Why should I watch you instead of videos of Fifi Abdo on Youtube or the myriad of other famous dancers on Instagram??? I see so many dancers copying technique, style and choreography from their teacher/dance icon. The beauty of this dance comes through the individual interpretation of the music through movement.  This dance is what it is because the music is interpreted through the bodies of different dancers.  

Did you know that the famous dancers in Egypt work very hard to have their own style of dance and costuming?  They want to stand out and be different from the others. Traditionally, dancers have sought to express themselves uniquely through this dance and I feel this is something that is really missing these days.  When I watch a dancer, I want to see who they are, not a copy of the latest fad. 

I want to see you and who you are come through your dance. I want your essence, musical interpretation and feeling to show through! You are unique and YOU bring something special to this dance.  Yes, there is a structure and base to this dance that every dancer should learn.  But its not a recipe that needs to be recreated exactly.  We need to add our own spice and our own secret ingredient to make it special. 

Think about what is special about you!  Do you have a signature move?  Do you have a physical trait that you like to play up or an expression or gesture?  Think about how to add that into your dance.  Don’t overdo it though, too much spice ruins the soup!  Be thoughtful about how and when to incorporate it.   For example, I have long hair parted on the side.  I practice my turns to the left with my head tilted back so my hair flows nicely when I turn.  

Now keep in mind that there is a foundation and structure to this dance form that you should be working within.  That being said, here are a few tips that I share with my students to make their dance their own: 

1. Turn on the music and turn off the lights-move to the music and see what comes out.  Don’t watch yourself and worry about what it looks like.  No mirrors yet!! 
2. Choose music that moves you-music that you can’t sit still through. 
3. Dance to it again and again and then dance to it some more until it becomes natural. You don’t have to think about the movement, it just flows with the music. 
4. Once you have the music and movement in your body, then use the mirror and/or video to refine it. Here are a few things to think about:
   • Add directional changes/staging
   • Add level changes & layering shimmies
   • Add your spice/ signature moves
   • Think about how you show feeling in an authentic way? Make sure there are moments in your dance that highlight this! 

Once you incorporate these ideas in your dance you will start to stand out from the crowd and be sought after as the unique dancer that you are!!  Whether you are a gigging dancer, festival or competition dancer you will not only see a difference in the response from your audience, you will also feel more artistically fulfilled which is an amazing feeling! Trust me:)