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What
I look for in a Student Performer
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:
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! |
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