"Annie" from Colorado has asked:
What is your advice on directing and teaching a student performance group?
Hi Annie! Thank you for sending in your question! I hope I can help you. Directing and teaching a student performance group can be both a rewarding and an occasionally frustrating experience. Rewarding because of the comradery, the creative outlet, having fun and making lasting memories and friends. Frustrating because it's difficult to manage large groups of people, it's impossible to please everyone all the time and unfortunately misunderstandings do arise and conflicts have to be handled. But I do think the rewards FAR out weigh the frustrations! Here is a list of By-Laws that I used for years when I directed my student troupe, "Strictly Belly Dance." And below that is my "Performance Checklist and Guidelines" so the dancers I work with will know ahead of time what the troupe expectations are.
- Open to Beginner - Advanced Level Students
- Team Work and Positive attitudes are a MUST!
- Must be enrolled in the progressive curriculum (at least 1 class a week) + the bi-monthly rehearsals
- Performance opportunities at Bellydance shows and festivals – 4-6 x per year
- Rehearsal Time: Every other Saturday 11am-1pm (schedule is made on a month by month basis)
- Must attend the class(es) you’re signed up for (at least 8 out of 10 classes per 10-week session)
- Must be enrolled in a class with Sa’diyya. If you want to take the other classes offered by other instructors, you may double up.
- Must not miss more than the equivalent of 1 rehearsal per 3 months (over 3 months, there will be only 6 rehearsals).
- Being late more than 15 minutes counts as half a missed rehearsal. This will be applied to the attendance requirements.
- Yearly costume budget: up to $500
- Needs to attend 2 Belly Dance workshops per year from other instructors besides Sa’diyya
- Needs to view 5 Belly Dance shows per year: Restaurants, Haflas, Gala seminar shows, etc.
- Auditions will be held twice a year approximately in June/July and January/February for new members only – current members are not required to re-audition.
- A $5 per rehearsal troupe due is required ($15 per 6-week session)
- All members are required to perform a minimum of 3 times as a part of the company each calendar year
- All members are required to perform at least 2 ongoing class choreographies at the annual concerts each year
- All members are required to perform at the student haflas (4-6 projected for each year) 1-3 times per year
- Troupe members, present or past, are asked not to perform or teach troupe choreographies. Troupe choreographies are reserved for troupe performances organized by Sa’diyya
- Troupe members are asked to direct troupe booking inquiries (multiple dancers: 2 - ?) to Sa’diyya, whether the inquiry is received at an event/performance opportunity given by Sa’diyya or any other time (in conversation, other performances not through Sa’diyya, etc.)
- (For professional-level dancers) When performing at events where Sa’diyya booked you, always direct any class or solo/troupe performance inquiries to Sa’diyya (requested soloists will be booked through Sa’diyya.) In this situation, Sa’diyya acts as an agent and books paid performances starting at $175 per dancer. Sa’diyya takes a small percentage when performers are booked through her since the performers receive the job due to their connection with Sa’diyya. This percentage serves as a reimbursement for Sa’diyya’s efforts in advertising performers for hire.
- If you are at the appropriate level to receive and execute professional-level performance jobs, it is okay to create and follow your own job leads at any time other than at events/performance opportunities given by Sa’diyya. Please do not “undercut” the local “going rate,” which starts at $200 PER 15-30 minute show for private functions and starts at $75 PER 15-30 minute show for restaurants. All the rates listed above are PER dancer.
- All current troupe members will receive first dibs on doubling/tripling up on additional classes each session. Troupe members may sign up one week earlier than the posted multiple class registration date.
