BELLY DANCE TRAVEL AND TOURISM-STAYING SAFE & SANE: PART FOUR

 This is Part Four in a four-part series on belly dance travel and tourism. Even with the  social unrest in the Middle East and North Africa, many dancers are eager  to  travel to research, study and immerse themselves in  Oriental Dance.  If you're armed with  some knowledge about the places you'll be visiting  and  know what to expect  before and during your trip, you'll have a much better time.

 In this series, I'll cover everything from  keeping healthy and staying safe abroad to buying costumes; from cultural and social differences  to  breezing through security at  airports; from  communicating socially to haggling for a bargain.  

I learned all this stuff the hard way… but you won’t have to!

Cultural Differences And Culture Shock

While the countries you are visiting may be fascinating in terms of the museums, ancient sites, and the dancing you will see and learn, bear in mind that many of these places are underdeveloped compared to America and Europe. You may find yourself actually disoriented because it is so different from what your are used to…or what you expected it to be like.  Lack of sleep due to jet lag can also make you crabby or overly emotional, which can sometimes make these disparities magnified.  This is known as culture shock.

The best way to reduce your own culture shock is to inform yourself by finding out as much as you can about a country before visiting it, and to realize consciously that you must be patient, understanding, and open to a new way of life...at least temporarily!

 I don’t mean to scare you or burst your bubble, but extreme poverty is rampant in many of the places you’ll be visiting. It’s definitely not all white sand, alabaster temples and pristine ruins.  Undoubtedly, you will see things that will disturb you such as ragged children playing in the dirt or horribly crippled beggars.  It is also not at all uncommon to see many sick stray animals or to witness animal abuse (such as horses, donkeys or camels being whipped) on the streets, either.

 I remember being very upset pretty frequently on my first couple of trips to Egypt; when I saw things like this, it made me feel awful and helpless.  But you have to try to process through this, and take an almost detached, anthropological view of things, or it will completely ruin your trip.

 I always give spare coins, pens, and cartoon stickers from the USA to kids, and food  (stolen from the buffets my hotel!) to the beggars. I also save buffet scraps for the dogs and cats on the street. That’s about all you can do when you are there. If you are still thinking about this when you get home, you can become involved in donating to a charity or foundation, or putting on a fund-raiser or something like that.  And once you are home, you will also realize how lucky you are and how good you have it!

Some other less troubling cultural differences you might notice are that in public  or on the street: the concept of personal space and physical boundaries are quite dissimilar to what you are used to.  It may be frustrating to you that the signs are not always printed in your own language, and there may not be a number of conveniences you take for granted at home.  Also, the general pace of things will be much slower than what we are used to in the West, and that may start to annoy you.

You will probably find that the service in restaurants and even government offices are incredibly methodical and sluggish, this is also a cultural difference. Many of the   merchants at the bazaars are brazen, unrelenting and often downright obnoxious; again this is typical in the Middle East and North Africa. Tourism is big business, there are endless shops selling the same trinkets, and even if you think you are poor, you’re very wealthy compared to most of the locals.

  The best thing to do if you are not interested in shopping is simply to not engage with the shop keepers -in any way. Even looking at merchandise the way you would at home can be a signal that you are ready to purchase an item, which will lead to the afore-mentioned lengthy (and expected) process of bargaining. While you are getting antsy, wishing you could just cut to the chase already, the merchant probably will not notice your impatience, since this type bargaining scenario is commonplace!

 A significant difference in the countries you are likely to visit are the customs involving social  interactions between the sexes.

 In Muslim countries, women have rigidly defined roles, and each country differs depending upon what degree Sharia law is practiced. For example, if you are traveling with a male companion, don’t be surprised if people you meet speak only to him and ignore you! It’s almost automatically assumed that any man you are with is your husband or a family member, not your platonic pal from back home.

  Make sure to keep your interactions with men- even hotel employees, customs agents, merchants or waiters- on the polite, conservative side.  What you see as friendly social behavior might be construed as embarrassing, inappropriately familiar or even a sexual

come-on, which leads us to:

 The B-Word

 The B-Word stands for Belly Dance.

