Doing a LOT of rethinking

[Farasha Hanem]

As most of you know, a year ago, I had to quit my regular dance class because of an unexpected schedule change when our troupe had to find another studio (and I lost my ride due to the change). My first teacher, the young girl who lives in the same town as I do, said that when her new baby got a little older, I can get a ride with her when I'm ready to come back. I do miss my old troupe, and recently learn that they offer Skype on the same night they have class (I don't know how they manage that, considering how many are in the class! @____@).

Anyway, since the class is on Wednesday night and wouldn't interfere with my Skype class with Darshiva on Tuesdays, I have thought about going back one way or another when I'm in a better position financially, but one thing still bothers me. Although I still like Tribal/Tribal Fusion, I've grown away from it. My heart doesn't lie with that particular genre, rather, my heart is in Egyptian (in any and all its forms), and American cabaret. Plus, I don't ascribe to the "we're Gypsies, wild and free!" notion that my old troupe holds, and looking back, I'm feeling a bit guilty about having danced at the Ren Faires (even though they ARE lots of fun, and I love the food >.> ). If I do go back, I'm not sure I want to participate in the Ren Faires as a dancer any more---I would rather participate in the cabaret performances.

the whole "Gypsy" thing isn't just a problem in my troupe. It seems like my whole home state seems to suffer from it. >.> l may be wrong, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of cabaret dancers here. Other than moving somewhere where there are more like-minded dancers, what should I do?

EDIT: if I DID go back, if I have to endure one more bad-looking "fakeloric" costume or have to dance to Shakira any more, I will snatch MizzNaaa's pillow and scream into it myself!

 

[Darshiva]

Doesn't sound like going back is the right way to reconnect. But, there may be other ways to deal with the issue. Maybe you can all take turns organising an outing once every month or so where you can all reconnect without betraying the direction you're taking with your own dance.

 

[Marya]

Farasha,

in my dance journey i went through similar direction changes and struggled with the feeling of being isolated in my growth. you may find that not only has your style changed but since you have found new teachers and have continued to learn more about the dance in other ways, that your old troupe just may not be a good fit for you, regardless of costuming. it is also possible that you might find yourself in the awkward position of having more resources and information and knowledge than your troupe leader/teacher or fellow students. Nationwide, the average "Belly Dancer" Tribal, Fusion, and all the other offshoots are not serious students and are just looking for a fun activity and only a handful of students care to learn more about other styles, the history and culture and music. Since you started on this forum (how many years ago??) you you have always been eager to learn. How many of your fellow dancers are here? since i don't know much about your state or town i hesitate to offer suggestions on creating performance opportunities, but can you find one or two others that share your interests and who will join you in your skype lessons with Darshiva and who share your desire to learn more about the countries of origin? That is all it takes is one or two others. I put on a hour and a half show with just one other dancer and some people willing to recite Rumi poems (to allow for costume changes) it was a great success for my tiny little town with pictures in the newspaper and everything.

Marya

 

[Aniseteph]

Wise words Marya.

I think those of us who want to learn more about the dance than the casual student are all heading for regular rethinking spots on our dance journeys. Unless you are super-fortunate in having the perfect level troupe and/or community to hand, then IMO you have to hit the trail on your own terms.

I can relate to this - it's been an interesting year. My teacher stopped weekly classes, TF turned out to be so not my thing, big festivals felt alienating, and call me Groucho Marx where troupes are concerned. There is stuff out there that I want no part of, thanks... I was doing some rethinking too.

Well, classes are back, and I go because I still learn (diamond of a teacher) and it gets me out. But what has really given me my BD mojo back is focusing on what I want to do. There's an awful lot out there that's not my cup of tea, but there's some that is, and even if it's thinner on the ground, I have a clearer and more confident focus about where I want to go. Egyptian solo improv FTW.

And all the rest that's not really my thing... well it's a balance. Even if I don't reckon to get a whole lot out of an event learning wise, I do like the dance community aspects. Shakira and stereotype gypsy numbers are definitely on the negative side though. One workshop, hmmm, group performance, ummmm, no thanks. Feeling your pain on that one.

 

[Farasha Hanem]

Thank you so much for your input, everyone. I still love my old troupemates dearly, but I'm SO DONE with the "fakeloric" stuff. I haven't totally lost my love for TF, but it's something I'd rather watch than participate in. Not that I wouldn't do a number or two in the future (who knows?), but it's not where my heart is. Not at this time, anyway. Maybe not ever.

I'm still in touch with the local scene through my friends on Facebook, so with a lot more practice, I might have performance opportunities in the future as an improv soloist. I do miss performing for family venues, but hey, this is by no means the end of my dance journey!

 

[Amulya]

I think we all go through stages, I liked the tribal styles like FCBD and Gypsy Caravan but after a while I found it too boring and limiting. I still like tribal fusion, but not the fakeloric type (I'm thinking you mean ITS?) When it comes to TF I like the type that's not presented as some old style of tribal dance, but the stuff that's presented as a different dance form (Indigo Dancers, that sort of stuff)

i think think it's good to change and evolve, I can't think of staying always the same, only few dancers do and it's boring in my opinion.

