the wave of interest in belly dance that has
Make the effort to get some quality photos done.
flourished in the West since the 1980’s gives us
Many photographers are more than happy to do
an abundant supply of teachers, show cases,
a free photo shoot for the joy of working with
events, training course, holidays, workshops,
great movers just like you! A good photo shows
performers and so much more. Belly dance is
that you are serious in your passion for the sub-
virtually a main stream art and to those involved,
ject and actually want to go further. Take a friend
it is a massive and special part of their lives. It
with you to help you in and out of costumes and
is how many women are starting to make a liv-
give feedback and security. Meet with your pho-
ing and how many other women are accessing
tographer first, you need to have a good rapour
improved well-being, friendships and social par-
to bring out your best.
ticipation. Marketing events, your self, another
dancer or your group is an important part of
Be creative with where you leave leaflets and
sharing what you do and inviting others to take
flyers. Any public space will be an opportunity
part in a fascinating and cultural, dare I say, fe-
to promote. Resource centres, libraries, shops,
male ‘revolution’ in many parts of the world.
pubs, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, festi-
vals, waiting rooms, toilets, nightclubs and pub-
The social, interactive nature of belly dance
lic transport can be used. Bigger publicity such
gives all belly dancers a head start into PR.
as banners and massive posters are ideal to fly
Regular events can be excellent places to leave
your flag. This shows a professional image and
your promotional material, maximising on the
comes into play when your belly dance busi-
flux of similar minded people. Try to offer your
ness grows. At this point you will normally have
flyer in person to the people you think are really
someone to be in charge of the PR. Be careful
useful in terms of promotion. Present your self
not to spend too much money on your publicity
and your event succinctly, most people at Haflas
though as there are plenty of free outlets.
or classes are concerned about their own per-
formance, transfixed by the performances or
Radio, newspapers, magazines and TV are
concentrating on something else, so just plant a
avenues for free promotion. You may be ap-
seed. Networking is the key to good belly dance
proached by these outlets or you may have to
marketing and is reflective of what is predomi-
approach them. Everyday millions of newspa-
nantly a female lead community. Organic struc-
pers are printed, monthly and weekly magazines
tures of sharing, gift giving, mutual respect and
are produced, news is daily and the TV and ra-
diffused hierarchies are ideal for welcoming po-
dio are always on. Use these opportunities to
tential opportunity and talent.
sell your event or dance story. What is special
about your story? Do you have a world famous
Design your leaflet, business card or flyer well.
teacher coming to town? Do you have an amaz-
Generally the use of colour will attract the eye
ing tale about your journey into dance…what is
more than black and white. Leave plenty of
your angle? Are you wanting to talk about the
white space too, this allows the reader space to
health benefits of dance, its history or its use
absorb the important information on your pro-
in child birth? There should be human interest
motion material. Have a bold heading or title to
to your story, not just a listing of an event. You
your material, consider a logo. Try not to clutter
can loose some control over the final story in the
your leaflet or card with too much text. Editing
media but you can weigh this risk against the
is hard but essential, ask someone else to look
free promotion.
over your material that is more objective. A busi-
ness card should give the basic detail but with a
There are so many areas to belly dance; it is
personal note such as your style, equity mem-
a very holistic subject. Use this well and con-
bership, certification, or just a great key line.
sider where you will place yourself in the media.
Leaflets can be more detailed and give you a
Local newspapers are happy to represent local
chance to offer your general programme. Con-
achievements and events, national magazines
sider a leaflet that won’t expire in a few months.
are looking for something a bit more sensational
Invest in a leaflet that will last for several years
but may take a whole feature and honour the
and insert updates into each flyer as your pro-
depth of the subject. Radio stations are usually
gramme evolves.
happy to chat to you if you have a good track re-
33
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111