I don't know how many of you know this but, I studied and performed belly dance for 10 years before I got into burlesque. I still perform as a solo performer and in the group Nasheeda Amani (aka Balady Barmaids) in the DFW area occasionally. In those 10 years, I've danced on lots of venues; a restaurant, numerous outdoor festivals, staged shows and I have even had the pleasure of performing at the Carousel Lounge in Austin.
With all that dancing there was lots of running around, different dressing rooms (or lack of), multiple costume changes and the list gets longer from here. I learned a valuable lesson from my first belly dance teacher, have a gig bag and a check list.
Gig bag? A gig bag is just that, the bag you take to your gigs. I have one certain bag I take everywhere I perform, whether it's belly dance or burlesque. It is an ugly tapestry suitcase Mr. O'Kneel found at a garage sale. I try to put everything I will need for the night in that one bag. It is so much easier than schlepping 14 different cases and tote bags around, especially if you don't have a chaperone, friend, or significant other to lend a hand.
A checklist is an invaluable tool. I don't know about you, but I get SO nervous before an audition or performance and if I didn't have that list, I'd forget everything. You can make a list, save it on your computer and just print a copy every time you're getting ready to dance. Then all you have to do is check everything off as you pack it. This way you will not have to turn around and go back to the house or make an impromptu trip to the drugstore because you realize 5 miles down the road you've forgotten something (been there, done that!).
Talk to you again soon!
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