Belly dance show feedback

[tisana.livejournal.com]

Hello all you lovely fen. Hopefully you've recovered (mostly) from your weekend of con goodness.

I organized the belly dance show on Sunday, and I come to you seeking feedback.

I think it went rather well, but this was not due to my mad skillz as organizer, but rather that I had very competent and helpful Tech and Program people helping me with last minute mistakes, and very talented and patient dancers for friends.
Several things that seemed to fix issues from previous years:
We had a raised stage, so no one seemed unable to see.
And proper lighting.
And lots more room for the audience (and it was gratifying that it was still standing room only).

But after several people had approached me last year asking for a belly dance class, we didn't get much turnout for the class after. Was that because it wasn't listed in the program separately? Were the fliers posted all over the hotel any influence on your plans to attend? If so, is that not a good way to get new information about events out? What kind of things are you looking for in a dance class?

What issues did you have about the performance? Would a longer show and no class be better? Is it too much of a pain to make special seating arrangements for kids on the floor in front (yes, I know we'll be in a different hotel next year, but still)?

Also, I saw that at least 3 sources were videotaping--only one of them was someone I knew, the others were con staff and the Boston Phoenix--anyone know where I can access those at some point? Or does anyone have links to photos they took? I'll be checking the Flickr stream for Arisia, but if there are other photos floating about, we'd love to see them--there weren't enough pictures from last year!

Thanks for any help.

Comments

[radegund-lj.livejournal.com]

I made a recording of Tassellations:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSFIRlNTG9U

I also recorded the last two acts (steampunk and big finale) but haven't YouTubified them yet -- working on it!

I think the fact that the class wasn't listed separately might have been a problem -- I assumed that it was a two-hour show until Zia informed me otherwise.

[tisana.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I'll let them know, if they haven't seen this already.

Thanks for the feedback about the class. It sounds like it was definitely confusing to have it listed the way it was (my fault, not Programming's).

[radegund-lj.livejournal.com]

Oh, yes, Tassellations have seen it. I go way back with that red-shirted chick. ;)

[lucky-otter.livejournal.com]

I worked on the video of the bellydance show and am looking into getting you a recording. I'll post here when I figure out how.

[tisana.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Both for taking the video and for responding.

[lucky-otter.livejournal.com]

Here you go:
http://www.vimeo.com/8930741

Enjoy!

Belly dance show feedback

[(Anonymous)]

Regarding the class, I attended and greatly enjoyed it. I think the other participants did, too--most stayed until the end.

I'm not really a beginner, but I love to dance with new people and I never pass up a class. I think I heard about it from Pacita on Saturday, but didn't see flyers until Sunday. If I hadn't known in advance, I wouldn't have worn something I could move it, couldn't have participated, and would have been pretty bummed out when I found out about the class.

I'd suggest trying it at least once more with proper notice and see what kind of turn out you get. It also might make sense to coordinate this with the Drum Circle so if this is an interest to you, you could see a show, learn some moves/warm up, and then go dance with the drummers.

Re: Belly dance show feedback

[tisana.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the feedback.

You know...that really would be a nice way to time it--to have the show and class, then the drum circle. But though a friend of mine coordinates the drum circle, I don't know if we could do it in that order. Mostly because, if we need the big stage for the show, we're likely to end up on Sunday afternoon, and the drum and dance has been on Friday evenings for...I don't know, years. Which doesn't mean it isn't possible to adapt a bit. It's worth asking.

OK, I think trying the class with better notice--that is, in the program, complete with description--at least one more time is worth it.

Re: Belly dance show feedback

[quietann.livejournal.com]

Next year in the new hotel, there will be more space and it just might be possible to line up the belly dancing, drumming, and dance in the same space, one right after another.

