Part of the Show: On Being A Good Audience

By Latifa

When we attend an event such as a concert of classical music or a ballet, we are trained to sit quietly and respectfully during the performance, saving our applause for the end. When we go to the movies, we're expected to sit quietly and not make any noise, because it would disturb other patrons. This is the training we must go against when watching a Middle Eastern dance (belly dance) show, because Middle Eastern dance is derived from folk dances, in which the audience participates instead of merely observing. If you're in the audience at a Middle Eastern dance show, one of the worst things you can do is nothing. If the music or the energy of the dancer moves you to do so, clap along, tap your feet, or even let loose with a zaghareet or two while the performance is going on, instead of waiting for the end. Remember, as a member of the audience, you're part of the total experience. The exchange of energy between dancer and audience is essential to the show.

I always try to follow the example of my mentor, Ibrahim Farrah, who must have seen a million dance shows during his lifetime but approached each one as if it was a fresh new experience. I think it was this attitude that kept him from becoming jaded or bored - he always found something he liked, some expression or new way of moving that was exciting. And when those moments occurred, he would be the first to clap loudly and express his appreciation to the dancer. Even if he didn't especially like what he was watching, you would never know that by looking at his face; he kept at least a small smile on his face all the time because he knew that others in the audience would be looking to see what his reaction was.

And this leads me to my next point. If you're a dancer and you're watching a show, there's a good chance that others will be watching to see how you react. If you're frowning, laughing with your friends, or making catty comments, this might reflect poorly on you, not on the dancer who is performing. (If you must make those catty comments, wait until you're alone with your friends to let loose. On the dance circuit, this is generally referred to as "getting out the Meow Mix" and is generally done in small, discreet gatherings in someone's hotel room after the show.)

Although as an audience member you are part of the show, beware of getting carried away while watching the show and trying to participate a little too much. Don't do your own mini-show, sitting in your seat, because you happen to love the piece of music that's playing; it's rude to take the attention away from the performer. And never play finger cymbals while watching a show unless the performer has specifically asked you to. I know, they're fun to play, so it's natural to want to add to the excitement by slipping them on. But in addition to taking attention away from the dancer, you may actually throw her off. She may want to interpret the dynamics of the music in a certain way, but you're playing those cymbals in a different way. Or she might be wondering why her music suddenly sounds different, or (even worse) slightly off-rhythm. Channel that enthusiasm into support for the dancer.

As you can see, watching a dance show is really very easy. Relax and have fun, and follow the suggestion of my buddy Mia Naja: "smile even when something is wrong, off beat, because newbies really need the encouragement to WANT to improve and some people give up if they feel self-conscious." And don't forget that you're part of the show.