In the West, most dancers who have never visited these places have no idea how belly dancers are perceived in Muslim counties. While we all struggle to keep the dance “decent” and  “cultural”, in many of the nations that brought us this beautiful art form, belly dancers- no matter how well-loved or how famous they are- are regarded as little more than prostitutes.

 I know this may seem impossible to digest, but it’s true. And while I am mentioning this, I might as well add this controversial statement: since religious conservatism has been so sharply on the rise in the Middle East and North Africa, whether you are a dancer or not, the very fact that you are not Muslim - and not covered up modestly -will also make you appear “suspect”. Sure, there are exceptions, but it’s better to err on the side of caution.

 Unless you are at a belly dance festival, when you are in public, for your own protection, dress conservatively and please don’t ever let people know you are a dancer!

 Personal Safety

While North African and the Middle East used to be among the safest destinations in the world, sadly this isn’t true anymore.

Many of the major cities have almost exactly the same type of crime problems as comparable places in the USA or Europe. Because of this, you may wish to register with your embassy prior to or upon your arrival. Also, in some countries, you may have to register your electronic devices at the airport, to ensure they are not intended as black market items!

While traveling, use the same common sense that you would use in any large city or urban area!

 Leave your expensive jewelry back at home, and keep any valuables you’ve taken with you, including your money and passport, in the hotel safe or on your person at all times.  Keep a separate record of your passport and credit card numbers in case you need to have them replaced; make sure you know the phone numbers for your embassy as well as the international numbers for lost or stolen credit cards. Don’t flash your cash or leave expensive cameras lying around unattended, even at hotels or cafes in tourist areas.

 Be aware of your surroundings. Keep your purse close; motorbike muggings have been on the rise. After dark, go out in pairs or groups, never alone- and this includes taking taxis that you hail on the street! Always use the “safer” cabs that are from large companies, do not get into any  independent taxi cabs.

 Have the front desk at your hotel write out the address in Arabic, so you can show it to cab drivers and they’ll know where to take you.  Negotiate a price for your cab trips before you get into the taxi- many don’t have meters! Keep the phone number of your residence, hostel or hotel with you at all time, in case you get lost.

Since the  Arab spring of 2011, things have been changing rapidly in North Africa and The Middle East.    Sexual harassment, especially on the street, has escalated alarmingly.  Not so very long ago,  the most female  tourists received was blatant staring, but  that is not the case any more. "Accidental" encounters  like brushing and groping  are happening more and more frequently.

The sad truth is that sexual harassment-especially on the street-  is a major problem  for   foreign or native women in Egypt.  It doesn’t matter whether you are full covered or not, it’s rampant. Dress modestly and keep a low profile. Blondes and redheads will definitely receive more attention on the streets, no matter what   sort of clothes they wear. Be prepared for this and take it with a grain of salt, don’t let any unwanted attention-or even good-natured flirtation- get to you.  Earlier I said it was not usually necessary to cover your hair, but you may want to consider it if you’re getting a lot of “interest” on the street!

  In case some sort of unwanted physical contact  happens to you, do not be afraid to  make a scene!   Make sure to  be as loud as you can,  there is no such thing  as  “over reacting”. Once you do and the situation has escalated,  anyone near you  will be highly likely to rush to your aid.

 Tourism has always been Egypt’s “main export”, and  that goes  double since  The  Revolution- tourism has dropped considerably, and everyone  working in the tourism industry  is aware  of  the economic impact  because of this. Call the  police  and make a report if necessary.

 I will say it again- NEVER go out alone after dark!

    That being said  one of the great things about travel is the people you meet. Make new friends with the locals or other tourists, but be wary of completely trusting anyone right off the bat.  Use your street smarts, character assessment  and  judgment.   Have fun, but  weigh the situation  mentally before accepting any offers of a place to visit or stay with your newfound acquaintances.

  Do not accept drugs from anyone. Don’t accept cocktails-or any drink, for that matter (which might be drugged) unless they come directly from the bar.

 If you feel unsafe at any time, remove yourself from that situation immediately!

 Make sure to ask permission before taking a photo or video of any locals or people you do not know.

  Never take photos of anything related to the military or national security; it’s usually against the law!

This includes some monuments, government buildings, police officers, soldiers, and any police or military vehicles, border crossings and the like. When in doubt, ask before you shoot.