“Sa’diyya and the Danza della Luna Performance Company” &
”Sa’diyya and the Danza della Luna Professional Performance Showcase”
Performance Check List and Guidelines
Stuff to Bring:-Confirmation -Directions -Music on CD & mp3 player -Back-up music on CD -Finger cymbals -Props – sword, cane, veil, wings, candles, tambourine -Costume(s) – skirt(s), bra/belt, real bra if needed, vest, pants, other -Dance undergarments -Accessories – jewelry, headband, arm bands, gloves, gauntlets -Hair pieces/wig -Hair pins/bobby pins -Hair spray -Brush/comb/curling iron -Deodorant -Lotion -Makeup -Nail polish -Safety pins -Double-sided carpet tape -Dance shoes -Dress shoes -Comfortable shoes -Professional-looking cover up (not a robe) -Professional-looking change of clothes -Receipt for paid jobs -Thank you cards -Sa’diyya, North Texas School of World Dance and/or Danza della Luna promotional materials (for when asked about performances and classes) -Mileage book -Chaperone -Cell phone -Pepper spray/mace -Introduction card | How to Act:-Be on time - at least 30 minutes to 1 hour early depending on nature of performance -Check in at all performances upon arrival as needed -Have makeup and hair completed BEFORE your arrive to an event -Be in costume 30 minutes before performance time -If changing into costume at event, you must come to any event in professional-looking clothing -If changing out of costume after your performance, you must change into professional-looking clothing -Be in your cover up at all times except when on stage performing or if asked for a photograph (only if you’re not interrupting from someone else’s performance on stage and only if you want to – you don’t have to pose for photos if you don’t want to) -When performing solo/group dances representing Sa’diyya, North Texas School of World Dance and/or Danza della Luna, and you are requested for a solo/group performance by a patron or event organizer, all Danza della Luna Performance Company and Professional Performance Showcase members should pass out Sa’diyya, North Texas School of World Dance and/or Danza della Luna promotional materials (Special Note: All professional-level performers may book their own performances, but not at events where Sa’diyya and/or Danza della Luna are performing. All of these inquiries must go through Sa’diyya – Don’t worry! You’ll be booked when YOU’RE asked for as long as you’re at the level that the event requires ) -When requested for any class subject taught at the North Texas School of World Dance, all Danza della Luna company members should pass out Sa’diyya, North Texas School of World Dance and/or Danza della Luna promotional materials -Always be friendly to dancers from other groups and schools -If you leave the group during an event for any reason before a performance, always inform Sa’diyya of your whereabouts. -No smoking or drinking alcohol at any performances -Do not accept any beverages at events directly from people, rather bring your own water bottle or get your refreshments YOURSELF -Always have a positive attitude -Be supportive of others in the group -Always be aware of your surroundings -Never pick up your tips that fall on the floor – have a stage manager or waiter pick them up -Create your own specialty and style when doing solos – don’t copy others’ specialties and do it in the same show -Try to communicate and be friendly to everyone in the troupe, especially when at performances – Don’t form cliques within the troupe! |
I also offer some guidelines and expectations before the actual audition so everyone is "on the same page."
Audition Process:
-All dancers should be in full costume (whatever that is for you – use what’s available if you don’t have a full costume) with glamorous hair and makeup for the duration of the audition process.
1) Solo
a) Any Belly Dance style
b) 2-3 minutes in length, including entrance and exit
c) Doesn’t have to be your own choreography (you may freestyle or use a choreography from another instructor or DVD.)
d) Need an intro card that includes choreographer, style and music
2) On the Spot Choreography taught at audition by Sa’diyya
a) To be only a few measures in length
b) Auditionees need to learn moves, technique and sequence quickly without many questions.
3) Interview
a) personal one-on-one interview lasting about 10 minutes
b) Auditionees should leave after the interview is finished
c) Please don’t discuss the interview questions with others before you leave.
Critiques and Results:
-Results will be given during the interview.
-Auditioning doesn’t guarantee a spot in any troupe
-Remember the fact that you auditioned is great because you’re pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.
-If you don’t make it this time, try again!
-The feedback is meant to help you! Take what you want – Leave what you don’t want!
-Critiques given will include strengths and weaknesses for all auditionees
-Any dancer who doesn’t pass the audition process can use the feedback for future auditions.
-Remember that by auditioning for any of my troupes, you are non-verbally stating that you value my insight and trust my judgment – Don’t get mad at me if you don’t pass the auditions this time!!! This is coming from somebody who has auditioned and competed countless times - I made some and I didn’t others. Your only functional choice is to learn from the experience. Thank you for auditioning and Good Luck!
Requirements:
-Rehearsal Times: Every Other Saturday 11am-1pm (we schedule month by month)
-Beginner - Advanced Level Students
-Team Work and Positive attitudes are a MUST!
-Must register for any weekly class
-Must attend the class(es) you’re signed up for (at least 8 out of 10 classes per 10-week session)
-2X per month rehearsals (sometimes more if we are preparing for a performance)
-Must not miss more than the equivalent of 1 rehearsal per 3 months (over 3 months, there will be only 6 rehearsals!)
