Dancing is something people do because it makes them happy, they enjoy to dance, they want to get fit or perhaps they are drunk. Not every one of these people will be the best dancers in the world but maybe that's not the point as long as they get enjoyment from it.
Of course, once you start putting yourself out there for professional performances it becomes a whole new ball game and you have to open yourself up to praise and criticism, especially if you are getting paid. Over the past few years with my involvement within the belly dance community I have noticed that sometimes fellow dancers are the least supportive and most critical of other dancers. Before I try to look into it and understand it I have to clarify that criticism is essential for a dancer’s performance/choreography to develop and evolve but it must be constructive and there often lies my issues with the things I hear. Personally if I have ever received or heard criticism I will consider the source, do I respect their opinion are they trying to help me improve or is their motivation coming from another place. This is valuable for every dancer/performer to remember.
Every time you create choreography & perform it you are putting yourself out there, it’s a part of you out there to be commented on positively on negatively. Dancing is subjective, you only need to look on YouTube and a choreography or dancer who you think is amazing, people have gone out of there way to dislike or write nasty comments. Everyone has their own style, taste and ideas of what is good and wouldn’t it be boring if we all liked the same things. Within Belly Dance I have my favourite styles to watch but I recognise passion and dedication in a dancer whatever style.
Interestingly enough the times in which I have heard the harshest critics not necessarily of me, have been from peers when I was a student (note I am still a student of belly dance, I am forever learning). I still find today that the handful of those who critsise me or don’t support me are a few of the ones in which I studied with in the past. I often find it ironic that students should have such opinions on other students when they are still learning themselves but it does happen and perhaps if I am honest I was more judgemental in the past when I was taking classes .Often those dancers/ dance students who criticise a lot aren’t training anymore to improve themselves or not achieving what they want or getting where they want to be. When I have met accomplished, professional and spectacular belly dancers I have generally always found them to be humble, complimentary and supportive. Perhaps then it could be fair to say that those comfortable in their own skin, within their own talent and creativity are less judgemental/critical of others.
Support is another thing that is imperative that we are of each other in this community. We already have to deal with some people outside of belly dance thinking we are strippers or not taking the dance form seriously and other such nonsense why would we then be so hard on each other too?
Saying this, in the past year I have meet so many wonderful and supportive dancers and have been to some great organised events where there has been nothing but support for each style and performer, notibly Hafla on the Hill organised by Dunya Dance and the showcase at the Cockpit Theatre organised by Darkstar and Sorcha,so I know that in many ways the community is strong and loyal to one another and its a few rather than a majority who are overly critical and harsh.
For my part as a teacher I try and promote an environment in my classes that is supportive, ego free and encouraging for all. Through my experiences as a student I have learnt that it is down to the teacher to try and control the environment in this manner otherwise growth and improvement of the students will be stunted as they feel discouraged by their peers.
Meanwhile, I try and do my best to learn constantly from dancers I admire and improve my technique and choreography. I work hard to correct myself and listen to those who can offer me constructive feedback positive or negative. I try to support each and every one of my students and fellow dancers in their endeavours; I open my mind to different styles, techniques, choreography. I think carefully before I give a critic on another performance or performer, is what I am saying constructive or important or are my personal preferences best left that way, personal! I can learn something from nearly all performers I see and from different workshops I attend. I continually strive to be a better dancer and to put all my passion into that. I continue to grow thick skin because when all is said and done, not everyone will like the way I dance, my choreography or maybe even me but as long as I continue to strive to be the best I can be, what other think or feel can begin to not hold such importance.