 Make sure you communicate regularly with your family and friends at home, and let them know your whereabouts, especially if you are visiting multiple destinations.

 Be a savvy traveler and you’ll have a fantastic time…Bon Voyage!

BELLY DANCE TRAVEL AND TOURISM: STAYING SAFE AND SANE PART ONE

 This is Part One in a four-part series on belly dance travel and tourism. Even with the  social unrest in the Middle East and North Africa, many dancers are eager  to  travel to research, study and immerse themselves in  Oriental Dance.  If you're armed with  some knowledge about the places you'll be visiting  and  know what to expect  before and during your trip, you'll have a much better time.

 In this series, I'll cover everything from  keeping healthy and staying safe abroad to buying costumes; from cultural and social differences  to  breezing through security at  airports; from  communicating socially to haggling for a bargain.  

I learned all this stuff the hard way… but you won’t have to!

 After you’ve been studying our beautiful dance form  for a while, there may come a time when you want to travel to the places where belly dance originated. Whether you’re going to learn and do research or purely for fun, there are so many ways to visit The Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia that there is a trip for everyone. Your journey can be as luxurious- or as rustic–as you wish.

 Egypt and Turkey have numerous well-established belly dance festivals, and more are cropping up all the time, in places like Greece, Israel and Lebanon.

 Many American and European dance instructors offer belly dance tours, which are usually-but not always- based around a specific festival. You can also  sail on a luxury cruise with a set itinerary, or hike through the Atlas Mountains or Sahara Desert with no plan other than to explore. And many ex-patriot dancers living and working abroad open up their flats as mini-hostels  for visiting dancers. The possibilities are endless!

 When I look back on my very first trip Egypt in the early Nineties, I can’t believe I picked up and left the way that I did!

  I was a baby dancer with hardly any experience; absolutely obsessed with going to Cairo- nothing was gong to stop me! Because I wasn’t sure how long I was going to stay, I quit my job and told my family I’d be back in four to eight weeks. At that time, there was no internet or cell phones; in order to get an overseas phone line from Egypt to anywhere else in the world, even at Five Star hotels, you had to make a request at the front desk and wait around- sometimes for hours- until a line opened up and your call could be connected!

As my flight landed in Cairo, I hoped that the reservation I’d made- through the mail- had actually arrived at the hotel that I’d randomly picked out of a travel book!  I hadn’t anticipated that the signs would only be in Arabic, I had $300.00 in the pocket of my worn Levi’s, and though I had no contacts whatsoever in Egypt, but I knew I needed to see the Sphinx and The Pyramids. I had nothing but blind faith that I’d be able to find belly dancing…and I did!

These days, visiting the countries where belly dancing is indigenous is sooo much easier. But there are still many things you need to know that will make your trip run much more smoothly. 

 BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Passport & Visa

 In order to go on your dream trip, you’ll obviously need a passport. To gain entrance into most countries, your passport needs to be good for at least six months after your date of entry. In America, you can pick up an application at most U.S. Post Offices.   Send it in well in advance of your trip; it can take many weeks to process.

While you travel, keep your passport is in a convenient and safe place, somewhere you can get to easily. Depending on where you are, you may want to either carry your passport in a neck wallet concealed under your clothing (these are available on line or at stores that specialize in travel accoutrements) or keep your passport at the front desk of your hotel.

A good idea is to photocopy your passport, keeping the copy separate from the passport itself when you travel.  I keep a few photocopies tucked into pockets in my luggage.  You can also scan your passport and e-mail it to yourself.  That way you’ll always have the electronic copy.  Either of these options will not get you in and out of different countries, but will be of great help in the event your passport gets lost or stolen.

 If this happens, no matter where you are, report it immediately to the embassy for your country of origin, and a temporary passport will be issued to you.

Visas

 In some countries, your passport alone will get you in but in others, you’ll need a tourist visa. This is not usually a big deal; for example, in Egypt, you can purchase your visa as soon as you arrive in the airport, at the same kiosks where you can change money.

Vaccines

Before traveling to any exotic locale, find out if any immunizations are required, and make sure that all your vaccines (for example, tetanus or influenza shots) are up to date. Check on the Internet for travel advisories regarding epidemics or outbreaks.

