Hi guys; sorry I haven't responded sooner, awful migraine yesterday.

Ok, I've read your responses, and I see a pattern! Seems like most musicians get peeved when the dancer doesn't understand the rhythm and doesn't follow it, or worries more about money than dance. Hmmm....sounds familiar!

Why is it that a LOT of bellydancers don't know anything about real rhythm? How is it that they are even allowed on stage without understanding the music? It truly blows my mind. In Irish Step, Flamenco, Indian Katak, and of course, ballet, learning the music is a part of the dance. No one would EVER be allowed on stage in those traditions if they didn't have that training. Why is this allowable in Arabic dance?

I think it goes back to a lack of codification and no certification process. Before anybody says anything negative about the certification process theory, let me remind you of what it takes to become a ballet instructor. First, you'd better have started at the age of five, because the audition when you're 18 to get into a good ballet school is TOUGH. Then, if you're lucky enough to get in, it is four years of grueling work. Think of ballet boot camp. For four years. Then, not only are you studying dance, and everything related to it, choreography, music, etc., you are also doing regular academic work. My roommate as an undergrad at Butler was a dance major, and she almost quit several times. It's not easy. THEN, also if you're lucky, once you graduate you can dance in a real ballet company. Then you get to teach. Some people are so discouraged at this point that they quit, which is what my old roommate did, eventually. All that work, and I ended up the dance instructor, me who got her undergrad in International Studies.

I have had to work very hard to become a competent instructor. But I have had the priveledge of seeing how the real dance world operates, so I have had a model on which to base my teaching of bellydance. I also grew up playing music and singing, and my mother is a jazz singer, so she dragged me around as a child to all her gigs. Learning the music was second nature to me.

How can we change this? I don't want to sound like a self-righteous know-it-all, but don't you think that if we made some National certification process that includes everyone, Orientale, Folkloric, and ATS (amongst others...), then there would be no question as to a dancer's competence?

As far as the tips goes in your responses, just have good manners. Don't leave the musician to go get your tips when he is playing FOR YOU. Share them if you need to, and don't if you don't. But remember, that the musician is playing for you, and so at least try to talk to him/her before the show and plan what you are doing, so you don't look like a fool out there.

REMEMBER: The dancer is the unheard member of band. She/He makes the sound 3D.

Speak soon!

Katya xoxo

Yup..

Did you get this just from my writing?

Who's George Abdo?

HeHeHeHeHe....

YES!!! And knowing this is what makes us a real art. Not some strip tease. I could go on and on about that, but I just don't have the time....