Saraswati Student Troupe - Performance Guidelines
last updated February 2010
About Saraswati Student Troupe
Saraswati is a Hindu deity representing music, knowledge, and the creative arts. It's a name we have chosen for ourselves when performing as a group of dancers (and sometimes musicians). We use this name for performances at which all dancers who can make class and rehearsal commitments are welcome to join.
Saraswati is under the creative direction of Jaiyana, with input welcome and encouraged from all dancers and musicians.
Because our performances are primarily American Tribal Style (ATS), long rehearsals are not required in order to learn choreography. Instead, class attendance is critical, as dancers need to be accustomed to improvising with each other. Additional rehearsals may be scheduled depending on the event.
Membership in Saraswati is reserved only for my current students, either in group ATS classes or private lessons, and does not preclude involvement with other dance companies or other events. Auditions are not required. Students in private lessons will need to attend all rehearsals, including group classes, in the weeks leading up to a performance.
In general, membership is limited to students who have been dancing at the Intermediate level or above for at least three months, though this may vary depending on the performance.
Members of Saraswati are dedicated to working as a team with fellow performers. This includes holding everyone, especially your director, to high standards of communication. Remember: whenever something is unclear, ask!
General Notes
Performances are never required; performing is a choice, and this choice involves a commitment of your time, resources, and attitude.
In order to perform, you will need to attend classes and/or rehearsals in preparation for a particular performance. This usually means attending class for the three weeks preceding a show, at minimum. We will devote some class time to sketching out the general framework of a show and dancing to our performance music, and we may schedule additional rehearsals, with everyone's schedule in mind.
You will also need to acquire or borrow basic costume pieces, and be willing to work as a team with all members of the group.
Placement in the dance formations: All dancers are welcome to dance in the chorus, and follow a lead dancer if in the foreground. Lead dancers and formations will be selected for each event based on experience, skill, ability to lead, and overall contribution to the performance set.
Performance Guidelines
While I dance because it is fun, I take performances seriously. Please follow these guidelines.
Act professionally. You are representing not only yourself, but also the art form, and me. Consider how the performance organizers and the general public will perceive you. You need to be prepared to represent yourself well from the moment you step foot in the venue until the moment you leave, regardless of whether you change into street clothes after a performance.
Exercise patience and respect. Each performance opportunity brings new challenges for everyone, including your director. Remember that each person is doing the best they can, and be kinder than you need to be.
Follow decisions of the director. Your input is always welcome and encouraged, but please abide by my artistic decisions for the group.
Move in harmony. Remember, tribal is about teamwork, group expression, and a disappeared ego. There is no room for divas in tribal. Your movement has to be legible by other dancers and fit within the framework of our dance. Follow and/or lead in a way that is complementary to the group nature of ATS.
At a Peformance
Substance policy: My rule for myself — and strong suggestion for you — is not to drink alcohol or use other substances prior to performing. You need to be on top of your game in order to improvise successfully with your fellow dancers. If you feel a need to drink before a performance, do it in a private area, not viewable by the public. If you appear to be impaired, you will not be allowed to perform.
Arrival times: Arrival times are chosen carefully to allow for warm-up, costuming, scoping the performance space, etc. Since we operate as a team, late arrivals hold up the other performers. Do your part to keep the entire group looking polished and professional.
Organize your stuff: Some performance venues will have spaces for us to change and do makeup, and others will not. I'll find out before each performance and let you know. It's then your responsibility to prepare accordingly. If we do have a dressing room, it may be small; organize your costume and makeup so that we share space efficiently.
A well-stocked dance bag needs to contain, at minimum:
- All costume pieces, including jewelry (unless we are arriving in costume)
- Shoes appropriate for the venue
- Bindi and adhesive (spirit gum is recommended for larger bindis)
- Makeup mirror
- Black eyeliner for facial markings
- Lipstick and whatever else you need for makeup touchups
- Safety pins
- Bobby pins if your hair decoration calls for it
- Make-up remover of choice (jojoba or olive oil, cold cream, wipes, etc.)
- Water bottle and perhaps a snack
Work well with others: We all get a little nervous before a performance, but that doesn't mean you have to share your nerves with everybody. Understand that other performers need time and energy to prepare themselves for performance too. Make sure that your nerves aren't affecting others' preparation routines, and allow others (especially your director!) the physical and mental space they need to get ready.
During a Peformance
Preserve the mystery: Bring a coverup; this is the norm for most professional performers. Coverups can include sarees, veils (preferably non-sheer), caftans, ghawazee coats, or anything that looks polished, hides your torso, and covers your costume.
Respect other performers: Sound often carries from dressing rooms to stage. Keep conversation quiet backstage and in the dressing rooms. When watching other performers, cover or hold any noisy costume pieces and zills so that audience focus remains on those currently performing.
Stay in character: Unless you are in a dressing room, the audience can see and hear you — sometimes even if you are backstage. Don't do anything you wouldn't do on stage.
After a Performance
Preserve the mystery, continued: As a general rule, plan to leave directly after our performance. There are certain occasions, such as belly dance haflas and other informal events, where it is appropriate for us to stay, but we'll decide prior to a performance if that's the case. If you would like to stay at an event, bring street clothes to change into, and plan to remove at least part of your makeup.
Troupe Fund
Our troupe fund is managed by the director. Any tips or fees raised at events are kept in the troupe fund and used to supplement our costume lending library, bring in guest instructors, offer event scholarships to dancers in need, pay musicians, and cover any miscellaneous expenses at the director's discretion.
...and most importantly:
WORK HARD
REST WELL
HAVE FUN!
Questions? info@jaiyana.com / 207-619-4230