Bellydance Feedback's topics - tribe.net

Feedback please?

Erika — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:43:47 GMT

I'd love to hear your critiques on this duet. I'm sorry that the person that was taping concentrated heavily on one dancer, he said that since we were quite far apart he couldn't follow the both of us all the time. We do tend to have a much wider stand than what you would use in ATS when we have to"cover" a larger space. Makes us more visible by everybody when they are sitted at a distance in a large circle, and we try to compensate the distance keeping alive the "spech" betwen dancers with eye contact, but I wonder how much we loose in choesion from an aestethic point of view.
Critiques of any kind would be very appreciated.
Thank ladies!
Erika

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shjrR8eOwos

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 1 reply

Give it to me! I need it!

atlantis — Thu, 15 May 2008 09:56:31 GMT

after a suggestion from GibsonPearl I am posting my clip, so you fine peeps can slash and tear it to bits in the hope I can better myself! Dont worry I will not take offence at anything said against my dancing, I need it straight and honest, That way I can share my love for the dance better with my part of the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aroYVFMUgI
thank you in advance! Atlantis

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 4 replies

Critique our troupe please!

MLY — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 05:41:25 GMT

This is a set my troupe did at TQNW last August. We FINALLY got it up on youtube and I hope to have something more recent soon! Admittedly we were really excited and nervous and we got a great response that night but in watching the video now 8ish months later we’ve been noticing a lot of the same little issues continuing to pop up which to me seem to be related to getting distracted and/or lost no matter how much it gets practiced... Those little mess ups drive us nuts so any advice on specifically curbing that would be appreciated!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ_Sc1vLvFs

We are a fusion troupe. We do use various cultural bits and influences but we don’t claim to be anything authentic in any way. I wouldn’t call us tribal either although it is in our name from back in the day…

***This is what else I would like to know specifically:

- Were you entertained or bored?

- What didn’t work? What did? And why?

- Should we boot any of the choreographies? Should we boot any of the dancers? (haha, just kidding... or am I...)

All of us are okay with being singled out as well...

Anything else? Spill… even if you liked it ;-)

(I apologize that the video quality is not 100%)

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 9 replies

photos

Melodi — Sun, 11 May 2008 20:07:06 GMT

Help!

I am trying to put together a presentation dedicated to the diversity of dance and I need photos. I am looking for photos of dancers....all styles(not just ME dance styles ALL dance), genders, heights, weights, ethnicities, and ages. I am looking for the variety of photos too...action shots, posed shot, group shots, solo shots, rehearsal shots, preparation shots....etc.

If you don't mind having your picture used for the purpose of celebrating diversity in dance please PM me.

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 0 replies

Fusion clip...

arielarielariel — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 20:59:11 GMT

Yay! I finally figured out how to post something on YouTube (I am so proud of myself). Improv fusion piece from last weekend. Would love any critique. Thanks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4Mt-jNoW0U

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 8 replies

It's been a while

jenndances — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:37:56 GMT

So this is a performance from last year - but it's one that I enjoyed doing....I'm bummed that you can't see all the little shimmies, but I sure would appreciate some honest feedback on this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNLHyH8-tIU

Also, I'd only heard this song once before I danced it.

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 1 reply

*Bites Nails.... Please be gentle

justheather — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 22:01:18 GMT

Ok, I know that this is for critiques... but I haven't danced in several months... and this was my first performance back. It was a light hearted performance... not serious - (as you can tell from the music choice)... just more fun. Please feel free to critique, or just watch and enjoy. I am sure it will make you smile (at least int he second part). OH and P.S. I put the costuming together about an hour before the performance, and the music was just laying around from an older performance)... Again be gentle.... it is meant to be fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zx6_0lZUnc

Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNh8ntdiua0

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 9 replies

Critique me...

majda — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 03:16:20 GMT

Hello all, I've been kind of lurking on this tribe, but I wanted to throw out my drum solo for feedback. This is my first full solo choreography, although I've been dancing for a couple of years. I've performed this solo about 5 times at various workshops and shows, and this was the 4th time I'd performed it in Atlanta.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=FreWEVdCPto

So here are the aspects about it that I noticed:

1) bad arm posture - dropping elbows, chest is caved in at times
2) I had a tendency in this touch my stomach? Don't know what that's about as I don't do it normally
3) hip articulation ain't so hot on some places, it's a pretty athletic choreography, I think I need to build my stamina
4) got crooked on those spins in the finale - would have liked to have been more on the center of the stage
5) bra was not too secure - I know I've been "blessed" (I think it more of a curse) and I didn't tighten the bra before I went on stage, thus I look like I am falling out.

There's probably more, but that's what I can think of at the moment. I am usually a very improv artist if I am not dancing ATS or with Awalim (the dance company I am in) . This solo has been a learning experience for me and I plan to get as much out of it as I can!

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 7 replies

comments ? Remarks? suggestions? on comp piece...

DeviSafir — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 15:39:01 GMT

I am using this music along with a drum solo for comp this year. I am still working on lkinks in the first section.. I am pretty satisfied with the second.

Any ideas on bettering them ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kt0yvbfZJEI

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 16 replies

Critque/feedback??

superkate — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:03:34 GMT

http://youtube.com/watch?v=GfE-aHtiETA

I would love to hear your critique on this video. I apologize for the pixelated-ness of it. I'm trying to get a better copy up there. So some of my shimmies have been lost, but I'd still love to hear what you have to say.

Thanks!

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 2 replies

Ok, here goes....

alhenadance — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:50:32 GMT

I'm being told by "someone" - repeatedly - that posting a vid here is a very good experience regardless of the nature of the comments. There is always something to learn. I completely agree with her but am a bit scared and was also waiting for the "perfect" video to share (duh).
So here is a NOT perfect video in many ways including quality, but if I keep waiting I might never do it.
*gasp*
thx!

You can watch it on my profile page or on youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXR10mswwkw
http://people.tribe.net/alhenadance

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 3 replies

A work in progress

Samantha — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 02:42:40 GMT

I hesitated to post this because it wasn't really finished when I performed it & improv is REALLY not my thing. I had a very clear idea of how the dance should go but hadn't quite figured out how to execute some of my complicated ideas, so I had to do a simplified version here. I plan on finishing it complete with all the tricks in my mind! What do you guys think of this rough version, though? Things to work on? I notice my chicken arms for sure!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH3vrc3TY1M

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 3 replies

Duet (just for fun)

Heather — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:56:34 GMT

This is a video of a number my troupemate and I did at a student hafla last week. I'm not looking for critique of technique particularly here, more feedback on the artistic interpretation (choreography, performance, mood, costuming, etc.). It was originally designed as a trio, then one member pulled out and it ended up as a duet. We're planning on turning it back into a trio, and polishing it up a bit, which is a why I'm asking for feedback as we think of what to change.