I somehow missed that the class was even happening, or I would have shown up. I've been curious about belly dancing for years and am told it will help my riding :)

Re: Belly dance show feedback

[aelscha.livejournal.com]

*scheduling hat on* Y'know, you don't *have* to do the class immediately after the performance. Class on Friday, spilling into the drum circle, and big performance on Sunday, is (from the scheduling POV) totally manageable. I suppose the problem would be if you have dancers who come just for the one day, maybe, but do you need them for the class? Just thinking out loud...

Re: Belly dance show feedback

[kontara.livejournal.com]

Hi,

I was there for the performance but unable to stay for the class do to medical reasons. The show was excellent by the way.

This year's drum circle was moderated by someone new so I'm unsure if it's her your speaking of or the gentleman who did it previously. Either way I am one of 3 people who have been attending the drum circle since 07. (I do not remember drum circles before then) But I kn ow we three and possibly even a fourth who would love to play for a belly dance class. The three of us were very disappointed at the lower turn out of dancers at the drum circle and we were wondering if it was because lateness of the hour(it started at midnight)

Maybe the dancers and the drummers need to join forces and make suggestions to the scheduling committee to maybe hold more than one drum circle. I know for myself and my friends another chance to drum would have been more than welcome!!!

[shadesong.livejournal.com]

I noticed that the class existed, but I had a panel then. I did get to see most of the show, and it was great! Loved seeing such a variety of dancers, dance styles, and music. :)

[tisana.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I'm glad you got to see some of it.

[tisana.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the feedback.

I know there must be non-beginner dancers in that audience, since much of a show's audience is often dancers...what would you find useful? I used to try to get a table for business cards or class info for the performers who wanted to advertise their teaching/dancing services, but that never seemed to work, so I gave up.
Would something along those lines be of any use?

I'm noting that there seems to be a slight leaning toward longer shows being better. This one in particular was short because some dancers had to cancel, usually I try for a full hour of solos, but I think running a bit longer wouldn't be too much of a strain on attention spans--I'm not mocking con-goers, I go on what feels too long when I'm watching a dance show, and a full 2 hours without a break is too long. But maybe 1.5 hours.

[minion12.livejournal.com]

I really like the idea of special seating in the front for the children. Anything that encourages the kids to attend and take part is a good thing IMHO. I would like the show to be longer, but it was delightful. Perhaps during the class see if a few people could bring their drums and do some simple rhythms for new dancers. Nothing like live music.

[tisana.livejournal.com]

I saw a bunch of kids sitting off to the side on the floor, and remembered that last year a lot of them ended up on the floor in front, probably because they can't see otherwise. I don't know, it's just...if they're interested enough to be there, I'd like to encourage it and make it easier. I loved stuff like this when I was a kid.

I like the idea of asking drummers to come in and help with the class, and I'll talk to next year's teacher and some drummers to see if they like the idea, too. Live music has its own special energy, but it can be somewhat less predictable.

[pixydrum.livejournal.com]

i would love to drum for a class, i could probably persuade some other drummers...DDtktDtkt

[tisana.livejournal.com]

OoOooh.
Getting a few drummers who know what they're doing (and I know you do, I recognize your drums)--that is, who are familiar with the traditional belly dance rhythms--with some to drum and one to play zills... It'd bring some fun energy from the drum circle, and get the drummers meeting the dancers and newbie dancers.

Did you know the Middle East just discontinued belly dancing at their restaurant in Central? We'll have to head somewhere else for dancing with live music, now...
Meh.

[kontara.livejournal.com]

Ok I replied to tisana above that we would love to drum for a class....
Great Minds

[aelscha.livejournal.com]

If you ask for the first three rows of chairs (or whatever) to be removed to make floor seating, we can totally do that. Especially if we get an hour to turn the room again...

Abby
A'10 Assistant TD

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

Heh...I think that for me, having a belly dance show withOUT an eight months pregnant woman in it would be a rarity. But that's just how my recitals seem to have gone over the years. :)

But I did indeed see Asim for the first time at the Arisia show, and damn, did he kick ass!

