At a recent event in Belgium (Raks on the USeFUl pOiNtS tO ReMeMBeR:
Beet(le) Fields), I had the great pleasure of meet-
ing with Suhaila Salimpour, a highly skilled and 1. Learn, Learn, Learn – Once you reach
influential teacher from the USA. When I had the desired level in your dance career, don’t as-
asked her about why students should learn belly sume that you now know everything! Profes-
dance with her, as opposed to other teachers, sionals in other careers, such as doctors don’t
she had replied, “Because the Suhaila Certifica- suddenly stop reading medical journals or at-
tion is the best.” To some this might be seen as tending medical conferences because they are
arrogance, but to me this shows a teacher who qualified. The same must apply to teachers and
is confident in herself and with what she has to professional dancers. Being open minded and
offer to her students. She encourages teachers willing to learn ensures that you and your stu-
and students to have a look at her curriculum dents develop and grow.
by joining her virtual classrooms online (www.
suhailainternational.com). She isn’t put off by 2. Talk about yourself – Your work and
sharing her greatest asset, her technique, with what you stand for will attract more like minded
the world. During this discussion, Suhaila had people (customers & fans). Don’t hide away
made a valid point, “if students want to know from discussing your plans and also your suc-
whether their teacher is qualified to teach the cesses. This is your greatest selling point. Even
‘Suhaila Salimpour’ technique then all they have if someone else decides to create a school or
to do is check the teachers’ register on my web- business similar to yours, this doesn’t mean that
site.” they will be exactly the same as yours. Think of
how expensive belly dance costumes and ac-
Competition is inevitable and those who ac- cessories would be if there were only a handful
knowledge it are by far more likely to suceed on of suppliers. Thankfully because there are so
so many levels. Those who succeed are confi- many suppliers, dancers from all levels can af-
dent in their talent and what they have to offer. ford to purchase costumes and props. There is
They don’t fear the possibility that others will plenty of business out there, just be smart and
mimic their efforts. They don’t fear change and fair about how you provide services and prod-
uncertainty. Successful teachers are those that ucts to people (customers).
can give their students what they need. There
are many great role models in belly dancing and 3. Be seen – Getting out there and meet-
if you spend some time trying to understand why ing other dancers is a great way to socialise
these people are so influential then you will see and also to keep up to date with the latest tal-
that all of them possess many of the positive at- ent and news - network. Also, getting involved
tributes discussed in this article. in showcases and workshops is a great way to
show others your talent and to get your name
In summary, art is completely subjective and out there. Another aspect to remember is that
preference comes down to choice. We must even though many showcases don’t pay danc-
endeavour to respect that any art will inevitably ers to perform, the value that comes from actu-
have variation and diversity in styles and tech- ally attending these events is beyond the price
niques. Change is part of innovation and as of earning, in terms of the publicity that comes
long as we live in a society where competition during and after the show by means of photos
is encouraged then we must face the facts that and reviews.
belly dance will continue to develop and grow
into many different styles and formats. The belly 4. Stop Bitching! – Bitching shouldn’t be
dancing world faces enough challenges within used as a tool to promote yourself. Integrity and
the wider world, in terms of promoting this dance poise are key. Don’t lower your standards by
as a respectable art. We will only get closer to bitching or being slanderous about other danc-
eradicating this negative publicity by working ers. Trust me, it looks and sounds really bad
together and not negatively against each other. and it completely tarnishes your image. Even
Embrace competition and use it constructively if the ‘clique’ is having a good bitching session
as a tool to learn and develop and ultimately to about another dancer or teacher, just don’t lower
raise awareness of belly dance as an art. yourself to contributing.
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