Theater skills in dance

Over on Shira's Tribe there is a spin-off discussion on what theater skills we think bellydancers could benefit from knowing. As an amateur actor all my life, and a theater major at the University of Washington, and community theater participant for many years, I definitely retain many of my skills (and expectations) that were nurtured in the theater. I try to pass those on to my students throughout their class and performance experiences, but sometimes I feel like we need a whole class dedicated to theater skills, and a big stage production to show them how it all fits together! There is a lot to be learned there for our dance world...

As for what dancers need to know that theater people know...can I say EVERYTHING?! The short list I shared with the tribe (with a few additions) follows.

An article on ATS/fusion.

Dear readers, I am curious what your thoughts are on this summation of ATS, ITS, and fusion.
http://www.4dancers.org/tag/bal-anat/

Dread Falls from Acrylic Yarn

Like the author, I too am not a fan of falls that look like hanks of yarn. That's why I always liked the Colinette .5, because from a distance, it looked more like dreads. But how about making some falls from some other acrylic homespun, to the length, thickness, and variation you like? Here is a great tutorial on just that!

http://randomsome1.insanejournal.com/35637.html#cutid1

Internet debates and attitude...

I think the difference between me and a lot of the people I meet in internet discussion group debates is that I almost never enter a discussion deciding that I have all the answers I need. I go in thinking that even if everyone else disagrees with me, and even if I am not convinced to change my position in any way, I have an opportunity to learn by talking through my thoughts and hearing theirs. I am grateful to all those who would stand up and, thoughtfully and tactfully, speak an opposing opinion to mine. In the case of people who engage in fair debate, it takes courage, conviction, and a deep seated passion for the topic to jump into the "fray".

More live music + improv!

Saltana Band at Navya Lounge
Sunday, March 21, 2010
7:00-9:00pm
All Ages
$7 cover, Children Free
Navya Lounge
1333 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101
Located inside the Rainier Center behind the Rock Bottom Brewery at 5th and Union

We had such fun last time, we're doing it again! Improvisational dance and music collide as inFusion Tribal and Saltana Band join forces for another night of entertainment at Navya Lounge. Saltana Band has even been working on some tribal infused music, inspired by inFusion's last appearance at the event. As before, the dancers will have no idea what music will be played, and the musicians won't know what the dancers might concoct--it's all a grand adventure in pure improv. Join us and see how it unfolds!