Expert: Gia al Qamar - 9/1/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi Gia,
I'm glad I found this website! Well, I just started dancing 6 months ago and I'm 32.  Sometimes I feel that I'm old just like the 19 year old who wrote to you feeling that she was old.  Well, I wish I started when I was 19.  Anyhow, can I still become a professional dancer since I started later in life?  Also, I'm having trouble with improv.  Does this take time to develop?  I know some steps but can't seem to put it together with the music when my dance teachers wants us to improvise.
Thank you,
Reena

ANSWER: Marhaba! Hi Reena!
Congratulations on starting your Middle Eastern dance classes...I know that belly dancing will not only become the focus of your life, but your passion as well!
To answer your question, yes, it is very possible to become a professional dancer who starts dancing later in life...however...
It is important to know what being a 'professional' means.  Just dancing 'well enough' to perform, be it in restaurants, shows, parties, isn't the same as being a professional.  Dancers work, not only at being skilled technically, but also in emoting, in interpretation of the music, knowledge of stage craft, knowing how to entertain, how to construct a set, what costumes are appropriate for what job, the different styles of Middle Eastern dance, specialities such as balancing, prop work, playing zills, knowing the business, contracts & so, So, SO much more!
The BEST gift that you can give yourself is that of patience.  If you're in a rush because of your age, you will end up taking short cuts to 'the stage' and it will show in your work.  This, in turn, will reduce your life as a professional dancer.  I tell my students that they have but ONE chance to make a first impression.  Make sure that you're ready to put your best foot forward, literally!
In other words...take your time and listen to your teacher(s).  She will know when you're ready to perform!
As far as improvisation, this comes with training and time.  Learning the individual movements that make up a combination is what is at the root of learning how to improvise.  Once you have confidence in joining these individual movements together, you'll find yourself dancing with great joy!
You should also think about improvisation the way that you do when you go out dancing in a club or party...you just 'dance'...right?  Same with belly dancing...but you'll be using the skills and movements that you will learn in class over the next few years!
Gia
www.IDreamOfGia.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Gia.  You're right.  Belly dancing has been my focus and passion.  I just have to accept the fact that I started BD at this age for a reason.  Maybe if I had started 10 years ago, I could have given up or not be into it.  I will be patient.  I realize there is sooo much to learn and absorb.  And I want to give this dance that respect.  In the meantime, I will relish every moment of learning and studying this beautiful dance!  Thank you again.  By the way, what does Marhaba mean?
Reena

Answer
Marhaba...or...Hello Reena!
The GREAT news is that Belly Dancing is a dance FOR mature women!  We are telling the story of our lives with our bodies and...well...the longer you've lived, the richer the story that you will have to tell!
You will reap the benefits of your patience...and you will accomplish ALL your goals...believe me!

Gia
www.IDreamOfGia.com