Picking a name is a personal thing. I think it is
smart to choose a name, a little anonymity can increase your safety
somewhat, and it can add to the mysterious appeal of your dance
character.
Many pick a name that means something in another
language, usually Arabic or Turkish, but sometimes Farsi, Greek,
Hebrew, Hindi or Rom. For example Jamileh, means beautiful in
Arabic, Shazadi means royalty in Farsi. Some choose a name that
relates to a historic or fictional character, such as Eowyn from
Lord of the Rings, Shaharazade from 1001 Nights, Salome from the
Bible, or Aisha (one of Mohammed's wives - a particularly smart
and strong woman). Some just use their own given name or middle
name, and some dancerize their name, like Kerry becomes Karima
or Jill becomes Jillina.
You can find a lot of online lists for names and
their meanings from different cultures and languages, you can
also find baby books for names from different cultures. Some folks
get their name or part of their name from their dance teacher.
Some folks get their name from musicians or foriegn clients who
suggest things they think fit your personality after they've seen
you perform.
Things you want to watch out for:
-How many other dancers have your same name, are they local? Are
they famous? You don't want to be confused with other dancers
too much.
-Next how easy or difficult is it to pronounce (write it for some
friends that only speak English and see how it sounds when they
say it, does it get ugly?)
-Does it sound a little like something in English, perhaps something
not so pleasant?
-Also, it may sound nice in English, but does it mean something
in another language that isn't so nice. Ask around and find out
if the name you like means something nice or nothing at all, at
least in Arabic and Turkish, but if you can find out in Farsi,
Greek, Hebrew, Hindi and Rom also, go for it.
Names for Dancers and Other Graceful Souls
Feminine Arabic Names
Masculine Arabic Names
Turkish Names