[jenwrites.livejournal.com]

Let me report that it's impossible not to smile like a goofball when wearing nerd glasses and dancing to Weird Al. That's why we had to take the glasses (and phasers, and tricorders) off for the finale, because there was no way we could dance seriously with all that stuff on!

[tisana.livejournal.com]

Man, you were trying for serious? Oops...
I went with being smiley and happy, because my routine was all drama and crazy-scary-lady, and wanted the contrast. Even with my goofy tiny hat on.

[jenwrites.livejournal.com]

Hee! No, we were trying for goofy. But it got markedly easier to stay goofy once we had all the props in place than it did in the pre-props rehearsals.

I only caught some of your performance from backstage because you spent a lot of time dancing near the front of the stage where I couldn't see you, so I look forward to seeing it from the front when I see the recording.

[jenwrites.livejournal.com]

Aw!

We have *no* clue how we're going to live up to that performance next year, although we've got an idea brewing...

[tisana.livejournal.com]

Oooh.
It makes me feel a bit better to know I'm not the only one thinking that far ahead.

[tisana.livejournal.com]

Wow. Thank you for that.
It's wonderful to hear that the dancers were clearly connecting so well with the audience, and that it was such a powerful experience for some. (And the Masquerade has always been the Big Event at Arisia, so that's quite a compliment for us.)

And I shall tell my dad (the MC) that he's still doing good voice work, even if he mispronounces dancers' names. :)

[minkrose]

I didn't know there was a class until someone pointed out that that was what had happened last year. I had a panel after the first hour, otherwise I DEFINITELY would have stayed.

If it had been mentioned in the program, I'm not sure I would have stayed but I would have had time to decide (rather than five minutes to think about it). On the other hand, I know how to get in touch with you if I wanted to take serious lessons anyway.


The phoenix will likely post clips from con on their website. I'll ask Maddy what her plan is.

[(Anonymous)]

Great dancing, and another good moment for me was when the announcer
scolded that loud guy "can you please take that phonecall OUTSIDE??" for
some good public humiliation.

[psyneo.livejournal.com]

I think it would have helped if it had been listed separately. There might have been folks who couldn't attend the show itself that might have shown up for the class. Having it on the schedule would have allowed those who were a "maybe" on the class to prioritize, postpone foods, etc.

Wonderful show, by the way.

Music

[kontara.livejournal.com]

Just wondering if someone could post a list of the music used by the dancers?

I recognized Raquy and the Caveman's Nubian but i loved some of the others as well and would like to get the names so I can purchase them.

Re: Music

[tisana.livejournal.com]

You're not the only one to ask, I have it here.
Listed are the dancers; musical artist, and "song title"

1. (have not heard from Pacita)

2. Samara; Raquy and the Cavemen, "Nubian" and "Makrinitsa"

3. Katrina; SJ Tucker, "Casimira"

4. Lilya; Gjallarhorn (a Finnish band), "Suvetar, Goddess of Spring"

5. Tassellations; Weird Al, "White and Nerdy" (remix by Neil Marsh)

6. Asim; Gnarls Barkley, "Go Go Gadget Gospel"

7. Badriya; The Cramps, "Faster Pussycat" and "I Ain't Nuthin' But a Gorehound"

8. Di'Ahna Restry; "French Fascination Steampunk" ("French Postards" and "Wicked Fascinations" by Circus Contraption, remixed by Di'Ahna)

9. Group dance/balinaat; Said Mrad, "Move"

[mbarr.livejournal.com]

Syd just finished uploading the entire multicamera video, and wrote:

Belly Dance is an easy one to deal with. No editing on my part, and I doubt
we are going to put it on the DVD.

So, its uploaded to my vimeo site: http://www.vimeo.com/8930741
Alas, that is a highly compressed mp4, as the best I can upload is a 500MB file.
The full res MP4 is 1.2GB.

Vimeo will re-convert it to a slightly smaller file, but it should be good enough.