Today was my first official day teaching as well as my first time being a choreographer holding auditions. My professor was ill, so the Dance Coordinator came to handle the official stuff like taking role and giving out permission numbers. Since we were all sitting down, I had the class stretch on the floor the way my previous belly dance instructor taught me. Then we learn the chest camel, the generic hip shimmy and the egyptian shimmy walk (also called the 3-quarter shimmy).
The class was just as excited as I am and the were very responsive. Most of the class, which is comprised of 75% beginners, learned all three steps even if they could not do them quickly. I plan next week to teach them various turns, the arabic step (ATS) and various hip drops. I pray my professor approves of it.
Auditions were cool. I didn't actually show the dancers my routine, but several seemed interested anyway and several more seemed interested after I spoke to them. I have emails to send out. With Monday being a holiday, I will have to go directly to work and directly to teaching.
I received permission from Leela Martin, director of the belly dance company Salome Jihad, to teach her piece Samiayat to the class. Now I just need my professor's approval. I also need her approval to do the costume creation workshop. I would like to sit down with the girls and really discuss costumes and show them examples and such.
I am so excited for next week. Now I just hope my professor is in a good mood. Happy Labor Day.
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