It's part choreography and some improv (my solo bit is improv); it was a whim of mine to do something to Edith Piaf's music, and we finished putting it together minutes before we performed. It's inspired by The Indigo's 'Serpent Rouge'.

Link: http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=btNdKN7_tQg

I added some 'old film effects' to the video to help set the mood we were going for.

Thanks!

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 0 replies

Tribal Fusion Solo-- be brutal!

Ishana — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:45:11 GMT

Here's a solo I recently performed. Please ignore the lame watermark. What do you like, what don't you like? The beginning has a burlesque-y feel and then end is a drum section from Suhaila's Scheherezade.

Thanks!

Megan

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 5 replies

Feedback on a tribal fusion solo

Heather — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:51:59 GMT

Would love some feedback on my new solo, performed last week at a studio student hafla:
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=fdxzrI94yzA

It's the first time I've peformed it, and it's my second dance solo ever. I've already made a mental list of a number of things to fix and work on, including posture (especially tucking my pelvis more... I have a bit of lumbar lordosis, so I have to be extra-conscious of my posture), drilling so that I can keep that slow hip shimmy going while I do the chest circles, strengthening my backbends, and working on evening out the odd overly-active left wrist/stiff right wrist combo (I think it's that my right wrist is stronger, plus stiff from writing all day, and my left is weaker... also I think my teacher moves her left wrist a lot, and I may have picked up the habit from her).

Thanks!

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 3 replies

Goth Fusion w/ Sword Solo

NanSee — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:02:48 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHen5WHwxiA

This is a video I did for an audition for an event. 80% improv. I'd love feedback/critique on ways of moving with the sword, balancing, fluidity etc.

Also any other critique about the piece is welcome! If I get through the audition process I may use the same song at the event.

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 4 replies

Whatcha think? Drum solo & tipping!

BellydancerMariah — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 14:27:33 GMT

This show was a fund-raiser, so I was hamming it up with the tipping. Played around with the audience quite a bit more than usual as far as collecting tips. Video quality not the best, but you can see pretty good how I dance.
Please leave comments.

Thanks,
Mariah of Ohio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45anl9KDN6E

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 1 reply

Orientale

Adishakti — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:24:18 GMT

Hello Ladies,

Time to throw myself to the lions and see if you have and constructive feedback for me. Please be gentle, but don't worry - I won't break. :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RgPMTZ0Kv4

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 4 replies

Another Jae Video.

jaecrazy — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 03:46:59 GMT

Ok... so been workin on me spins, getting there.... and my arms...... still getting there. I had a couple of drinks before the show, I kinda over did it. But tell me what ya think.

Still trying to find myself.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghHgDIzHsJU

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 2 replies

3rd coast 2008

Hayley — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:10:16 GMT

Hey everyone, here is our first performance as tribe vistani. (not our first time performing, just the first time in this newly formed troupe) let us know what you think. the intro and ending are choreographed, the rest is improv tribal.
thanks a bunch!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=4iMs2Tz_xng

ps im the leader in the second group

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 1 reply

Ok, have at it

jodymedancer — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:36:19 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IUo-R-Rydc

Just no comments on my weight , plz. I am working on it and its coming along.

Thanks!

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 16 replies

Almost 100,000 Views!

BellydancerMariah — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 21:22:31 GMT

Have you seen this one yet? I posted this clip on YouTube a year ago just for the fun of it. Can't wait to hit that 100,000 viewers mark.
Please rate and leave me comments. I get a kick out of reading them.

My favorite comments;

"sadie is a far better belly dancer...but its becouse she was a gumnastic/sportsy person all her life she had a head start this women here is beautiful and if she kept at it she would be better than sadie"

"Not bad, you could stand to lose a pound or two though."

"AWESOME!!!! This from a Renn man ,,,,Don Juancho was here***leaves a rose"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI8o2BLYRfw

Let me know whatcha think!
Mariah

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 3 replies

critique please

Erika — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 10:21:19 GMT

We're playing with blues, I'd love to have your feedback. Sorry for the poor quality of the video, flutters are all invisible...
Thank you ladies!
Erika

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-wYuK3ZjFX4

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 2 replies

Feedback, please.

Samantha — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 20:16:21 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0gToqdZrTc

One disclaimer here. It feels a little reigned in to me because the stage was so small that I was afraid I might fall off in some of the larger, spinning moves. I am aware of that. Otherwise, have at it, bearing in mind that I am a student... :-)

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 5 replies

Where can I get these?

JR — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:15:15 GMT

Looking for the thinks in this photo
people.tribe.net/1e4e3701-...a390f64389

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 1 reply

New JaeJae Video!!!

jaecrazy — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 07:04:08 GMT

Hope ya likey, and tell me what yer finkin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzpvQhZkDBw

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 6 replies

looking to improve a choreography, looking for advise on sharpening technique - help me please?

Dawn — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 01:06:07 GMT

Hi dancers,

I have a important (to me) performance coming up in a few months time and instead of coming up with something 'new' (that I always put pressure on myself to do!) I'd really like take an existing piece and really refine, make it more dynamic, more beautiful with more polish this time - this is a link to my original choreography of the piece:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYRxwpjxEoI

I'm also looking to eliminate messiness from my technique, make it cleaner, crisper and more precise. There are a couple of irritating little habits I have that I can see in the piece, I've been working on it in my head for so damn long that I think I really need an outsiders eye (but that of an educated dancer) to look it over and offer some honest feedback and advice. So please don't hold back. I love the detail of the critique provided by this wonderful tribe :-)

Hope to hear back from you!

Dawn x

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 6 replies

Need some observation and critique please.

Tricia — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 19:43:52 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYnr9qjMG2Q [pt 1]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PHP0QaT3HY&feature=related [pt 2]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xSmAztgJYs&feature=related [pt 3]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hu4NubZxFLM&feature=user [pt 4]

Don't be fooled by all the parts, it's rather short really, my camera woman just happened to break it up per section.
Sorry it's so dark and quiet D:

So I guess I'm just looking for some feedback, things to work on. I know my back is to the camera alot, the only people in the resturant were on opposite ends of the stage, and my camera woman in the middle. I can see a bit of posture/hands issue at times...but I want to hear from you all please.