 If you do need to get immunized, consult your doctor… And make sure to get any vaccines done at least two weeks before you travel in case you have a reaction, which can happen, though not often.

Travel Insurance

 Buying travel insurance is always a good idea in case of last minute cancellations due to some emergency or “Act Of God”. Depending on your coverage, it can also take care of foreign doctor and dentist visits, or covering a last minute flight back home. Travel insurance will also reimburse you for smaller things, such as the cost of a hotel room due to a flight cancellation, flight re-booking fees, or in case your luggage gets lost.

 Nowadays, with social unrest and political upheaval in the Middle East and North Africa, travel insurance is vital!

 You can purchase travel insurance on the Internet or through your travel agent.

What To Pack

 Almost every major airline now charges for checked bags, and each bag usually has a fifty-pound limit as well. Pack as lightly as possible. I usually bring a bare minimum amount of clothing, and check a nearly empty suitcase, which comes in handy for bringing back souvenirs…. and of course, costumes!

 On your return flight, pack your costumes (as many as will fit) into your carry-on bag. If anything gets lost when your bags are checked, it will be your easily replaceable street clothes.  In the past on trips to Egypt, I have even brought “disposable” items along- sneakers or walking shoes on their last legs, cheap rubber flip-flops, tourist-type T shirts, that sort of thing. You can give these items away before returning home, or as you go along. It will not only lighten your load, but many countries in the Middle East and North Africa are very poor, and people appreciate donations, which can always be put to good use. I once tipped a cab driver with a used blow dryer and some nail polish for his wife!

 As for what to bring on your tip to the Middle East or North Africa, remember that you will be traveling in predominantly Muslim countries and it’s imperative that  you  make sure to be respectful of the people you meet,  their religion and culture.

 That being said, unless you are entering a mosque (or visiting Saudi Arabia) you will probably not encounter a situation where you will absolutely need to cover your hair… but it never hurts to keep a scarf handy! 

Egypt’s leading industry is tourism, they’re used to tourists visiting from all over the world.  Places like Morocco and Tunisia have large cities that are very modern, though in rural areas and smaller villages, people dress in traditional clothes, the way they have for centuries.  Israel, Lebanon, Dubai and Turkey are extremely European, so many citizens not only “dress Western” but are also fashion forward!

No matter where you are going, bring hand washable clothing that can be layered, and comfy walking shoes for sightseeing.

 I suggest packing a lightweight jacket or sweater for cool mornings and evenings, sitting or sleeping in air conditioning on the plane, tour buses and in hotels. I bring a light pashmina scarf, which can be used in many ways, including covering up your head, arms and shoulders for modesty on the street, or for shielding you from the desert sun.

   Cargo pants or long shorts, jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, and sandals will all serve you well. Flowing ankle-length Indian skirts and long sleeved light cotton tops will come in handy and pack nicely.  Of course you will want to check out the belly dancers performing at nightclubs or major hotels, so bring a lightweight, knee-length jersey dress that can be dressed up with jewelry. If you will be at the seaside, on a cruise (whether down the Nile or through the Mediterranean) definitely bring a bathing suit, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent and sun block!

Remember the 3-1-1 rules for carry on toiletries, and only bring whatever will fit in a quart-sized, clear plastic, zip-top bag. You only get one bag per passenger, and it needs to be placed in the screening bin at the airport.

Another good item to carry with you are disposable wet wipes. Take small travel size packets of Kleenex and definitely bring bottle of hand sanitizer. I always have these on hand when sightseeing, because it’s hard to tell what kind of restroom facilities you’ll run into…some are extremely primitive, we’re talkin’ holes in the ground!

  Health, Nutrition, Supplements And Medication

 Pack portable snack foods to take with you on your trip like trail mix, nuts, dried fruit, power bars, soups or noodles that can be made by adding boiling water.  These are really convenient – and often necessary when traveling! You’ll need something to sustain you  in case your flight gets delayed, or for day- long tours, lengthy bus or train rides, not to mention keeping your energy up at dance classes while you are jet-lagged! You may also want to bring along packets of a powdered energy/vitamin drink mix to add to bottled water for a quick burst of energy.