-Yearly costume budget: $500 max
-Needs to attend 2 Belly Dance workshops per year from other instructors besides Sa’diyya
-Needs to view 5 Belly Dance shows per year @ -Restaurants -Haflas -Gala seminar shows -etc.
-Auditions will be held twice a year approximately in June/July and January/February
I have found that presenting these expectations before-hand to students helps to significantly lower the amount of misunderstandings and irresponsible or unprofessional behavior (which is typically on accident.) Usually, students WANT to do a good job while having FUN and being CREATIVE. Most of time, if you have issues, it's usually because of miscommunication and a lack of goals being stated clearly up front. I suggest you sit down and write out what you want from the experience of directing a troupe and don't forget to also list what you want the troupe members to get out of it, too. Even go as far as to give out a survey to find out what's going on in the minds of the dancers in your troupe. I have a sample survey below that I've used:
How difficult is class for you?
Easy - Could Move Faster - Just Right/Challenging - Could Move Slower - Extremely Frustrating
Do you wish more time was spent on technique?
No - Sometimes - Often/Half ‘n Half - Most of the Time - Yes, Always
Do you like the choreographies that are taught?
No - Sometimes - Often/Half ‘n Half - Most of the Time - Yes, Always
Would you like more personal critiquing, whether it’s (gently) in front of everyone and/or as I walk around and correct individually (please specify which, or if both)?
What are your favorite parts of class and/or things you’ve learned?
What do you want to learn?
From what you know and have seen, what style of belly dance is your favorite? (Circle as many as you want.)
American Cabaret - Folkloric - Egyptian Raks Sharqi - ClassicTribal Style - Tribal/Ethnic Fusion
Do you look forward to class/rehearsal every week?
No - Sometimes - Often/Half ‘n Half - Most of the Time - Yes, Always
Do you feel that the environment is friendly?
No - Sometimes - Often/Half ‘n Half - Most of the Time - Yes, Always
Do you have fun?
No - Sometimes - Often/Half ‘n Half - Most of the Time - Yes, Always
What’s missing for you? What’s working (that you don’t want to see changed)?
What are your suggestions for class/rehearsal?
Would you like one-on-one progress reports?
Are you happy with the type of performances so far (as in haflas/concert performances?)
Do you feel that it is moving too fast (as in taking up too much of your personal time?)
Do you wish we rehearsed more?
Do you feel that you can be honest with me and tell me if you have a concern/problem?
Can you invest up to $500 a year on costuming? If not, what’s your limit?
Do you get along with everyone?
Name (If you’d like):Thank You! ADD ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE FOR ME TO KNOW….
I would also like to add that it's important to figure out ahead of time and communicate what the dynamic of your troupe will be. Meaning, are you, as the director, the sole creator of dances, gigs and general organization of the troupe, or do you have a plan to delegate these responsibilities to your troupe members? Are all of the dances created a group effort? Some are and some aren't? How will you split any money earned by the group? Who decides what the troupe is going wear? Who decides what kind of gigs the troupe is going to try to dance at? These are important questions that need to be answered before putting a troupe together.
Feel free to use any of this information as inspiration for your own by-laws, guidelines or surveys! I sincerely hope this information was helpful. Let me know if you have any more questions!
Sincerely,
Sa'diyya
Audition Process:
-All dancers should be in full costume (whatever that is for you – use what’s available if you don’t have a full costume) with glamorous hair and makeup for the duration of the audition process.
1) Solo
a) Any Belly Dance style
b) 2-3 minutes in length, including entrance and exit
c) Doesn’t have to be your own choreography (you may freestyle or use a choreography from another instructor or DVD.)
d) Need an intro card that includes choreographer, style and music
2) On the Spot Choreography taught at audition by Sa’diyya
a) To be only a few measures in length
b) Auditionees need to learn moves, technique and sequence quickly without many questions.
3) Interview
a) personal one-on-one interview lasting about 10 minutes
b) Auditionees should leave after the interview is finished
c) Please don’t discuss the interview questions with others before you leave.
Critiques and Results:
-Results will be given during the interview.
-Auditioning doesn’t guarantee a spot in any troupe
-Remember the fact that you auditioned is great because you’re pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.
-If you don’t make it this time, try again!