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 5 replies

OhMaya Bellydance International Night Performance

Margaret — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:09:09 GMT

Here's the links of our short performance. It is separated into 3 sections. We are fairly new to perfoming and would like to get your comments:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hnGtBUu4RE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9YcinzcVoQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpU0zauLv30

The last part is an improv but we intend to have full choreographed songs for future performances. Sorry that the shots are from so far away but at least you can see everyone!
Enjoy
Margaret March
OhMaya Bellydance

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 10 replies

OhMaya Bellydance- First Performance

Margaret — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 22:06:36 GMT

We now have our performances up on youtube. Unfortunately it seems that the video's music/pictures speed up and down a little which is a little odd but at least they're up there! Here are the links:
www.youtube.com/watch
www.youtube.com/watch
www.youtube.com/watch
www.youtube.com/watch

Not too bad for a new troupe and a first public performance...but I can see where some work needs to be done and I hope we'll develop our own style as we go. At least we were different from the other bellydance troupe in town, something hard to do when I got my training from them originally!! I'm honestly not sure what you would call our style of bellydance...my closest description would be "Tribaret Fusion". What do you think? I'm my own worse critic! Hope you like them. Comments? Constructive criticism? (But be gentle...some of the dancers haven't been dancing very long and still learning, and we were rushed to put together the choreographies in time for the show.)
Margaret

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 19 replies

Time to take your Revenge

Shems — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 18:30:40 GMT

okay, if you've wanted to get back at me for a critique now is your chance. I've been technologically challenged up to this point, but I've been fussing with some new equipment and managed to put a you-tube clip up of a fairly recent performance. It's an entrance peice to a longer set with live keyboard and tabla. I've already taken some notes on the 1001 things I'd like to fix, but I'm interested to hear what other people see as well. Oh, and forgive the long intro...probably should have clipped that off....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-QwqRVs4DM

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 14 replies

New year: what are YOU gonna do about it?

GibsonPearl — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 18:24:34 GMT

Happy holiday season/new year,everyone!!

While I am actually not a huge fan of making New Year's resolutions, I do like to try to use the turning of the new year as a time to reflect on what's happened in the past twelve months. I know I've had quite a year, both personally and dance-wise! So I ask you to share your dance highlights from this year, and what you'd like to see in near future...

Dance-wise...
What was the hardest thing you did/tried to do?
Did you have any first-time-ever/last-time-ever events?
What do you want to be able to do by this time next year?
When you envision yourself at your ultimate best, what does it look like? Is it dancing at a hafla? Performing in front of international royalty? Finally mastering the layered shimmy? Finally taking a solo? What does that look like for you?

Me?
Hardest thing...making decisions on what my solo career might look like. Questions like, what do you want to be as a performer? Who ARE you as a performer? When people see your name, what image do you want to project? Seemingly minute things like font choice and photo captioning is suddenly important!

First-time...after six years of performing I have started to actually feel really comfortable onstage. I feel like I'm really growing into my own skin! Last-time...I probably won't ever be a full-time part of an official company again. Never say never, but...for me the payoff isn't there anymore, and the drama that is usually involved just isn't worth my time. I want to stick to solo stuff and collaborations.

By this time next year I want to have mastered the Turkish drop and subsequent snaky-move-back-up-off-the-floor, get really good at swordwork, get it so my layered shimmies are flawless, and finally GET that damn flutter!!

My ultimate best...dancing in a nice theater or hall, wowing the hell out of a crowd of my peers and maybe a few of my dance-heroines with some new stylings with a touch of old-school attitude, preferably to some awesome live music. I also want to keep learning how to be the best teacher I can be, and hopefully inspire my students in the same ways that I was inspired when I started.

I want to thank everyone on this tribe who helps make it what it is! You guys are amazing! I know that sometimes it's hard to get feedback, but I know that for me it's just because I like to take time to really give people good feedback. I think it's the same for others too...so please, keep posting your vids and sharing your thoughts! It is this kind of community that really keeps me going. Thanks again!

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 4 replies

New video - feedback welcome!

sarabeaman — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:36:59 GMT

http://s216.photobucket.com/albums/cc250/ams_046/Bellydance/?action=view&current=Sara059.flv

One of my students posted this recent video of me doing improv at a local show. The video quality is awful :( but for the most part you can still tell what is happening (I hope).
I can really see some things I would criticize myself for (although I am proud of the outcome overall) but I will keep my mouth shut so that I don't bias anyone. Any and all criticism is welcome.
Thanks for watching!

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 3 replies

Critiques...

Ishana — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:33:11 GMT

I have the most annoying video ever for you guys to critique. I had to convert it from an mov file to a mpeg and the software I used was free (yay!) but puts an annoying watermark on the video (boo).

Be brutal! I'm masochistic that way.

I have a few things I know I need to work on, but I want to see if you see them too. Its really long, sorry... 5 minutes!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQcxc837oGI

Megan

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 3 replies

LOOKING FOR MORE FEEDBACK

jaecrazy — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:13:25 GMT

New clip.

Me in me room, dancing, practicing before a show. Let me know what you think. Any improvements since my last post? What else can i work on? Thanks mates!!!!

JaeWizzle

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 7 replies

Not your usual Fusion Dance....

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 03:20:36 GMT

Like everything else about me, even my dance style threatens to defy definition and categorization! I've got an eternal Gothkid in me that I can't completely shake; no matter what "style" I'm dancing, those little goth club dance gestures and moves creep in one way or another, and my background in Transcendental Dance tends to lend a sort of "floaty" quality to both my expressions and choice of improvised moments.

I've been working hard the last year to learn the foundations and basics of Belly Dance, trying to perfect my technique, posture, presentation, etc. But I think that there are just going to be some things that will always stick with me. And I guess that's not such a bad thing. Maybe that's "my style"; I'd hate to just be another of a hundred tribal dancers I've seen out there emulating Ms Brice in clone fashion. Even she is a dynamic dancer, always evolving her style and methods and coming up with new and different ways to amaze us. And yet, there will always be something in her dance that is "Rachel"....

Anyhoo.....here's my two latest solos, performed recently at Dancing the Rainbow Studios with a group of my best gals, lead by Pepper of Poisonbelly. Warning: they are both long, running close to 7 minutes. The music was kinda last minute choice, so I didn't get a chance to make edited cut down mixes of the songs -- they are dance club length versions. For someone like me, used to dancing for up to an hour non-stop, it's nothing, but I know anything over 4-5 minutes can be tiresome on an audience. First song is "Tempted" Conjure One Mix by Collide, second song also Collide, "Predator" Final Mix.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M02DbK-x9Ew

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpDz1hpbKl0

I'm interested to hear any suggestions, ideas, or constructive criticisms. Thanks!

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 13 replies

Mariah Raqs Nouveau

BellydancerMariah — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 18:26:16 GMT

Raqs Nouveau
Middletown, OH
December 1, 2007

Paula Norris is a die-hard belly dance fan (like the rest of us) and travels all over to video shows. If you missed the Zoe Jakes workshop and concert featuring Zoe and dancers from Ohio and neighboring states, please check out clips on youtube.

My debut new drum solo can be seen here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXY6WJQXX88 Feedback is welcomed!

Search pnorris63 for more great BD clips.

