Originally Posted by Suheir

A while ago someone who'd started their own teacher training course was trying to promote it on one of the Yahoo! message boards; when I asked what her training and credentials were she replied at great length (in marketing-speak) about how the course wasn't about *her*, it was about the training course. Er...

A'isha wriutes- When people are reluctant to give you their credentials, or their credentials sound to good to be treu, then both are warning flags. Also, when you go to someone's site and they give you a dance biography sans dates (as in how long they have studied, etc.) they probably have something to hide, such as a very short time in the dance.



Another dancer who has started her own teacher training course (and calls herself a Master Teacher on her website) was recently interviewed on the internet radio station 'My Spirit Radio'. She boasted that she'd got her first job, dancing in a Turkish restaurant, by pretending she was very experienced and telling the restaurateur she was a fantastic dancer. She had no experience whatsoever and her only teacher had been this man:
About Adnan Sarhan and Sufi Foundation of America She'd spent several weeks on his retreat in the States after taking one class with him in London.


A.writes- Yeah, happens VERY frequently that dancers with little or even NO training get gigs because they are ultra cute, willing to go the extra 6 to 8 inches on the "casting couch" un the manager's office, etc. It's an on going problem in any entertainment field.

She has also produced an instructional DVD which is *dire*, both in its lack of proper instruction and also in the lack of skill demonstrated in the performances. This dancer now has her own teachers teaching her method (©,
naturally). Her classes are sold out.

A. writes- This used to frustrate me to no end and sometimes still does, Some VERY big name people out there are teaching drek, but because they know how to appeal to a person's sense of drama, spirituality or other important element of life, they rack up students like mad. Their marketing skills far surpass their dance talent on all levels!!

I doubt anybody ever fails these courses and others like them. Stump up your wonga and you get your certificate, much like those meaningless certificates that Indian restaurants sometimes display in their windows.

Originally Posted by A'isha Azar

Dear Suheir,
Responses in context below.




A. writes- I love that this forum is so international. I learn all kinds of good stuff here!! What is the translation of "Stump up your wonga"??? What is a wonga?? Do I have one anywhere on ME??? OH my god, I can't wait to find out!! ( I hope its something I will really, really want because I LOVE the word.)

Regards,
A'isha

Originally Posted by Suheir

Hee hee! It apparently originated as a Romany word, maybe Sara can confirm that? The Scotsman - Business - Wonga, dosh or bread, it’s cash, depending on where you live

Originally Posted by Shanazel

Well, I've decided I can make big wonga by channeling some of the belly dance greats who have gone on before. I'm sure the voices in my head are Badia and Serena and Samia whispering their secrets to me. Anyone who objects to my teaching methods are just envous because the voices don't talk to them.

Originally Posted by Shanazel

Ah, now see, there's your problem: TV. I have no TV so I know the voices are real. If you want to know what they say, just sign up for my "I'm The Goddess You're Just a Wanna Be" workshop coming soon to a high school gymnasium near you. Bring wonga.

Originally Posted by Shanazel

Dear Ish Da Bob,

When did people decide they had to be goddesses as well as (or instead of) dancers? This is truely one of my pet peeves on a number of different levels.

Sincerely, Her Worshipfulness, Highest Grand Priestess of the Dancing Dieties Dance Troupe

Originally Posted by Lydia dubai

Hi perfumeshop....you stick here with us dear !! you wil get motivated and yes you are already doing so many nice things so? its a big job but money talks louder than most things in life for many many people .. so if it sells cool and they dont care but us we have to keep on trying and little by little who knows perhaps we are getting somewhere ...i have some little evil things in my brain i am working on LOL SO KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED...if that is gonna happen yippy!! i wish you a very pleasant day and keep on smiling and dancing...we will get there...oooo bdw are you in for the next worldbellydanceday??? big hug Lydia