I don't have enough time to develop my own skills/challenge myself because I'm usually dancing at the level of my students.
Now, that would really bother me. And the never having time to adequately heal from injuries.... tsk. Nope.
I realize I'm pondering these things more since several people (friends, family, other dance buddies) have asked why I don't teach or perform professionally. Part of me is excited at the prospect of doing both of those, and part of me recoils from it, for these reasons:
1. It might become less enjoyable--teaching and thus dancing mostly in a way that is geared toward teaching, esp if it is to beginner students. Less time for impromptu "free" dancing in light of all the structure that classes require.
2. The costuming part, although I love nice costumes, is a big pain in the ass to me! I'm not an accomplished seamstress, nor do I really enjoy hunting all over the place for costume pieces or ideas. I just like something that looks nice, wears well, and moves with me when I dance, and above all it MUST be comfortable. However, most cabaret costumes are not very comfy and that's a huge turn-off for me, so I figure I'd have to mostly make my own. And then the idea of trying to do all that for several students?? Hmmm. I might just run for the hills. ;)
3. Performing--sure, no problem. But then the questions are, what type of venue? Restaurants? Blech. Least favorite! Dancing around people eating food and talking and walking right in your way and dirty floors.... yuck. Tips are okay, but sometimes even that's kind of degrading (tipping on the body).
4. The constant focus on Appearance: having to always even out my skin tone/tan, have perfectly manicured hands and feet, lustrous/styled hair, and gleaming white teeth. Oh, not to mention trying to avoid the bloat factor. ;)
5. I'd be a total perfectionist and drive myself crazy. Plus, I'd be worried that something might happen with my health and I'd have to cancel classes or a performance (or several) and then what kind of professional would I be? This is a huge issue for me, actually.
6. The Dance World. Hate to say it, but outside a very few shows I've seen, the belly dance world appears to be relegated to some sort of second-class ghetto as far as dancing goes--and I mean the likes of which you really never see with ballet or broadway (I'm leaving street dancing out of it, obviously). I honestly cannot stand the idea of a beautiful bellydance show being held in a crappy venue with horrid surroundings and shit for lighting and sound, etc. Suhaila is trying to elevate the status of the dance and I admire her for that, but the very reason she has to work so hard at it is BECAUSE the state of which the dance is still in although it appears to be improving. I suppose the question is, how much do we compromise our standards for the love of the dance itself?
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2011-04-05 10:10 pm (UTC)Now, that would really bother me. And the never having time to adequately heal from injuries.... tsk. Nope.
I realize I'm pondering these things more since several people (friends, family, other dance buddies) have asked why I don't teach or perform professionally. Part of me is excited at the prospect of doing both of those, and part of me recoils from it, for these reasons:
1. It might become less enjoyable--teaching and thus dancing mostly in a way that is geared toward teaching, esp if it is to beginner students. Less time for impromptu "free" dancing in light of all the structure that classes require.
2. The costuming part, although I love nice costumes, is a big pain in the ass to me! I'm not an accomplished seamstress, nor do I really enjoy hunting all over the place for costume pieces or ideas. I just like something that looks nice, wears well, and moves with me when I dance, and above all it MUST be comfortable. However, most cabaret costumes are not very comfy and that's a huge turn-off for me, so I figure I'd have to mostly make my own. And then the idea of trying to do all that for several students?? Hmmm. I might just run for the hills. ;)
3. Performing--sure, no problem. But then the questions are, what type of venue? Restaurants? Blech. Least favorite! Dancing around people eating food and talking and walking right in your way and dirty floors.... yuck. Tips are okay, but sometimes even that's kind of degrading (tipping on the body).
4. The constant focus on Appearance: having to always even out my skin tone/tan, have perfectly manicured hands and feet, lustrous/styled hair, and gleaming white teeth. Oh, not to mention trying to avoid the bloat factor. ;)
5. I'd be a total perfectionist and drive myself crazy. Plus, I'd be worried that something might happen with my health and I'd have to cancel classes or a performance (or several) and then what kind of professional would I be? This is a huge issue for me, actually.
6. The Dance World. Hate to say it, but outside a very few shows I've seen, the belly dance world appears to be relegated to some sort of second-class ghetto as far as dancing goes--and I mean the likes of which you really never see with ballet or broadway (I'm leaving street dancing out of it, obviously). I honestly cannot stand the idea of a beautiful bellydance show being held in a crappy venue with horrid surroundings and shit for lighting and sound, etc. Suhaila is trying to elevate the status of the dance and I admire her for that, but the very reason she has to work so hard at it is BECAUSE the state of which the dance is still in although it appears to be improving. I suppose the question is, how much do we compromise our standards for the love of the dance itself?
Wow, this could actually be a blog entry! ;)