Thanks,
Mariah

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 1 reply

this is my favorite site

Colette — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 18:30:54 GMT

although i have yet to post anything there is so much GOOD info in the feedback -- i read 'em and make notes so i can check my technique. thanks for sharing your work.

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 1 reply

feedback wanted

Leentje — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 18:37:56 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0pecoDO8Qg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDUldzQ0u4Y

please let me know what you think
thx

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 4 replies

Youtube Question?

Ishana — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:53:41 GMT

Perhaps someone can help me with this...

Does anyone know of any programs to either cut a video in half so i could post it on youtube or some sort of converter to make it smaller? I have a 5 minute vid that is 191 MB for some reason. Forgive me if this has been addressed before.

Any advice?

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 9 replies

Tribal fusion solo debut - oct07

Stef — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:40:11 GMT

Hi folks,

Would like to know what you think of my first solo performance:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=vZQBWtoTkrg

To be honest I'm sick of it after watching to see what I could have done better :P Working on a new choreography for next year, hopefully I will have improved a lot by then!

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 2 replies

Feedback please?

Erika — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 20:43:56 GMT

I'd love if you ladies would like to give me your insightful opinions on this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkbrAvAl5Vg

Thank you!
Erika

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 6 replies

Friends yelling. What to do?

BellydancerMariah — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 23:05:59 GMT

Here I'm dancing at my lovely friend Leyla Soliel's hafla last weekend in Akron, Ohio. Fun clip other than my sister and all her drunk friends yelling my name while trying to dance. It was exciting at the time hearing my name yelled out from the audience. But after viewing the clip on youtube I did notice how distracting it was.
Whatcha think? Did I play it off?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLHfPlwQyrs
Mariah

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 5 replies

feedback on "Vintage Orientale" style performance

Nepenthe_of_Boston — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 02:11:43 GMT

This was for a George Abdo tribute, so I was doing the American Cabaret style with zills. It was also all improvisation.
I'd like to get feedback on my zill playing and musical interpretation in particular. Also if I'm entertaining. I'm not very confident about my zil-playing or my dancing when I have to play zils at the same time and I left this performance feeling I had not done a good job. Watching it, I like it a little bit more than I expected. Hadn't posted anything to this tribe lately so...here I go. :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi4E6L5DM3Q

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 6 replies

F**k it, I'm starting a refugee camp!!! (x-post)

GibsonPearl — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:18:15 GMT

Ok, I love tribe dearly but DAMN these outages seem like dying gasps to me. So, I have created a networking site on Ning just for us, called Tribe Refugee Bellydancers! We will all need a place to meet up, so I started one and now I'm telling all ya'll. I think of this as the place we gather when/if Tribe comes crashing down, so we don't all turn into lost little sheep, baa'ing into the darkness, all alone.

***NOTE: I will continue this tribe until tribe dies. This tribe is NOT ceasing activity until it no longer exists due to the mothership imploding***

This new networking spot may take the place of Tribe, or it may not. I'm not leaving Tribe til that curvaceous lady sings, but when I do, I hope to see you on this new platform so we can figure out where to go next.

So please!! Spread the word!! Sign up so we can all find each other!! I plan to cross-post this so please be patient if you see this in other tribes...

triberfugeebellydancers.ning.com/

triberfugeebellydancers.ning.com/

triberfugeebellydancers.ning.com/

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 0 replies

another one - modern fusion

cera — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 03:58:15 GMT

this is from a performance last weekend.
it's a work in progress. it's about dreaming. I'm still looking for a title (and working on the choreography)
i'm performing it at Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center in Dec.

So far, for titles, I'm thinking of:
Can you see it from the moon?
From action stems the dream again
Like a letter that is not read..
Into the limbo of things

or..whatever. thoughts?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rVdxk28zSs

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 3 replies

posting after a long hiatus =) funk fusion improv

cera — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 21:27:11 GMT

just playin around this morning =)

1) lil mama & avril lavigne = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLPop7A-ytc

2) balkan beatbox = http://youtube.com/watch?v=x5z5E72jVpY

i lurves feedback!

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 6 replies

Introduction and a vid

Mahela — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:50:03 GMT

I've been scoping out this tribe for a while and thought that I'd finally introduce myself and offer up a video I've just posted on youtube for feedback.
This is of an improv performance from last week in tribal fusion style

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atc7qXnHgIM

I've been studying Oriental belly dance for about 5 years but have only been working with tribal for about 4 months. I have to say, i'm really in love with tribal and hope i'll become good at it. I've been dancing with a former member of Blue Lotus Tribe and learning ATS and have also been working on figuring out how to dance tribal fusion, which I find to be really challenging. I think it's particularly difficult to sort of maintain energy throughout the entire body while being fairly stationary, as much of tribal fusion seems to be. Its so different from cabaret!

Anyways, I know this is something I need to work on, along with many other things, and I'd appreciate any feedback.

Also, I just want to say that I think this tribe is really cool. I live in a community where there are only a handfull of dancers to get constructive criticism from, so I think its really great that you are all here to help support and improve each others dancing.

Thanks!

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 3 replies

Hi from bhuz!

annwyn — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 09:44:21 GMT

this is all I have that is recent! unfortnately they arent full clips and the zills piece ouch i know that needs work, Improve with zills YIKES i dont know what i was thinking, and the veil piece i totaly dropped them at the end oops ;-) Please remember I have NEVER studied Egyptian

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-RPETCWNWA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReJL09Cg1fY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONyiGCMj_hQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g32C2TyxduU

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 2 replies

You be the judge.

BellydancerMariah — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 21:05:15 GMT

Youtube video of Boston Diva Pageant (Belly Dance competition) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EER97916Q4I

This year I was 2nd Runner-Up in Za-Beth's Annual Boston Diva Pageant. Last year I was 1st Runner-Up. Competing is fun, but you only get one shot.

I like constructive criticism, so say what you will.

This performance was the same night. Not a competition piece. George Abdo Tribute Concert - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilLU25-kRTY

Thanks,
Mariah

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 8 replies

Concrit Please

NanSee — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:17:44 GMT

This was a performance I did a couple months back, first time using zils in a performance. I had a couple of sticky spots and a a case of drooping elbows by the end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx8U0gym_7Y

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 6 replies

Here's another!

jaecrazy — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 03:25:06 GMT

Ok, i think my arms are a little better in this clip, but I'll let you all be the judge of that. What can i work on? This was a live drum solo, was never rehearsed.....can ya tell? Lol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPuydQyouAA

Thanks everyone!!!!!!!!

JaeJae

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 7 replies

new improv video

sarabeaman — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 20:43:02 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6967zYREEY

Sara (myself) and Nandana of Blue Moon Dance Co. / The Devoted Dance Collective perform an improv zil duet at the Carrboro Music Festival in NC.
We have been dancing together for 4ish years. I am the one in the pink-red top with the big red flowers in my hair (I am on the right to begin with).

