Auditions for Shems's New Belly Dance Performing Group

Auditions will be held Sunday January 10th starting at 1pm and they will continue on Sunday January 17 starting at 1pm. Auditions the first week will include learning a choreography, then performing that choreography in small groups. The second week you will be reporting back on homework given the first week and presenting a short solo of your own choreography, approximately 3 minutes in length. If you cannot make these dates, but would like to be considered at a later date, please contact me to discuss it.

Rehearsals will be held once a week on Sunday afternoons from 1 to 3pm at the MAC, 655 S President St. Baltimore, MD (note: Jan 24 through Feb 21 practices will be held at an alternate time of 4-6pm on Sundays but then will return to 1pm Feb 28th - Practice times may be adjusted as necessary.)

Stylistically the group will be building on the foundation of Egyptian Oriental Dance, however, I would like for the dancers to be open and ready to explore a wide variety of dances and approaches including several props, contemporary fusions, folkloric and ethnic dances of the Middle East.

Within the group, there will be a level of commitment required above and beyond the class room situation, including some monetary investment in your art (such as purchasing your own costumes and props). This will all be explained in detail before you will be asked to commit to the group.

I'm looking for individuals who love to belly dance, who like to challenge themselves and who find the camaraderie in a group situation stimulating to their creativity. Ages teen and above, all body types, both genders, all races, everyone is welcome to come audition. I will be looking for specific levels of technical proficiency with Oriental Dance as well as the ability to work well with a group of performers and the potential to develop quickly in any weak areas. I would particularly like to invite those of you who have a unique skill or specialization you can contribute to the group.

You do not need to be my student to audition for the troupe (naturally my students are welcome).

The group will be named by it's forming members. I look forward to seeing you all in the new year. Happy Holidays!

Yours in Dance,

Shems

I'm adding these frequently asked questions:

FAQ

Q - What level are you expecting for the group? (beg, int, adv?)

A - Advanced

Q - Will we be dancing w/ you in the pieces or would we be considered a "student troupe"?

A - You will be dancing with me. This troupe will never be labeled as a "student troupe" by me. Although I may decide to start an additional student level troupe in the future.

Q - Will this be a professional troupe?

A - It is my long term goal, to have a high caliber performing group that I can feel confident and proud to hire out for professional gigs. But my more immediate goal is to find a small group of dancers to begin to build that high level group. What it will not be is a student troupe that is spoon fed easy choreography. I'm looking for people who both love to be challenged and can challenge me. I chose not to use the word "professional" in any of my advertising, because I don't want to discourage talented students from coming out. As a group we will have to grow together and I know that will take some time and adjustment.

Q - What type of weekly time commitment is involved?

A - Once a week 2 hour rehearsals on Sundays, with an optional 3rd hour to work on solos or dance workouts and other stuff - extra rehearsals called as necessary depending on upcoming performances.

Q - Where will the group meeting place typically be?

A - At the Harbor East MAC 655 S President St in Baltimore

Q - Would the group be performing frequently outside of the metro area?

A - Within reason. We will discuss together as a group what out of town engagements we want to do.

Q - Are you expecting any kind of dancer exclusivity (meaning restrictions such as "you can't dance/solo with anyone else but me")?

A - No.
You can dance/solo anywhere you want, be in multiple troupes, whatever. If your other activities start getting in the way of your commitment to our troupe, then we'll reevaluate if this troupe is the right fit for you. All troupe choreographies will belong to the troupe and will not be performed or taught without my express permission, that I will be strict on.

Q - What are the parameters you will use to select the troupe?

A - Technical parameters:
- high level of technique (clean hip work, layering, spinning and spotting, timing movement and music, etc)
- ability to work with a group (creating formations, spacing, staging changes)
- ability to pick up and retain choreography
Personality parameters:
- positive, passionate about our dance form, dedicated, reliable, can we get along
Other parameters:
- does the individual have something special to contribute to the group, for example particular skill in another dance form or something else that may complement the group.
- I will not be basing my decisions on body type, race, gender or age.

Q - Is everyone is a equal part of the group?

A- Yes and no. I want all members to feel a sense of ownership in the group and to contribute their individual talents to the group as if the troupe were their own. Members will be able to share ideas, express opinions, contribute choreographically and will be integral to forming the personality of the group. However, I plan on maintaining the role of artistic director, which means that I have veto power and the ability to guide the general direction of the group. I will also retain the power to settle disputes or to gently nudge somebody out if they really aren't working out.

Q - How many members are there going to be?

A - I don't have a set number in my mind. It will completely depend on how many dancers fit my parameters and can commit to the troupe requirements. I expect that it will gradually morph over time.

Q - Is there a financial commitment?

A - Yes. Each troupe member will be required to purchase her own costumes and props as well as investing in music and training. There will be some troupe dues which may go towards troupe expenses that we will discuss and agree upon as a group.

Q - What kind of commitment does the troupe require?

A - You will be given a rundown of all expectations and requirements prior to joining the troupe. This will include attending weekly rehearsals, extra rehearsals as needed and performances, presenting yourself professionally and charging professional rates both and and out of the troupe, acting ethically, continuing your dance training and investing in your art. It is something you will be asked to agree to by signing a contract detailing all of this so there is no question that you understand what is expected of you.