It’s always a good idea to carry small First Aid kit, including band-aids, anti-bacterial ointments, aspirin/pain relievers, antacids, and anti-diarrhea medications. Imodium is a fantastic over the counter remedy for stopping  “Pharaoh’s Revenge” so makes sure take some along with you. Acidophilus tablets or capsules are also good for the prevention of traveler’s diarrhea, and can lessen the severity of digestive problems. Taking it before you leave and throughout your trip will aid in maintaining the normal balance of flora and fauna in the intestines.

Pack any prescription medications you are taking in the original containers, along with a copy of the prescription, and possibly a note from your doctor; keep them in your carry on luggage.

Bring along extra feminine protection if you are used to wearing tampons; they are hard to find in many Muslim countries, ditto for birth control pills and condoms! And though most pharmacies are great, if you do take prescription birth control, definitely bring more than you think you will need, just in case.

If you wear contact lenses, bring extras or use disposables, and you’ll  totally want to keep a travel-sized bottle of re-wetting solution AND extra lenses in your purse while you are out and about. North Africa and The Middle East are very dry and sandy, and the desert climate can really irritate your contacts. You will NOT want to be stuck without spares!  Bring a pair of prescription glasses with you as well.

In all likelihood, the most common problems you’ll run into are sunburn, insect bites, blisters, exhaustion, and maybe a cold from the recycled air on the plane.  If you have prepared for these minor hazards in advance, you should be fine.

  You also need to know that sour stomach or "Pharoah's Revenge" is very common... so make double-sure you bring along some  Immodium  to combat  diarrhea.Though food poisoning does happen, it's more likely  that you're  feeling sick from the combination  of  unfamiliar foods and  the inevitable jet lag. Though  this  isn't at all fun, your symptoms will usually pass in a day or two, and  taking Immodium will  halt  any cramping and watery stools.  But when diarrhea is  accompanied  by chills  and fever,  you need to see a doctor, stat!

Most foreign pharmacies are excellent, with knowledgeable English speaking pharmacists and clerks, and they will often take care of you better than a physician can. Many hotels have a doctor on call at all times. If yours doesn’t, ask the concierge (or your friend, or host if you are staying at a private home) to call a general practitioner in the unlikely event you will need one.

*Part Two, "What To Expect When You Arrive"  will be coming up soon!

PORTABLE GLAMOUR: A DANCER'S GUIDE TO TRAVELLING IN STYLE

It's summer and the dance festival frenzy has already started...so my house is in complete chaos with a bunch of suitcases sitting around: some about to be packed, some full of stuff from my last event! My living room is like an obstacle course, there's so much crap laying around on the floor, but I just love the entire process of getting ready for dance festivals.

Since I've spent the better part of the past couple of decades jetting all over the world to perform and teach, I’ve learned to pack extremely well. Many of my sponsors have joked that I should teach a workshop on packing skills!

I used to drag “just in case” things along that never got used: extra costumes, glamorous dresses, blow-dryers, full-sized toiletries … until I wised up and realized that it wasn’t the dancing that was sending me to the chiropractor’s office, it was my heavy, unmanageable luggage!

Even if you don’t take trips at the rate that I do, packing lightly makes sense. If you are going by plane, and have your bag with you, there is zero chance of the airline losing it, and believe me, that happens way more than you would imagine! If your luggage disappears and your costume(s) and music are inside the lost bag, then you are up the creek without a paddle.

The key to a “great pack” is to determine what is absolutely necessary costume-wise, prop-wise, comfort-wise.

Usually, it’s impossible to fit everything into a carry-on bag, though I have done it pretty often! If you have multiple costume changes, are traveling with props, workshop essentials like notebooks, flyers, business cards or carrying any amount of merchandise or promo you probably WON’T fit it all into one suitcase.

In this case, make sure your essentials are in the carry-on itself; pack at least one costume, and music, so even if everything else gets lost you can still perform. You also may want to look into using door-to-door luggage services to ship an extra suitcase. These services tend to be more reliable than airlines, and guarantee delivery. They aren’t cheap, but it saves a lot of hassle and most airlines are now charging for checked bags anyway. You could also look into Fed-Exing or Priority Mailing a box of merch to yourself care of the front desk at the hotel where you will be staying. The concierge or manager at most hotel chains regularly deals with this sort of thing for their business clients.