Feedback about MY performance is welcome/appreciated. BE PICKY! :D

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 14 replies

Tribal Fusion

Pelu — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:18:19 GMT

Hi!
I´d like to have your feedback...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5ADJbz-HwQ
Thanks!!!

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 21 replies

Critique my video?

Ishana — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 04:04:20 GMT

Here's a dance I did this summer that I'm not thrilled with, but is only solo I have recorded that I don't detest.

I'm really, honestly looking for critiques. Compliments are nice and of course welcome if you feel so inclined, but I'm really looking to improve and I am very comfortable hearing criticism from people. It is a skill that I am very proud to have acquired (taking criticism)! So if you're debating "should I tell her...?" Please please do!!

Thanks for taking the time to watch! The music doesn't line up with the vid, but its close.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=iG6NpsOdj3Y&feature=PlayList&p=EE9F9F8656BA8F0E&index=0

Megan H

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 8 replies

My first solo performance EVER!

*Medea* — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:19:11 GMT

This is my first solo performance ever... I performed with my troupe years ago...but this is my first show as a solo performer...
I was SUPER nervous, the set-up of the restaurant left alittle to be desired, AND I had a minor wardrobe malfunction when my necklaces got all tangled up and nearly strangled me! But, after the inital shock of being out there, I chilled out a little and had fun with it...
I'm nervous about showing it to everyone, (took me a while to even watch it myself) but I'm interested in hearing what ya'all think... pointers, ideas, etc...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ltUDCmeSH6Y

Thanks!
*Medea*

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 4 replies

Okay I have another one...

Flying_snow_brokensword — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 19:19:20 GMT

Okay so I posted one up already and I got some awesome feedback. Thanks to everyone to replied., you guys rock my socks! So this video is on our myspace and I hope the link works we don't have it up on youtube yet. It's a little dark but i hope you can make it out. This was in Albuquerque at the Bellydance Fiesta the weekend the Indigo was in town. Okay so here we go. Now remember we a dark fusion troupe. ^_^

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=20190378

Thanks ^_^

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 2 replies

Practice Video- Please critique

NanSee — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 21:22:10 GMT

I hurt my left shoulder a few weeks ago and haven't been able to do any practice or yoga. Saying I'm a little stiff is putting it mildly...ick. I'm looking for overall suggestions as well as nitpicking (arms, rounded shoulders, staring at floor, etc). I got a little to focused on looking at the camera and have a really odd expression, something I'll be working on with the mirror.

I was trying to work more on the suggestions April had for me from the other video I posted (not rushing through moves and keeping a softer lower body position). Is that better in this video or worse?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQrQxrlEnW8

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 9 replies

Would Love your feedback!!!!!!!!1

jaecrazy — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 19:25:33 GMT

This performance was taped back in July, and the DVD finally came about 2 weeks ago. I then videotaped the performance onto my digital camera to upload to youtube. The quality isn't nearly as good as it is on the DVD, but you'll get the idea. My movements dont look as sharp here because my crappy camera didn't pic up my shimmies or hits very well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOcLz6zpNpE

I know I need to work on spot turns. I suck at them. Pointers?

I also noticed i need work on my hand posture, any hints?

Anything else you can offer, please shoot them my way!

Thanks girls!

JaeJae

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 8 replies

Shems article on Gilded Serpent

arielarielariel — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:12:55 GMT

I thought people on this tribe might appreciate this article, "Learning the Language of Belly Dance." Thanks for writing it Shems!

http://www.gildedserpent.com/art41/shemsbdlanguage.htm

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 1 reply

Brining the community together

indigo_bellygirl — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 21:18:13 GMT

I recently moved to a city where there is a large bellydance community but a lot of cattiness going on in the community as well. I have heard that there are so many bellydancers looking for work that the standard performing rate has been drastically undercut! IF the performer gets payed at all it is very low- I heard like $35 for the night.. Any advice to try to bring this dance community together & to help the professionals get payed a more professional rate?

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 4 replies

Something new...

MLY — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:43:27 GMT

Hi,

I'll keep this short ;-)
A friend filmed a recent performance (it's blurry and shaky sometimes - sorry!) and since I've been working on some stuff and experimenting lately I thought I'd just put it out there. Anything constructive is welcome!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EupRJyadInM

Thanks!
Emily

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 0 replies

Feedback

Flying_snow_brokensword — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:22:25 GMT

Hi, my name is Anahi and I just started a new troupe called Anthurium. Well this is our first year, I just wanted to know what you guys think, and offer advice on what to work on. So here goes nothing... ^_^

http://youtube.com/watch?v=FW8OOp5HqOI

http://youtube.com/watch?v=8mJ-akk8Bmw

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 6 replies

A few tips on posting performances

GibsonPearl — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 05:02:10 GMT

Hi folks,

I have a suggestion...please post vids with no edits involved, or know that if there are edits then you may be critiqued for the video/editing quality as well as the dancing.

Speaking just for myself, watching a dancer on video is like watching a magician – the more edits, the less I believe in it. I am a professional tv producer/editor in my "other" job :) and am picky about seeing a "real" representation of a live performance. I mean, feel free to show different clips, but try to make sure that there's not too much editing. This way we can see how you interpret the song, your transitions, your musicality...basically a lot of the hard stuff we all need some work on!

So let it all hang out...everyone is here to check out what ya got!

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 2 replies

HOW TO GIVE A CRITIQUE

katherinesummer — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 21:52:45 GMT

The moderator on one of my livejournal knitting communities posted this, and I think we could benefit from it.

So, someone has asked you to check out their piece of artwork (knit, crochet, pottery, writing, whatever)...Do you know what this means?
It means that someone thinks you're intelligent and perceptive, and that you will have useful things to say about their story, such as what works, what doesn't, and what they might do to make it better.

It means that if you say "Yes", YOU HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO SAY SOMETHING USEFUL.

If you absolutely, positively, even-if-your-life-depends-on-it can't find something useful to say, it's better to excuse yourself entirely instead of just blathering on at random or, worse, getting mean.

Saying, "I love it!", while very nice, isn't useful.
- Unless you then say, (in the case of critiquing a written piece) "...because I thought you had just the right balance of action and dialogue, and the worldbuilding was sufficient to give me a strong sense of place without being cumbersome and dragging the pace down." That's useful, because it helps the writer know what they did right.

Saying, "I hate it!", isn't nice, and also isn't useful.
- Unless you then say, "...because I just couldn't find the basic premise -- that Elves are singlehandedly behind the entire 20th century pornography industry -- plausible." That's useful (though it's still not nice to say you hate something) because it helps the writer know what you, as a reader, found unpalatable.

