Survival Tips for Rakkasah and Other Large Events
This is the updated version of
an article written for Wiggle Hips Magazine
Years ago before I became a full time vender, I went
to events for the sheer pleasure of the event. I would sit in the audience
with my friends and watch the dancing. When I got tired I would go
shopping, get something to eat, or visit with friends. When Wiggle
Hips first started we ran our “Rakkasah Survival Tips” and they were a huge
hit. Then the next year we had to add to them, because people were
saying “you did not tell us about that”. So here are the updated Rakkasah
Tips, which also work very well for any large event you attend.
A more compact copy of this list can be found along with other lists in
Janie’s book “A Dancer’s
Notebook for sale on www.designsbyjanie.com
1) If you plan to record your experience for later inspiration do
not bring a sketch pad, things happen way to fast for even the fastest artist.
Use a camera, preferably with a zoom lens. A camera without a zoom
will not give you a nice image, even from the front row of seats.
I know, that is where I used to sit. If I could, front row center,
at any event I attended. Bring lots of film or memory cards for digital,
big ones. I used to bring a minimum of 10 rolls of 36 prints each.
If your camera needs a battery, bring an extra. Why? Murphy’s
law says if you don’t, the battery will die just before your favorite dancer
hits the stage. And bring labels to label your film, I found day and
number worked great, “Saturday, roll 5”. If you are using a digital
camera, bring envelops, and label them. Downloading at night in your
room, might mean no sleep. Do not bring a video camera.
I don’t know of a single event that allows videotaping. Except something
like Earth Day in the park, but that is a public place. Even though
the public attends, most Belly Dance events are NOT public domain.
Wiggles of the West has a video policy, that allows a dancer to have one
person video their performance - only one!
2) Buy a program to take notes in. If you want a pristine
one for collecting purposes, you will need to buy two. Take notes
next to the dancer’s name like: “red and gold costume” or “double veil rainbow”.
This will help identify the photos you have taken of dancers you may not
know personally. I would also draw a line under the last dancer’s name
every time I changed film or memory card.
3) Use your program, to take notes as to which vender has what,
this way you can look at all the vending before you start buying.
It is always good to shop around a bit and check prices. Dance event
veterans may not need to do this, they may know just who they want to buy
from. Novices should definitely look around before buying, because
sensory overload may befuddle your brain. Notes help to jog your memory.
Note prices too, just like in the mall the vender closest to the entrance
may not have the best prices or the best quality.
4) Scout out the building when you first come in. Note the
location of restrooms, water fountains, and food. You will need this
information later when your body starts giving you little messages.
5) Check first with the sponsor rather you can bring in food and
beverages. A quick email before you go, should give you the answer.
Sponsors are not always in control of what you can bring in. Some locations
will not let you eat or drink in certain areas. Some places offer food
and don’t allow you to bring in your own. And some events can’t allow
food or drink not purchased at the location to come in by order of the local
Health Department. There are usually signs posted, so look around or
ask. It is always good to know before hand. If you must, or want
to, purchase your food or beverages ‘on property’ you want to plan when to
do this so you don’t miss any performance important to you.
6) Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, remember you will
be in them all day and into the night. There is always a lot more
walking than you ever imagined. The more comfortable you are, the
less stressed you will be and thereby have a lot more fun.
7) Bring a pillow to sit on. I don’t know about you, but no
matter how much natural padding I have on my body at the time, it is never
enough for sitting for a long time. If the event does not have a lot
of breaks where you can get up and move, you might consider a pillow or
pad. Rakkasah is non-stop dancing, where Wiggles of the West has a
half hour break between categories.
8) A purse that can slip over your head and arm, a fanny pack, or
a back pack. Something to leave your hands free for shopping, yet
keep your valuables secure.
Tote bag to carry your survival items and those all important purchases.
You might need two or plan to take items to your room or car frequently.
Go to the car in groups, so no-good-niks don't target you.
9) Bring a list of the items you are looking for in particular.
With so much to choose from it is easy to spend your money and not come
home with what you need. Bring swatches of fabric, bead samples and
sequin samples of the costumes you are working on or adding to, so you can
match the colors or pick a good accent. I also carry notes on how much
fabric I need for veils, harem pants, and different styles of skirts.
10) Bring a list of the music, videos, and books you already own,
so you don’t duplicate them.
Now remember when you are packing to pack the lists you have made, leaving
them in your hotel room or back home will not help you a bit. I always
packed my survival kit, before I packed my clothes so I would not forget
anything. I started well in advance and packed things as I remembered
them.
Big events are fabulous, you should never be afraid of them. Enjoy
and relish the supreme camaraderie that is part of a multi day event.
This is a time to greet old friends and make new ones. If someone asks
your opinion of a skirt, costume or other item they are considering buying,
don’t be shy, give your opinion. You may have just made a new life
long friend.
Enjoy yourself, this is not rocket science — it is more important than
that, it is DANCE!