Costumes

The first law of packing for dance events is: costumes and props take precedence over street clothes and class-wear.

We all know how insanely bulky costumes are, whether it’s a fully fringed cabaret extravaganza, a big retro evening gown or a metal-encrusted, tribal bra and belt with a zillion-yard circle skirt. Take a look at your favorite costumes and decide which ones are most portable… a few may not make the cut for use as “out of towners”.

Ideally, your travel costumes will look absolutely stunning onstage, but don’t need too much attention when pulled out of a suitcase. The newer style Egyptian and Turkish cabaret costumes perfect: they’re feather- weight, and many have built-in belts, making them less heavy, plus they’re usually made of synthetics, which are wrinkle-resistant.

Lots of costumes appropriate for burlesque or belly dance fusion are also highly packable: use bras and belts that are highly embellished, and simple pants or a flowing skirt. Tribal costumes will be more of a challenge, with the heavy jewelry and yardage involved. For traveling with these, you may want to use only your most amazing costume pieces and accessories, and concentrate on strong stage make-up and a great color palette as opposed to piling on mounds of gorgeous- but ridiculously heavy - accessories. It’s your call!

Pack your costumes cleverly then fill in around them. Roll skirts up small and tight and call or email ahead to make sure the place you’re staying has an iron. Ditto for a blow dryer. These amenities are usually standard everywhere you go.

Headpieces or hair-flowers can be packed in Tupperware or utility boxes, cushioned by bra pads, a folded or rolled veil. Wigs or falls can go in a flat disposable casserole tray; pack earrings bracelets or necklaces in plastic bags and lay them on the bottom, before you put you hairpiece in. Encase dance or street shoes in recycled grocery bags; tuck them into the corners of your bag.

I pack my costume, and all the accessories, my performance CD, veil and zills in a two-gallon plastic freezer bag. At my destination, I know all essential parts are together, not stuck into some random compartment of my suitcase, or left out where it might be forgotten in a hotel room. Plastic bags also protect your costume. As long as your costume is clean and dry before it goes into the bag, it’ll be fine.

Once I had a suitcase sit on the tarmac at London’s Heathrow Airport for 45 minutes in a raging rainstorm. By the time it got into the terminal, the whole bag was soaked through. Boy, was I glad my costumes and regular clothes were encased in plastic bags- they were fine. As for the suitcase, it took almost two days of sitting in front of an English radiator to dry out!

Props

Air travel with props can sometimes be tricky.

If you are flying with swords, know that there’s no way in hell they’ll make it into the passenger cabin.

No amount of begging (“ But it’s only a stage-prop!”) will help get it on board with you. I arrange to borrow swords for my appearances in foreign countries, it just makes things easier.

Domestically, you will want to protect your sword by putting it in a well-padded container with “FRAGILE” marked all over the outside. I use a hard guitar-case with a padded interior for sword transport; some dancers use rifle cases. I include business cards, a bio, and photocopies of myself using the sword onstage, just in case an over-zealous TSA agent who thinks my swords are actual weapons opens the case!

Though shamadans can be usually be disassembled or collapsed (always keep a screw driver and wrench with you!) they will probably still be too large to bring on board and will have to be checked. Pack it in a well-padded box, labeled “fragile”, and if it has chains with crystals attached, wrap those in bubble wrap individually before packing the rest of the candelabrum.

Canes, Isis Wings and large Sally Rand feather fans can be brought into the cabin on a plane, but call ahead to check the dimensions for the over-head storage bins, and make sure your items fit…you definitely don’t want to check these fragile things at the last minute. Many feather fans, or fan-veils or Isis Wings will fit into a carry-on bag.

I slip all my folding hand fans and even smaller Sally Rand feather fans into hard cardboard document tubes which can be purchased at an office supply store -this will keep them from getting their staves cracked or bent. When you get to your destination, open the wings or your fan veils and steam them in a bathroom with the shower running, to let wrinkles work their way out…. of course, this is not recommended for feather fans! Larger Sally Rand feather fans will fit nicely into a long mailer tube or office-store box- but again, it will need to be checked- pad it well!

Smaller brass trays and pots or jugs for folkloric dance can fit easily into a suitcase, protect them with clothes and costume pieces.

