After the Fire...

ihamatep — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:04:33 GMT

After the fire and all the dismay, things are getting a lot better for Jesse and I. We moved into a bigger place for a lot less than we were paying. I even end up with two seperate craft rooms and an extra serger and sewing machines. We lost two uncomfortable couches, but gained a beautiful living room set in their places. Lots of love and support from family, friends, and coworkers/bosses which keep us going when we didn't think we could. I guess God does have a plan for all of us. Even if things seem like they couldn't get any worse, you might gain something really wonderful from it. .....and luckily, none of my dance stuff was damaged. :)

Ethics among bellydancers

ihamatep — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:42:10 GMT

Ethics and Standard Practises in Bellydance "Ethical awareness is simply the recognition by any individual of the rights inherent in the existence of any and all other individuals." (The URANTA Book, Paper 27, Section 3, para.1) Ethics - moral principles; standard practises; and even etiquette (good manners) are important elements in the dance world and should be part of dancers' education. Dance teachers--who inspire as well as teach their students--should not only include concepts of ethics and standard practises in their curriculum, but also lead by example. As dance students grow in skill and ability, some decide to step up to a professional or public level in teaching and/or performing. Unless they give forethought to ethical decision-making and become aware of standard practises, their inexperience often leads to mistakes that have far-reaching effects. Even innocent mistakes can cause hurt feelings and rifts in the dance community. Unprofessional habits are often passed from teacher to student - the result of when people who lack extensive knowledge and adequate training begin teaching or performing. Some common concerns are - use of harmful dance techniques - illegally reproducing music or video - detrimental presentations of the dance - falsely representing others' choreography as original - spreading malicious gossip and rumours about other artists - scheduling conflicting events in a local area - undercutting and lowering wage standards. These negative actions impact how the public perceives the dance and can also create a hostile environment within the dance community. Professionalism Oriental (belly) Dance is a specific form of dance derived from various cultural sources and folkdances, not jazz, modern, ballet, hip-hop, "club" or recreational dancing done in a bellydance costume. If you perform or teach, even if you don't make a living by doing so, set your standards high. Even hobbyists can produce work of "professional caliber" by gaining a broader understanding of the dance form, adhering to high standards, and following sound ethical principles. There's no consensus on the definition of "professional" - a professional could be someone who teaches or performs for pay derives most or all of their income by teaching or performing holds themself out to the community as a professional (not student) teacher or performer consistently maintains high standards in these areas. Professionals take dancing and performing seriously. They don't demean the dance in the public's eye by treating it as a joke or of negligible value; nor do they encourage or condone disrespect for the art or it's proponents. Should You Follow a Code of Conduct? I researched codes of conduct for the professional organizations of consultants, coaches, music teachers and tennis players; and also asked the opinions of students and other teachers or performers to put together my personal Code of Conduct (see link below). It is clear that for bellydance teachers and performers, following a formal code of conduct has two important benefits: it builds strong and beneficial relations within the dance community; it promotes positive perceptions of the dance outside of the dance community. This code outlines the principles I consider essential in promoting an ethical dance community, and in professional dance performance and education. They are examples of self-regulation among those who aspire to high levels of artistic endeavor in teaching or performing. I pledge to do my best to follow this guideline and I also urge others in the dance community to consider following it or their own. Taking this public step can help avoid the common "falling outs" that happen so often in dance communities; and our actions will reflect the honor and uplifting influence of the dance even when viewed by the general public. Liberty - freedom of choice Some Oriental Dance organizations require adherence to their ethics or conduct codes and promise disciplinary action if neglected. A pledge of honor requires no signatures, just honest intention. Mistakes will be surely be made; but honest mistakes can lead to growth. Exercising your free will while still respecting others' rights brings true liberty to all involved. http://www.kawakib.com/ethics.html

Are we all so big?

ihamatep — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 18:49:37 GMT

Here in El Paso and Las Cruces, there is not really any places for bellydancer to perform (and be appreciated), yet, there is a lot of fighting over these crappy places. Undercutting, spelling lies, and creating cattiness that discourages other places to hire bellydancer. Also, you do not get to be a bellydance teacher after taking a couple of lessons. That is a huge problem in El Paso. These unexperienced teachers are producing more bellydancer with no actual technique, who than become teachers and the horrid cycle continues. Not to mention there are a couple of bellydancers, one semi famous (but not recognized by actual professional bellydancer ) and another who thinks she is a professional, but is not recognized by anyone, who think they are better than other dancers. I would like to know how we become better than the other. These are my concerns and comments?

I Like to Hear Myself Talk

After the Fire...

Ethics among bellydancers

Are we all so big?