Snag That Sizzling Solo!

It’s never too early to start planning that perfect performance.  Read on for helpful hints to snag your sizzling solo for this fabulous event.

1. Choose Your Music

Find a song that speaks to you and that naturally makes you move.  (See last month’s blog for tips on how to find Arabic Dance Music.)

Once you’ve decided on a song, find out what type of song it is and what cultural significance it holds. For example, folkloric music, cabaret music, and fusion music are all very distinct from one another and should be interpreted differently.  If you’re not sure what type of music you’re working with, ask your teacher.

2.  Map Out and Memorize your Music

Once you’ve decided on a song, it’s time to map it out. You should know your music well enough that you could hum even it if it wasn’t playing.  Understand what instruments are being used, and what rhythms are backing them up.  What time signature is your song in? Does it have lyrics?  If needed, translate and use the words to fuel your dance’s story.  If you’re a visual learner, map out the song by drawing out the way the music sounds.  Sketch the changes in the music and note at what time they happen during the song.

3. Create Movement

For the new performer, I suggest you choreograph your routine or at least create a strong outline for your performance.  When starting to choreograph, try freestyle dancing to your song and see what comes naturally.  When you perform a move that sticks out to you, keep it!  Pay attention to what the music is doing.  Does it slow down?  Speed up?  Change in tone?  Is it a sad song or a joyful song?  Match the music with your movement.  Consider the emotion behind the song and what the intent of your piece is.  What kind of impact do you want to have on your audience?  When you get choreographically stuck, take a break or think of moves you’ve used in class recently.  Youtube and Arabic Dance DVDs are great sources of inspiration.   Incorporate contrasting moves to keep your piece visually interesting.  Avoid standing in one spot, and make good use of your stage.  Consider if you will start on-stage or need to choreograph an entrance.  Don’t forget to enjoy the creative process instead of focusing on your end goal. J

4.  Practice. Practice. Practice.

A well-prepared performer is a confident one.  Set up a schedule for yourself as if you we’re training for a marathon.  Video tape yourself practicing so you can see what you look like.  Show your choreography to a friend and practice making eye contact with them while you’re performing.  If it feels right, ask your friend for feedback.  Remember to practice in the costume you are going to perform in.  Costume malfunctions are much better performed at home than in the company of others.  J

5. Go get ‘em tiger!

It’s game day.  This is what you’ve been waiting for!  Arrive early enough that you can polish off your make-up and get into costume without feeling rushed.  Create your own personal mantra to pump yourself up.  “I’m going to rock it!”  You are your own cheerleader.  Accept that things may not go quite as you have planned, and commit to enjoying the experience no matter what happens.  Remember, we dance because we love it, and we perform so we can share this love with others.  When the time comes to shine, take a deep breath and know that you are a star.


~Ziva Emtiyaz