a smile, the exit music cues the dancer’s departure – leaving fond memories and smiles all around… at least until the next special event.