Many students are puzzled by “who gets to perform” in my shows.  I understand my decisions seem mysterious at first glance, so I’ll try to reveal some of my decision process.  Keep in mind that lower level students, or those who have studied a shorter time, may be given greater leeway while I "wait and see" how they do–that’s “the element of mercy”.  On the other hand, I have higher expectations from those who have studied longer and have more experience.

   Your class attendance practically guarantees the opportunity to perform at my Class Haflas and annual Recital.  Performing with me at other venues is either by “open call” or by invitation.
(Note: even PRISM Club members are not guaranteed a performance spot in any show.)

  I also understand the confusion about my “performing group", since it’s natural to expect a teacher in my position to have a troupe, but I do not.  For various reasons (PR, program listings, soliciting gigs) I DO have a name for my student performers (PRISM)–but this is not a troupe.  It just signifies that those particular performers in that show are my students, under my direction, no matter which class they're in or how many times they've performed.
   My job is to teach what I've learned about bellydance (a huge subject!), to whomever wants to learn; I have no favorites or special friends among my students as I think that would be unprofessional and unfair as well.

  So after accepting or setting up a show, I judge the venue as to how high the expectations are for the performers.  Is it a paying show (private party, First Night/VA, Multicultural Fair)?  Is it a charity, reduced rate, or free performance (nursing home, Women’s Forum, etc.).

  Then I decide to either give an “open call” to a class or classes, or invite certain students to perform.  When deciding WHOM to invite, first I see whether that student follows the Performer’s Agreement.  Besides those concrete “Do’s & Don’t’s”, I also constantly note how each student functions in class, at rehearsals, and shows.  I look at qualities like:

• preparedness - do they come to class, rehearsals, shows, with what was asked for previously (costume, veil, etc.)?

• punctuality - are they consistently late? This is often a daily and unconscious trait in someone’s life, and can be very difficult for others they’re working with
  

• reliability - do they show up when expected, or are they absent without giving notice?
  

• improvement - in technique and understanding, signifying practise at home

• good attitude - do they seem glad to be there or more like they’re granting a favor?

• humility - do they take corrections well or do they bristle defensively, and offer long explanations?

• inner light - can they perform wiith self-confidence; do they "give" to the audience, or does their dancing seem wooden and empty?

• sociability - does their presence foster “a family feeling”, do they share themselves freely or are they closed off into their own world?

• stability - do they evidence a calm joy in learning or performing; can they take corrections without “losing steam” & faltering?  Do they distract others with erratic behaviour or acting-out?

    You can see that I take performing very seriously, and view it as a privilege, not a right.
    This is part of what goes through my head when scheduling performances. It's complex, much more than attendance or technique or memorized dances. Of course I make mistakes since I’m far from perfect.
 
   Your questions are always welcome, so if you ever wonder why you weren’t asked to perform for something please feel free to ask - that is often better than making assumptions that may be wrong.  If you don't understand why I judged someone appropriate for a show over someone else - remember the element of mercy may be involved.
   I hope knowing where I’m coming from helps to explain this mystery!