Shimmy Shakti: Preparing for Performance Day

7 weeks before (Week of 9/26):

Get excited! It's normal to feel nervous- at this stage you are unsure about the choreo, you are unsure about the performance, you don't know where you will be in the lineup and are feeling excited but overall nervous. Don't let irrational thoughts take over and allow yourself to be present and feel excited. Leave the rest up to me. As your teacher and troupe director know that I would not want you to go on stage feeling the way you do today, you will get there, have fun in the process... everything will be beautiful!!
Share your excitement- let friends and family know to save the date!
Do you know someone that would like to help as Production Assistant, Check in, and Stage Manager on the date of the show? (small stipend for time offered)

6 Weeks before (Week of 10/3):

Look for costume and coverup options and narrow down your choices/lock down a budget to help with decision making
Send a message to close family and friends who you know will want to attend for pre-sale tickets before we post for the public

5 weeks before (Week of 10/10):

4 weeks before (Week of 10/17):

Costume: Make sure you have all of your costume pieces, including accessories
Schedule: Request time off work, schedule sitter, find ride, etc. and make any arrangements for performance day
Hair and Makeup: Decide if you will need any accessories for this and order/purchase. If you will be getting hair and makeup done professionally, schedule your appointments
Performance: Run through choreo in your head during car rides and lunch breaks
Warn your friends- Ticket sales to the public start now- we sell out fast!!!! So buy tickets early- limited seating. If you're available- join our Tuesday Shimmies class at the park for extra practice
Troupe Photo: Sunday, October 23rd

3 weeks before (Week of 10/24):

Costume: Schedule any last minute fittings or alterations
Hair and Makeup: Search Pinterest for looks and style options. Look for "performance" makeup tips and products like finishing spray, bronzer, highlight, blotting wipes, etc.
Accessories: Try on accessories and make any returns and exchanges for accessories
Order your coverup if you have not yet (Ross and TJ Max have some options)
Performance: Check your schedule and come to class to make sure you are practicing as much as possible. If you're available- join our Tuesday Shimmies class at the park for extra practice

2 weeks before (Week of 10/31):

Costume: Rehearse in your costume/trial run
Schedule: Check the details in the group for arrival time and showtime. Create a day-of itinerary to allow enough time for hair, makeup, nails, getting dressed, travel so you can arrive early for Dancers Call
Hair and Makeup: Decide on colors, accents, etc. and make any last minute purchases for your look
Accessories: Place your accessories in a ziploc bag and have everything together for your look.
Performance: Reach out to other troupe members to practice outside of class! If you're available- join our Tuesday Shimmies class at the park for extra practice. Practice on your own. You will be asked to send a practice video to help with your at home practice :) Ask questions!!!!!!

1 week before (Week of 11/7):

Costume: Iron/Steam, get costume performance-ready
Place all of you performance items, including hair and makeup accents (glitter, jewels, etc), and accessory "performance" options in a corner of your home so they are all organized and available for performance day
As a friend to come watch the show and to get a good picture or video of you during the performance
Remember to send $10 performer fee for venue
Do you have everything you need? Have any questions? Have you checked the event day details? This is the time to ask :)
Performance: Relax and just play the song in the car and run the choreo in your head. You've got this.

Day of (11/12):

Schedule in some self care- a long bath, essential oil offering, a spa treatment, a nap, alone time.... before you start getting ready
Set aside 4 hours to "get ready"

Dancers Call: 6:45pm

Doors Open: 7:30pm

Show time: 7:30pm-9:30pm

Plan to:

Dancers will be allowed to enter the space between 6:45pm-7pm.
Doors will close for EVERYONE at 7pm.
Doors open to the public at 7:30pm.
Between 6:45pm-7pm, only dancers and event assistants/Emcee/DJ will be allowed in the space.
Please note: Event Day is VERY busy for your troupe director, don't call, text, or message her directly as she will be unable to respond. You can message the Shimmy Shakti Troupe Group on Messenger and cross fingers that someone will see your message and reply. Usually everyone is running around getting ready so it's best to have questions answered ahead of time.

Arrive dressed with hair and make up done
Pack very light- one small bag that can be placed in the dressing room
Bring sweat wipes and blotting sheets for in between performances, a small make up bag with your powder, eyeliner, and lipstick, safety pins (big and small), and hair pins, needle and thread

Belly Dance Goddess Hour by Karla Marie