female bellydancer seeking job opprtunities

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Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 17 Jun 2003 18:00 PDT

The only place I know of in DC with belly dancing is the Marrakesh
Restaurant.  You can visit their website at:

http://www.marrakeshwashington.com/about.htm

Good luck.

hwydog-ga:

This seems like the type of position that will require you to network
within the bellydancing community in the area. I find that most
restaurants who employ people for specialty dances go to the noted
instructors and such in the area. These are also the people who you
can discuss further dance opportunities with.

I suggest you visit the websites, go through the resources and get in
touch with the various instructors and dance troupes in the area or
even the restaurant managers and inquire about openings. There are
several dance studios who are always looking for more instructors (DC
dance collective, Joy of Motion, etc. -- the ones that have belly
dancing are listed among the resources I listed).

Just to cover my bases, I checked the local papers (such as the
Washington Post and the Washington City Paper) and found no listings
for belly dancers. Rather than retype or copy the lists, I have
compiled a list of resources for you to use. I think you may find it
easier to browse the various parts of these websites to help you.

1. Washington Area Mid-East Dance Association 
   www.wameda.org

They have a comprehensive list of instructors and dance troupes as
well as a section of restaurants and clubs specializing in mid-east
dance. This website is up-to-date, comprehensive and is a great way
for you to start networking in the DC area.

2. Cleopatra's Closet
   http://www.cleoscloset.com/

This is more than a website that sells bellydancing gear and
accessories -- it has valuable links to instructors in DC, dancing in
DC, groups and organizations (troupes), upcoming events, and much
more.

3. Washington Post Article featuring Bellydancing and associated links
   http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/photo/style/G22868-2001Apr30.html
   http://www.wamu.org/mc/belly.html

The second link provides a concise list of resources, clubs and
instructors in the DC area.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask for
clarification!!!

Search Strategy:
"belly dancing washington dc"
"learn belly dancing washington dc"

Good Luck!
leeann-ga

I want to thank you for responding to my question and your suggestions
are very helpful

I may be able to help with some suggestions. Caould you tell me what
experience you have and what types of venues you feel would be
appropriate for your skill level?

My experiences include dancing throughout the middle east in countries
Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan and others.  I have danced with many troups as
a combination and solo dancer.  I have over fifteen years dancing
history.  I would like to join an established bellydance troup in the
Washington DC Northern Virginia areas. I am also interested in
teaching bellydance.  Would also entertain in upscale local venues
that cater to bellydancing.

It may sound like a strange suggestion, but go to church. 

I was raised Eastern Orthodox and in some Greek Orthodox and most all
Antiochian Orthodox jurisdictions of Eastern Orthodoxy, belly dancing
is a part of many social functions.

No, they don't hire dancers.  The performances are usually donated
along with the 'tips' the dancer earns.  However, you just might be
able to network with some of them and find out what is going on in the
area.

digs

That sounds great - there are a lot of opportunities that fit what you
are looking for in the DC/Virginia/Maryland area.

Here are a couple of places to help you set up contacts and inquire
about joining current troupes:

Washington Area Mid-East Dance Association has a lot of detailed
information about area dance opportunities. It is also a great
association to join to help support the dance in DC.
http://www.wameda.org/

Shira's site has a comprehensive listing of dancers in her instructor
and performer database that can be sorted by area.
http://www.shira.net

Bhuz is an online dance community that also has event and performer
listings sorted by area.
http://www.bhuz.com

Kawakib is a performer based in the DC area and has a number of links
on her site to other dancers and venues.
http://www.kawakib.com/

Michelle Forner is a dance scholar and performer in DC.
http://ballade.cs.ucla.edu/~pickle/lli/michelle.html

An article from the Washington Post on best belly dance venues and
performers in Washington-
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/photo/style/G22868-2001Apr30.html

I hope these help :) 

Mahsati Janan

To all that responded to my question I want to thank you.  I will take
up all your suggestions and take steps to follow my career dreams.