 

[Greek Bonfire]

Farasha, you should follow your heart. You have grown and in the growing process, you have found what you want to pursue (personally, if I had to dance to Shakira, I would die). I also miss some of my old troupe mates but I am not happy doing what we used to do. As we grow, we have to find somewhere where we are allowed to grow, and although the options slim down, even the fact that you are skyping with Darshiva is helping you to grow while you are looking for another class in addition to Darshiva's instruction. So she has helped you to keep growing and isn't it amazing that these options are now available with someone halfway around the world!

In time, I also plan on changing my pursuit and course of instruction as I need to move on to a higher education. The past events and classes were part of your growth but you can't stay in a "major" you are not happy with.

 

[Roshanna]

Farasha, it sounds like you are destined to walk the lonely path of the 'serious dancer', I'm afraid. It seems like many of us are in the same boat here. I suppose I went through the same stage a while ago, when I left the troupe I was in (who did a sort of cultureless mishmash style), and decided to focus my energy on seeking out higher level training in styles I enjoyed. It's kind of what I had to do, because I wasn't happy anymore doing the 'just for fun' type stuff that wasn't interesting or challenging, and I was getting bored and frustrated.

But it is often kind of lonely or isolating, because I feel like the local dance community is not really a community for serious dancers, and I have become sort of an outsider where I used to feel like everyone was my friend. Not so much because people treat me differently, but because it's easy now to be surrounded by dancers, but none of them be interested in geeking out with me about the stuff I'm into. Right now the only dancers I spend much time with outside of class are other local teachers (my current teacher and my former teacher), plus occasional geeky dance chats on skype with a friend who lives in Norway, who is probably the only person in the world interested in hearing about my music research...

I think this isolated stage is inevitable for those of us who are more serious about dance, unless we live in a big city with a thriving dance scene. At least we have OD.net! I can't see a way out of it besides moving to a big city or trying to grow your own community in the long term by teaching :think:

 

[BigJim]

Farasha... It sounds like you have great memories of the fun times experienced with your previous troupe. It's just that you are looking for more in your dance journey and realize they can't provide you with what you are seeking. This is not a bad thing... it's just the way it is. You don't have to burn any bridges just because you are heading in a different direction.

Everything you've learned with them and everything you are going to learn in the future will add to your identity as a dancer.

Going on your own or down a new path can be intimidating... no structured classes... less camaraderie...

But it will also be very rewarding to progress in a new direction....

Remember This... No matter where you are or how you are feeling.... It's always enjoyable to Dance...

 

[Greek Bonfire]

Roshanna, sad to say that living in a large city does not necessarily mean being surrounded by other serious dancers who will lend support

 

[Jane]

It's just growing pains

You've reached a new level in your dance and it's a good thing. A lot of us have been just where you are now and we're still dancing and learning. It can be a bit lonely, but take heart that you have OD and Facebook where you can connect with the rest of us red-headed step-children.

 

[Farasha Hanem]

*hugs everyone* Thank you so much! <3<3<3

Marya, I've been meaning to answer your questions. I joined OD in 2007 under the name Okie Rose, before the forum bequeathed me with my dance name. As for my class friends? I've noticed that most of them have "Liked" OD's Facebook fan page, but I've never seen them actually here.

 

[Shanazel]

Well, give those gals a good kick in their little old Oklahoma butts and tell them to come to the real OD.

Of course, I've never managed to convince any of my dancers to visit unless they are lurking out there without telling me.

 

[Farasha Hanem]

Well, give those gals a good kick in their little old Oklahoma butts and tell them to come to the real OD.

Of course, I've never managed to convince any of my dancers to visit unless they are lurking out there without telling me.

I kinda think my troupe mates haunt Bhuzz. :think: My teacher sells costumes there quite often.

 

[Amulya]

Could be, Bhuzz is still very busy, though it's overloaded with ads. I don't find Bhuz user friendly. I lost my password and there is no way to retrieve it! Emailed them, no answer either

 

[Farasha Hanem]

Yeah, the ad overload is annoying, that's why I hardly ever visit. I lost my password, too, but ended up finally remembering it.

 

[Zorba]

One word: AdBlock plus.

 

[Amulya]

I got that on my laptop, but I don't know how to install it on my iPad browsers

 

[Roshanna]

Could be, Bhuzz is still very busy, though it's overloaded with ads. I don't find Bhuz user friendly. I lost my password and there is no way to retrieve it! Emailed them, no answer either

It's actually very quiet over there too these days I hang around wherever there is more discussion happening... Most is on facebook now, but the bd facebook groups are mostly either for very specific topics (e.g. biz of bellydance) or just full of ads, not many are good for general discussion. I miss forums!

 

[Shanazel]

I'd like to think the pendulum will swing back to forums someday. I don't go anywhere near Facebook for reasons I've mentioned before. Some forums remain in full swing, though; the Pattern Review Forum, for example, grows by leaps and bounds. Wish I could figure out the secret of revving our beloved OD up to that level of participation!