This is a short article to help you write your own intro and can be applied to many events. For a quick fix, skip down to the 'Inspiration Questions' section to get writing...
What are Bellydance Intros?
Bellydance intros or bios are the paragraph you would provide to an event organiser before the event if they are going to introduce you to the audience before you come on stage.
Why are they important?
Given that a lot of work and preparation goes into preparing a bellydance performance such as;
perfecting technique
learning a choreography
choosing music to improvise too
Costuming etc.
Sometimes preparing a short bio or introduction to give to your event organiser takes a back seat and often ends up being a rushed job or not provided at all. Brain fog takes over and suddenly you can’t think of anything to say or write when you are under pressure from nerves or excitement just before a performance. The top things I hear as an event organiser is ‘Oh I’m not good at that’ or ‘I can’t think of anything to say.’
But intros are worth setting aside some time to write….why?
It is an opportunity to connect with the audience
A personal, emotive or inspiring snippet of information about your dance - gets the audience on ‘your side’ before you enter and gives you the chance to connect with them before you have even set foot on the stage.
It sets a professional tone
Details about your dance background sets a professional tone - tells the audience who you are
Your dance is one of many
We often focus our attention on our performance but we have to remember that our dance is often ‘one of many’ that takes place to create a whole show.
If the dancer before you has had a really interesting introduction by the host and then you come on and all they have is your name to say there can be a dip in energy from the audience and subconsciously your entrance might be deemed less important to pay attention too, which will make your work even harder once you come on stage.
Keeps your event organiser happy
The event organisers job is to aim to keep the flow and energy overall of the show going. If you give them something to say about you it makes their job easier, makes you easy to work with and could secure a future invite to perform or other opportunities.
OK but what do I actually write?
Here are some quick-fire questions and top tips to help you write your intro:
Top Tips!
Watch the length: A few sentences or one paragraph (two max) usually does the job. The organiser might not read all of it out word for word but at least you’ve supplied it.
Don’t make it a dance CV or autobiography: You don’t need to list every teacher you’ve ever studied with but you can give one or two of the highlights or those who most influenced you.
Make it relevant: If you can give some information about the specific dance you are doing for that event that will promote the most interest
Quick-fire questions for Inspiration!
These are for inspiration for your intros - pick and choose what ones you want to answer. You don’t need to answer all of them and remember to watch the length. Happy Writing!
How long have you been dancing?
Where are you based or live?
If you teach - where do you teach?
Who was your main teacher you learnt with?
What 3 dancers have been the biggest influence on your style?
What style of bellydance do you do?
What inspired you to start bellydancing?
What do you love about bellydance?
Can you provide any extra information about the music you chose?
Was there a singer/musician or dancer who made the piece famous?
Can you provide a translation of the title of the music?
Can you give a short summary of what the song is about?
Is the track taken from a movie?
What inspired you to choose the music you did?
Is this a ‘first’ performance? (As a soloist, or using a prop, etc.)
If you are doing someone else’s choreography have you credited them?
If it is an improvised dance do you want to mention this?
If there is a ‘surprise’ during the dance can you hint at it without giving it away?
Is your dance dedicated to anyone in particular?
Are you dancing to celebrate an occasion?
Have you performed this dance recently at another event?
If you are doing a duet what brought you to dance together?
If you are a group how did you all come together?
Any personal touches, inspirations etc. you can add?
I hope this article helps make writing your intros a bit easier and I look forward to hopefully reading them at a future event!
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