Useful things you can say something about are:

Suggestions for Art Pieces
Materials used
Line
Shape
Color

Suggestions for Writings
pacing
characters
worldbuilding
dialogue
...and many other things.

When giving a critique
Respect
The artist has put a lot of themselves into their piece, and it's personal to them. A critique may of necessity be heavy-handed, but it should never be mean. For better or worse, that artist sat his or her butt down in that chair and created that piece. Regardless of what you think of the end result, that accomplishment alone deserves respect.

Balance
Don't focus entirely on either the positive or the negative. No piece is perfect, nor is it so flawed as to be entirely unredeemable (though it could be very, very, very close). Say what works for you and what didn't, and if you can, say why. It's important for the artist to be able to look at a piece of criticism and have a chance of understanding how you reached the conclusion you did. In management training sessions they often talk about "the sandwich", which is putting a piece of criticism or bad news in between two hearty slices of good. While sort of stupid, the concept has some merit, particularly if you are critiquing work for someone who is either unused to being critiqued or just tends to take it all too personally.

Perspective, part 1
Remember that everything you say, no matter how well-informed, is your opinion, and you could be Entirely Wrong. Thus, you should try to avoid making absolute statements or saying things like "you have to" or "you can't", if you can. Say instead, "I think if you..." or "one suggestion might be...".

Perspective, part 2
If the piece is not of a particular genre or style you enjoy, say so right up front Give the artist a chance to factor in your biases when considering your criticism, so that they may not discard it entirely because they can't figure out where you're coming from.

Perspective, part 3
Sometimes you'll be asked to critique something by someone and you'll have no idea if they're a seasoned professional who is used to taking even the harshest critique, or a newcomer who is thinking of their piece as their perfect baby and has thus far only solicited feedback from their own darling mother. The thing is, you won't always be able to find out. If you're doing the critique online, you don't know if the author is twelve years old or eighty-eight, if they are American or Canadian or from Zimbabwe. What may look like very bad grammar may be someone whose native language isn't English (and if you're feeling uppity about that, consider how well *you* speak any languages other than your own?). The other thing is, if you are doing your job right, it shouldn't matter. Don't wimp out because you don't want to hurt their feelings, but don't blast them unneccessarily either. Be even-handed. Be thorough. Be fair. If you have to say something that's harsh, say it nicely, but say it. Make your critique useful.

Writing It Down
It helps when giving a critique, particularly if you are in a group setting where the artist is being bombarded with multiple critiques in a row, to have a summary or bullet-list of your main points in writing to hand the artist. And sheesh, put your name on it, okay? However, you may not want to hand back a marked-up copy of the MS itself, particularly if you have crappy handwriting or you have scribbled sarcastic notes in the margins such as "WTF? Smoking crack when you wrote this?"

Picking your Battles
If the piece is flawed in many areas, pick which aspects are the most important to address and emphasize those. Picking apart the structure of a specific section is really pointless if you've already said that the whole section has to go (or be substantially reworked). An exception to this might be if you see a small mistake repeated throughout the MS, like one word always misspelled. Don't descend into minutae just to fill up time. Cover something if it needs to get covered, and when you're done, be done.

Hope
Remember that any piece has room for improvement. No matter how good it is, and no matter how bad, the same thing goes for the artist. On one end of the spectrum, you can take pride in the knowledge that you helped a very good artist track down a very subtle problem so they could fix it. On the other end, you have the knowledge that you've given someone a small push in the right direction.

Giving a Critique:
is NOT a chance to show how wittily condescending you can be, even if you think the work and/or the artist deserves it.
is NOT a contest to show that you have a better grasp of the craft than the artist does. Even if you do.
is NOT about discouraging someone from pursuing their art as a whole. Discuss the piece, not the person. If they aren't meant to succeed as an artist, they will get the bad news one rejection slip at a time. It's not your job.
IS a chance for you to learn something about your own artwork by seeing and understanding and acknowledging both the mistakes and the moments of beauty in someone else's work.
should NOT devolve into an argument with the artist. If they get defensive, back off and let them take (or not take) your critique as they will. If you've said useful things (without being mean), then if they don't listen it's out of your hands. You've done your job. The success or failure of this artist isn't on your shoulders, and just as they shouldn't take your critique personally, you shouldn't take their taking of your critique personally. It's not about you.

Remember: Strive For Usefulness

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 7 replies

Begging your indulgence...yet again....

jenndances — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 18:32:55 GMT

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=15967626

I'll tell ya my thoughts if you share yours!

Thanks!
p.s. the picture looks much better if you reduce the screen setting on the myspace viewer. And I don't know if you need a myspace acct to view the video or not, if it doesn't come up, I'll post it on youtube or google instead.

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 4 replies

Feedback!!!!

Paola — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 19:44:40 GMT

Hi!!
This is a Tribal Fusion rehearsal... I´ve tried to make a choregraphy.
Feedback please!!!!! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLUwCfjHBm4

Thanks in advance.
Hugs!

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 0 replies

Moderator throws self to wolves

GibsonPearl — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 17:34:04 GMT

My first youtube vid of my solo work :)

Feedback please!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDurKdmFGSw

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 11 replies

give me things to work on

Nepenthe_of_Boston — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 22:48:49 GMT

I haven't posted in here for a while!

Well, here is a piece that I choreographed on a Thursday night and performed on a Sunday afternoon. I didn't have a ton of time to polish it, but honestly that meant I worked on it more than anything I would do improvisationally. I know I have a lot to work on before I can look like a professional dancer, and I want to make some goals for this year, and have some items to take to my next private lesson to say "here's where I need help."

Unfortunately the very beginning was lost - it sorts sets the stage for the song but most of the choreography is there after the intro.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRKgQ7qwLys

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 4 replies

Feedback please...

Liz (Zeevah) — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:07:50 GMT

I clenched my courage in both hands and have posted a video of my zill solo. To be honest, it's the first time I could look at video of myself without cringing, so I thought I'd share.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3mU6azxCoU

It's my third solo piece, second solo choreo and first zill choreo. I've been zilling for about 2 months and I've just finished my second "year" of belly dance instruction (September through June, 3 sessions per year). I'd be more than happy to have your constructive comments - I really need to grow as a dancer, and you can help me in that.

Ultimately, I'd like to isolate three things to work on over the summer, so that I can continue to improve.

Thank you for taking the time!

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 10 replies

Taking the plunge....

Kamini — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 22:46:30 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBibZGJ51Nc

Feedback please...

I do Tribal Fusion, trained in ATS and maybe haven't ventured too far from that, although I am trying to develop my own "dance voice". This performance is 60% improv, 40% choreography and I would love to hear suggestions for improvment.

Thanks!

