Performance Break Down

By Michelle

While there's no cure for nerves or stage fright, there are some important elements you can use when putting together your performance, whether its your first one or your 100th.

Your entrance is, of course, important because it will set the tone of your performance-it will tell the audience if your dance is going to be playful or serious. However, the audience is going to spend the first several moments not watching your dancing-they're going to be studying your costume, listening to the music, and settling in to enjoy a show. So start out slowly. It really doesn't matter if you begin on stage or enter to music, just take your time.

Next, define your performance space by traveling around it. This applies whether you're dancing on a stage or in a small restaurant. Now choose your stage placement. Center stage is the strongest visual point on the stage, so utilize it. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't use other areas of your venue, but use it for your dynamic moves.

Most importantly, know your music. Whether or not you decide to choreography your piece, the audience will be able to tell if you are one with the music. Furthermore, the music will tell you how to dance-when to travel, and when to stay in place.

For variety and to showcase different moves, use different angles so that you are not always facing straight on.

One of the hardest things to learn is how to interact with your audience, but this is what makes the difference between a good performance and a truly memorable one. Eye contact, facial expressions, and laughter all draw your audience into your dance.

It goes without saying that you have to have a strong finish. Know when your music is going to end. Plan a dynamic pose, and then prepare a graceful bow and exit. Above all else, enjoy yourself! That is what belly dance is all about.

Farfesha Belly Dance © 2004