The Fine Line Between “Professional Belly Dancers” and “Student Performers”

One of the beautiful aspects of belly dance is that it is so attainable to so many different types of woman. Unlike classical ballet, one does not have to be a certain height and weight, or even a specific age, nor does one have to dedicate herself to countless years at a academy to earn a chorus spot in a troupe. Almost anyone who wants to can belly dance and because we are such a supportive and open community we readily grant performances, troupe membership, and soloist status to our dancers.

Unfortunately, because of this accessibility, belly dance has gotten a very bad rap in terms of professionalism. Because student dancers are often seen in professional performance settings the general public views that level of competence as the best local belly dance has to offer.

Please don’t get us wrong; we firmly believe that students should perform. Performing is the best way to learn and grow in the dance so that a student may rise to the rank of professional. We just firmly believe that students should perform at student appropriate performances whereas professional performances should be deferred to professional dancers.

By our definition, student performances have the following characteristics:

  • Admission to the performance is free (or less than $10 in a case where other activities may be taking place; like an open hafla, buffet, or additional performance by professionals).
  • The student group(s) are clearly introduced and known as “students”.
  • Payment is not offered to the students performers.
  • Often student performances are during the day or early evening, later slots are usually reserved for the professional shows.
  • Student performance nights, haflas (mid-eastern parties), and festivals (like the New West Fest), are all great places for students to perform. Restaurants, gala shows, nightclubs, and benefits are usually reserved for the professionals.

Professional dancers work very hard at what we do. We spend a large amount of our time rehearsing, teaching, innovating, choreographing, and learning. We believe that it is only fair that in exchange for the time and resources we give to belly dance we have earned the performance spots at professional gigs.

How do you draw the line between a student and a professional? It can be a very difficult break to determine but here are some of our basic guidelines, there certainly are exceptions:

Professional dancers and their companies:

  • Have been dancing steadily for AT LEAST 5 years (Molly and Julia had about 15 years between them before they began TT)
  • Run a troupe or company
  • Instruct on a regular basis
  • Rehearse/practice regularly (this means more than just attending a class a week)
  • Book their own gigs
  • Choreograph/innovate their own moves and pieces
  • Design/create their own costumes

Student dancers:

  • Perform under the direction of a teacher or parent company
  • Attend weekly classes
  • Perform moves and choreographies from their teacher
  • Wear costumes designed and often aided by their teacher
  • Perform at gigs booked and organized by their teacher

Undercutting:

What sometimes happens in the belly dance community is that less professional companies will undercut the professionals – meaning they will charge less than the going rate for a performance (or sometimes will charge nothing at all). What this does is devalues the entire art that we are working so hard to elevate. It also gradually lowers to standard rate of performances so that it is almost impossible to get a decent rate for a performance. Part of this is a need to educate our audiences to actually consider what they’re getting for what they pay and not just booking the lowest bidder because often the cheapest group is the one with the least amount of skill, experience, and professionalism. Professional belly dance companies will often (and have done so in this area) come up with a standard pricing system so that all groups are charging similar amounts and the general price is not driven down by undercutting.

When does the student become the professional?

There is no easy answer, this will be different for everyone. Perhaps a good way to consider professional status is for an aspiring professional to ask: “would I be wiling to audition against the other professional companies in my area? Would I be willing to audition against my teachers?”. When a student feels she is ready to cross that proverbial bridge, the best thing she can do is approach her teachers to discuss her progress with them. In many cases she may be able to find a different position in the company to better suit her skill level or will maybe start a “sister” company to her parent company.

Performing as a part of TribalTique Belly Dance Company

We are so thrilled that we have so many students who want to perform! When our students do perform we extend to them the title and name of TribalTique Belly Dance Company. As a member of TTBDC, everything a student says and do reflects on us. Please know that we have spent many years building a solid reputation for professionalism reflected in our skilled dancing, well put together performances, and solid public relations. This is why all TTBDC gigs must be handled by Molly and Julia to ensure we maintain the high standards we have set for our company and ourselves.

Definition of TTBDC gigs:

  • Students perform a chorography or structured improv donw by TT
  • Students perform a majority of TT movements and combos
  • Students perform in TT designed costumes (we know this can be a little gray)
  • Students represent themselves with the title “TribalTique Belly Dance Company”

We are happy to seek out and organize student performances; nothing makes us happier than seeing our little fledglings fly. We also certainly encourage students to bring performance opportunities to our attention so that we can determine if they are appropriate for a company performance and then work on booking and organizing them. We do request that if a student is solicited for what seems to be a more professional level gig, the student refers the gig to Molly and Julia. Gig booking and performance organization take major amounts of work but we are happy to do it for our students and we will always try to accommodate them for as often as they would like to perform.

If a student ever starts to feel limited by the opportunities afforded to her and the creative direction she receives as a member of TTBDC, we ask that it please be discussed with Julia or Molly so they can help determine the student’s next step.