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 5 replies

Belly Dancer USA

DeviSafir — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 01:25:45 GMT

Hello to all - here are some of the latest vids'

Hobbyist 2007 2nd place
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3zsBDyN00o&mode=user&search=

Alternative music catagory.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePaf_2aOzmA&mode=user&search=

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 6 replies

general suggestion

Shems — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 22:07:42 GMT

I would like to reccomend only posting one clip or item for feedback at a time. Particulary if one clip contains multiple parts. I find it's more difficult to reply to multiple things at once.

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 1 reply

Veil feedback?

jenndances — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 00:20:58 GMT

Okay, I think I'm finally ready to share this clip....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjskN2o4-Ts

please bear with it for a few moments while the camera gets really close-up and you can't see much of what is going on. My biggest gripes about this one is that my hands look stiff and kind of frozen, not nearly as liquid as usual (I was having a really bad night...), that I don't spend much time looking up (probably due to having a baaaad night) and how the videography gets a little up-close and personal at times.

Thanks in advance!

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 3 replies

Yarn/fringe belt feedback?

Analae — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 16:31:21 GMT

No video, sorry! Just a picture. http://people.tribe.net/analae/photos/d96b02bd-edb2-4085-849f-24de81d0862b
This isn't a listing (yet), but I'm practising my listing skills on the photo. I would appreciate some thoughts on what details you'd like to see included for something like this, or even whether you like it or think it would be practical. When I really get rolling, I want to do it right. I appreciate your thoughts. I'll post another belt in the album tonight if I have time as well.
Thanks!

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 2 replies

Feedback please!

Fantangela — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 17:37:19 GMT

Hi all,

okay, I have watched this video many times and I'm well aware of what *I* need to work on, however I'd love some outside critique as well. I could give you my giant list of "things I hate about this performance" but I won't - I'm more interested in what you see, and if your suggestions and my own list of 'things to work on" are similar.

so here it is - www.youtube.com/watch enjoy! or um...not. whatever. it's cool. um...yeah. :)

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 12 replies

Performing Mishaps

bellydancer13 — Sat, 19 May 2007 17:10:51 GMT

Dude, my bra strap broke off(but the bra stayed on thankfully) in my performance at the Tribal Fest afterparty last night...

I almost died.

i guess I had it coming and my time was well over due b/c it had been almost 7 years and that had never happened to me...and also, I did not make the top, therefore I know not how sturdy the bra strap was...sigh...the top was given to me by a dear friend. To avoid this problem in the future, today I will create my own bra straps for this particular bra and secure it, pretty much on lock down, heh.

So, I feel so out of sorts about my performance due to this slight mishap. I believe I handled the situation well and made light of it and joked about it throughout the rest of my piece and thank god only the strap broke, but did not fall down so there was no repeat of a Janet Jackson-like incident, and i was able to quickly fix it right there on stage and continue with the rest of the performance as I was only half way through...
but I feel so uneasy about it, like I failed...and b/c the bra strap was not entirely fixed my dancing was incredibly inhibited for the rest of the performance, as was my mind due to the incident, so my focus was a bit off...though I tried my damnedest to let it go and dance my best, I still feel unsettled...
Why, oh why did this have to happen at Tribal Fest and not some other event where there weren't about a 100 or 200 expert dancers in the crowd...heh...oh well, mine is not to question why...

So I pose these questions to you, my comrades:
1. I would like feedback from those of you who were there regarding my performance despite the mishap
2. I want to start a discussion about what it takes to deal with a situation like this if it occurs while you are on stage? I believe it takes courage, professionalism, confidence, a light heart and some smooth talking and quick thinking and I think a certain type of dancer...I have seen Zoe's music skip and go out on her before and she handled it like a total pro - any thoughts on these situations and how to handle them and how to handle them well, and perhaps, what is the most appropriate way to handle this situation?
I am so appreciative that this forum exists so we can discuss these issues. Thanks Holly...
So Holly, what are your thoughts on the two points here...and of course I open the discussion to everyone here...

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 8 replies

OK, go ahead, I can take it....

missmaia — Wed, 09 May 2007 21:48:14 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fdn7cHLMH3E&feature=PlayList&p=F9691613B35C7471&index=17

hoooo, boy, what am I getting myself into??? :>
*waits with baited breath*

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 10 replies

Solo Debute

Tricia — Fri, 04 May 2007 02:09:03 GMT

So this is for my senior project, I havn't finished the choreography and there are many things I need to work on...

I made pretty much everything I'm wearing (excluding the necklace, which is hard to see...and the bells/ pendants and such...),and working on other parts to finish the costume.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2iC6HlH_5g

critques much encouraged, I want to know what I can do better. I'm sorry for the low quality, it was better before I loaded it, and "m working on uploading it somewhere else at the original file size in hopes that the quality will be maintained, but in the mean time...

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 5 replies

Got some time on your hands?

sarabeaman — Thu, 17 May 2007 14:04:18 GMT

Hi everyone! My name is Sara Beaman. I'm a member of the Devoted Bellydance Collective of Raleigh-Durham, NC. We just put on our first major show a couple of weeks ago and I've posted the footage online.
Info and links to the videos are at http://devotedcollective.blogspot.com .
We would love some honest feedback. My only request for critiquers is that they try to follow the program. I don't think you have to watch the entire show to understand each dance, but it will help to have some idea what the themes for each dance are and how each dance fits into the show as a whole.
I'd also be happy to answer any questions about the videos.
Thanks for looking!

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 1 reply

Another one for the wolves!

cera — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 02:41:59 GMT

Oxum Suite, the debut piece by Damage Control Dance Theater!
with a rad solo by our lovely moderator...

have at it, ya'll....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_udh9GIPZ8

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 14 replies

Amateur Belly Dancer :D

KittyCat — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 12:41:17 GMT

Hey All,

I've been dancing for about a year and a half. This performance is from my school's recital and its improvised. I'll tell you how I felt about this performance in a later post, but I figure you don't get the dancer's internal monologue at a show, so I don't want to preface it here with one.

I've noticed that everyone who has posted on this forum has been pretty close (if not currently) on a professional level, and pretty nervous about showing their stuff. Not really sure how that should make me feel, but oh well :) I like constructive feedback so you won't hurt my feelings. Have at it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOfZdK6XCGg

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 7 replies

Here I go!

raqsayperi — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 20:15:45 GMT

Halloo! I joined this Tribe a few days ago and have been reading your honest and constructive critiques. I'm so glad to find this environment!

This is a cane piece that I choreographed. There are a couple of technical glitches that I learned from (like--don't wear bracelets on the arm that is spinning the cane!) and I was performing at the end of a looong day, thankful for the adrendline rush that kicks in once you hit the stage. :) I'll keep the rest of my self-critiques to myself for now, though... I'd love to have your feedback!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=mN_o2xzjmio

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 16 replies

here's mine! (cringe)

Kina — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 16:49:37 GMT

This is a fusion piece that I did for a fun at a fusion workshop:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIVtEooNp70

the second one, while also fusion, is more Arabic and includes a drum solo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQTpfdgpObs

fire away!