-The feedback is meant to help you! Take what you want – Leave what you don’t want!
-Critiques given will include strengths and weaknesses for all auditionees
-Any dancer who doesn’t pass the audition process can use the feedback for future auditions.
-Remember that by auditioning for any of my troupes, you are non-verbally stating that you value my insight and trust my judgment – Don’t get mad at me if you don’t pass the auditions this time!!! This is coming from somebody who has auditioned and competed countless times - I made some and I didn’t others. Your only functional choice is to learn from the experience. Thank you for auditioning and Good Luck!
Requirements:
-Rehearsal Times: Every Other Saturday 11am-1pm (we schedule month by month)
-Beginner - Advanced Level Students
-Team Work and Positive attitudes are a MUST!
-Must register for any weekly class
-Must attend the class(es) you’re signed up for (at least 8 out of 10 classes per 10-week session)
-2X per month rehearsals (sometimes more if we are preparing for a performance)
-Must not miss more than the equivalent of 1 rehearsal per 3 months (over 3 months, there will be only 6 rehearsals!)
-Yearly costume budget: $500 max
-Needs to attend 2 Belly Dance workshops per year from other instructors besides Sa’diyya
-Needs to view 5 Belly Dance shows per year @ -Restaurants -Haflas -Gala seminar shows -etc.
-Auditions will be held twice a year approximately in June/July and January/February
I have found that presenting these expectations before-hand to students helps to significantly lower the amount of misunderstandings and irresponsible or unprofessional behavior (which is typically on accident.) Usually, students WANT to do a good job while having FUN and being CREATIVE. Most of time, if you have issues, it's usually because of miscommunication and a lack of goals being stated clearly up front. I suggest you sit down and write out what you want from the experience of directing a troupe and don't forget to also list what you want the troupe members to get out of it, too. Even go as far as to give out a survey to find out what's going on in the minds of the dancers in your troupe. I have a sample survey below that I've used:
How difficult is class for you?
Easy - Could Move Faster - Just Right/Challenging - Could Move Slower - Extremely Frustrating
Do you wish more time was spent on technique?
No - Sometimes - Often/Half ‘n Half - Most of the Time - Yes, Always
Do you like the choreographies that are taught?
No - Sometimes - Often/Half ‘n Half - Most of the Time - Yes, Always
Would you like more personal critiquing, whether it’s (gently) in front of everyone and/or as I walk around and correct individually (please specify which, or if both)?
What are your favorite parts of class and/or things you’ve learned?
What do you want to learn?
From what you know and have seen, what style of belly dance is your favorite? (Circle as many as you want.)
American Cabaret - Folkloric - Egyptian Raks Sharqi - ClassicTribal Style - Tribal/Ethnic Fusion
Do you look forward to class/rehearsal every week?
No - Sometimes - Often/Half ‘n Half - Most of the Time - Yes, Always
Do you feel that the environment is friendly?
No - Sometimes - Often/Half ‘n Half - Most of the Time - Yes, Always
Do you have fun?
No - Sometimes - Often/Half ‘n Half - Most of the Time - Yes, Always
What’s missing for you? What’s working (that you don’t want to see changed)?
What are your suggestions for class/rehearsal?
Would you like one-on-one progress reports?
Are you happy with the type of performances so far (as in haflas/concert performances?)
Do you feel that it is moving too fast (as in taking up too much of your personal time?)
Do you wish we rehearsed more?
Do you feel that you can be honest with me and tell me if you have a concern/problem?
Can you invest up to $500 a year on costuming? If not, what’s your limit?
Do you get along with everyone?
Name (If you’d like):Thank You! ADD ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE FOR ME TO KNOW….
I would also like to add that it's important to figure out ahead of time and communicate what the dynamic of your troupe will be. Meaning, are you, as the director, the sole creator of dances, gigs and general organization of the troupe, or do you have a plan to delegate these responsibilities to your troupe members? Are all of the dances created a group effort? Some are and some aren't? How will you split any money earned by the group? Who decides what the troupe is going wear? Who decides what kind of gigs the troupe is going to try to dance at? These are important questions that need to be answered before putting a troupe together.
Feel free to use any of this information as inspiration for your own by-laws, guidelines or surveys! I sincerely hope this information was helpful. Let me know if you have any more questions!
Sincerely,
Sa'diyya
