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Friday Grab-Bag
By suggestion from Chris
- thank you!
What's In a Name?
Many dancers choose to use a "dance name" when they perform, both at the student and professional level. Is this necessary or optional? It's completely a matter of choice - here are some reasons for and against that I've heard over the years and few things to consider...
On the YES side...
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Having an alter ego reduces stage fright because it's not the "real you" on stage.
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Given name doesn't sound "exotic"
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It provides some anonymity from would-be "stalkers"
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It gives a little buffer for the day-job professional reputation
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It's FUN, why not? If I'm gonna play dress up, why not have a fun name too?
On the NO side...
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I am my dancer self 24/7, no special name needed
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I *want* people to know who I am on stage!
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It feels fake
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It's confusing for some who know you
I'm not not advocating for either side, but some of these reasons may be more or less important to YOU and ultimately that's how you'll choose...
Some things to consider...
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Try to find the translations of your given name or dance name in a few languages if possible, including Arabic.I knew a dancer with a pretty dance name in Hindi that meant "bottle" in Arabic. I knew another dancer who's real name (not of English origin) translated to "penis" in Arabic - not a great way to be introduced in front of an Arab crowd... yeah.
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Don't get too long or fancy with the spelling of your dance name - it may look exotic and unique, but most likely people will just forget and mispronounce your name when introducing you.
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You should feel connected to it. You should like it's sound, it's meaning and ideally the culture of it's origin.
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Beware of straying to far culturally from the origin of the dance style - Celtic names for Arabic dancers? Why??
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