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 5 replies

Took your advice....

cera — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:22:12 GMT

and danced it bare-bellied.
so here's the videographic proof! i danced with my belly out, and the roof didnt cave in.
it's still strange to watch, but i did it. i dont know how i feel about it, really.
and of course, the first thing that happened on youtube was that someone posted a comment that said nothing about the dance, but that my "bellyfat" was distracting. i'm kindof proud of myself for not dwelling or getting upset. i just deleted it and let it go.

anyway, here it is!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLlSr9z_vEQ

***

and, while i'm at it, here is my performance from last night, at the "By Dancers For Dancers" DVD release party in Berkeley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5FhDOyrGeE

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 4 replies

my turn!

MLY — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 23:05:29 GMT

So this is a video that's been on youtube for a while. The comments have been funny to read but I'm looking for some real constructive criticism/feedback from other dancers.

This isn't what I'd call my best but I think it's honest - I'd been dancing for almost an hour before this solo, it was improv to a song I love and I didn't know I was being taped. Because I was losing energy I decided to just to go for it and really feel my music. It ended up being much more jumpy/playful and casual than I'd ever danced before but I also wonder if it looks sloppy... I also received a comment that my costume wasn't appropriate (too tribal) for this dance and I'm curious what others think. Personally I think that is b.s. - I'm a dancer, I study many styles of dance, I dance what I feel for each individual piece and I make all of my costumes with various elements just for myself. It's not "a stye", it's my style and it is what it is... but maybe that's just me and I guess I could be wrong. Of course sometimes the venue will dictate what is appropriate. This show was for a funky gallery opening, was very theatrical and had many different aspects of music and bellydance mixed together. Here is a photo of basically that same costume: http://people.tribe.net/mly/photos/0d7f1017-625b-41d8-a925-f849050b8726

Anyway... tangent, sorry!

ready... fire away!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOI86IbTpss

thanks!!

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 13 replies

being brave...

cera — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 19:21:58 GMT

okay.

my one big major honkin performance phobia is performing bare bellied.
i have loose skin on my stomach, and it bugs the crap out of me. if it moved like fat, i'd be happy with it - but it doesnt.
however, lately, some people (ahem. holly.) have been encouraging me to perform bare bellied.

i'm putting it out to you: loose bellyskin - distracting?

now, you may also feel free to critique my dancing, but i must say in my own defense (i love disclaimers):

i already know i do weird things with my right pinky. we're talking about it.
and my arms are getting sloppy in there all over the place. it was an hour in to my practice and i didnt think i'd be sharing it, that's my excuse =)

so yeah. here it do. it's on youtube, but i'll probably take it down by the end of the day. i'm not THAT brave!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rHe7T3oYh8

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 15 replies

Me next!

Fiona — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 22:00:28 GMT

This was a quickly put together routine for a hafla about a month back. I'm enjoying using sword and veil together, but want some input as to what I could do differently with them. Or any other input that you all see fit to give me!

Fyi, my costume choice was rather austere on purpose (I'm usually a little more ornate ;-)) but if you would like make any costume comments, I'm not adverse to them.

Thanks in advance,
Fiona K.

www.youtube.com/watch

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 4 replies

What do you think?(video)

dahli — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 22:10:02 GMT

Ok, so I had decided not to post this, but I changed my mind. I wanted to wait until I found the videos of old performances or wait until the next group performance or maybe a solo where hopefully I will look more...emmh...inspired. I don't particularly like this one, but I posted the link to the video in another tribe and everyone was very sweet and said "that was very nice!". Now I want feedback...I noticed a few things I didn't liked, but I'm not telling you to see what you say, and if they are obvious or not. (I'm the one wearing beige and purple) So...what do you think?

www.youtube.com/watch

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 6 replies

sigh I don't know if I really want to hear this....

Shahlah-Sutra — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 06:17:59 GMT

But here's my most recent performance, at Tribal Throwdown. I always think I dance horribly, and I know I have much much work to do, but I want to see what other's are seeing in my performances, if they see the same things I see. Kind of like someone that has body dismorphic disorder always sees themselves as horrbly fat but they're not, I watch all of my performances and always think I'm worse than I might really be. I am in no way looking for people to bolster my confidence or anything like that, I just want to see if my observations of myself are realistic and similar to what others might see. Fire away, but please be as constructive as possible, I really want to grow as a dancer....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hwg4ujNAqc

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 16 replies

Tribal costume

Sarah — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 14:54:23 GMT

Hi!

I made this costume for a hafla performance. I was happy with it, but got some non-specific negative feedback afterwards. I was wondering if someone could explain better what works and doesn't work about it.

For context, the performance was tribal fusion dancing to mostly punk rock music.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/171/435146210_b42a40549d.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/162/435146234_2ad7cee8d3.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/187/435146264_c566d91fb2.jpg?v=0

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 20 replies

colour suggestions for costume

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 19:40:47 GMT

please see Ocean Dream in the pictures to help me out! <><
;-)

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 7 replies

Guess I'll go first

jenndances — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 02:12:00 GMT

I need help with my drum solo - PLEASE HELP ME!!!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5690205244255655194

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 12 replies

feedback for restaurant show

Nepenthe_of_Boston — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 13:43:23 GMT

This is a great idea for a tribe. I sure could use some good feedback to learn from (vs. the typical youtube "you suck!" comments). I really want to grow as a dancer and see where I should be focusing my practice on. At the same time, it would be good to know where I'm good at something, so that I could make sure I include a little bit of it in every show. I also think that by watching other people & giving feedback - we learn from that too.

My only regret about youtube - okay two - one is that it can sometimes set the music off from the video. Also, that the conversion to youtube format loses so much quality that you can't typically see a small and delicate shimmy.

So here goes - my most recent performance. It's a series of 4 videos, one for each section of the routine. Keeping in mind that this is a restaurant, not a stage, where I have to deal with one tiny stage area and long aisle between tables and people coming in & out....I would love to hear some of your thoughts. (And after I post this, I'm going to go watch some of the other videos posted and give feedback too.)

www.youtube.com/watch - veil
www.youtube.com/watch - drum
www.youtube.com/watch - chifti
www.youtube.com/watch - Arabic pop music

posted in Bellydance Feedback - 13 replies

another tribal costume

dahli — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 04:06:43 GMT

This is a costume I made, 10 months ago, it was the first costume I designed ( I will show you the new ones, when I finish them)...the photo is there in my profile, you can see it easily, it says "photo of the week"..there are more pictures in my album...so... tell me what do you think?