Street Clothes, Travel Togs And Classroom Wear

Dress in layers because you can be sure that planes , airports, hotel rooms and dance festival locations are either too warm or too cold. I almost always wear a tank with a light, long sleeved t-shirt over it, and a hoodie or wrap sweater. Bring a large pashmina -type wrap, which can be worn as a scarf, evening cover-up, tied over sweats as a skirt, or used in lieu of a scuzzy airline blanket. On planes I wear Ugg boots for travel because they are comfy and practical: they slip off easily for TSA security checks; they’re perfect for those mad dashes when you’re making a connection, and they are not bulky in a suitcase! I wear the same pants for travel as I do dance classes- jeans are another item that probably won’t be worn all weekend long!

In your dance classes, no one is going to notice or care if you wear the same pair of dance pants, and you can tuck in a spare pair of stretchy leggings, they can pinch-hit as pajama bottoms, and look great under dresses or skirts. Add in a couple of tanks or crop-tops, and you’ll be good to go for your workshops.

If you need a veil and zills, or gloves, stockings or heels for your classes, use the same ones you’ll be using for your performance. A lightweight cover-up will get you to and from the stage when you are performing, and doubles as a robe in your hotel room. Bring a pair of flip-flops to use for street wear, bedroom slippers or protecting your feet backstage.

Want to look pretty for evening? Think “little black dress” preferably in a jersey or synthetic knit. They roll up small and won’t wrinkle. Add earrings, a hair flower and heels and it actually looks like you made an effort!

Before You Go

I have a special “out of town” gig checklist on my computer, with all my travel necessities, costumes and props listed on it. Make one for yourself and refer to it, checking each item off as you pack it.

A day or two before a trip, I sort through my make-up bag, whittling it down to as few items as possible. I keep all my dry items like powder shadows and pencils, false eyelashes, brushes, etc., in the make-up case and fill a snack-sized baggie with lipsticks, gloss, eyeliner, eyelash glue, mascara- any of the “no-no” TSA items. That smaller bag goes into my allotted quart baggie- along with travel-sized toothpaste, contact lens solution, and moisturizer. Body glitter and a couple of extra sets of false eyelashes go into the bag holding my costumes.

Do a “dummy check” and make sure once again that you have everything essential for your trip, then edit mercilessly.

Pack a couple of snack-baggies full of raw nuts, dried fruit, or trail mix- and a protein bar or two. The stuff available at airports, or the “food for purchase” on planes is usually over-priced not to mention salty…can you say “bloated”?

Try to get as much sleep as possible before you leave, because you probably won’t get it at your event!

Make sure to fill a pocket of your bag with travel-sized trouble –shooters: make-up remover wipes, pain relief tables, band-aids, safety pins, a small sewing kit, a set of bra pads and feminine protection.

In Transit

Obey the “quart baggie” rule- it will get you through the airport security lines much faster. On the plane, I put the liquid items I placed into the quart baggie back into my cosmetic bag where they belong.

Before entering the airport, remove any metal objects from your person- including sunglasses, belt-buckles, and jewelry or hair accessories with metal clips and put them in your carry-on. This will save you from walking through the metal detector more than once. Keep your ID and boarding pass out so you won’t have to dig for it.

Buy a couple of bottles of water after passing through security- one to drink while you’re in the air, one for when you land. Yeah, they're expensive, but flying dehydrates you- this will keep you feeling refreshed and it’s good for you! Last but not least: fly with a clean, moisturized face, and before landing, freshen up and add a little bit of blush, mascara and lip gloss.

Special Destinations

Attending a dance retreat on a tropical island? Performing somewhere very cold? Off to a festival in Las Vegas or Egypt?

Check weather reports for your destination the night before and the morning you are leaving. Look at the ten-day forecast and see what the weather will be like. Bring along appropriate articles, like coats, waterproof boots, your bikini, bug spray or an umbrella.

If you going to Egypt or any other Muslim country, bring modest clothes that pack well and will keep you cool, but will also cover you up. I have found that long cotton Indian wrap skirts are great, paper-thin, loose, long sleeved T-shirts or gauze shirts to layer over tanks, and a lightweight, non-form-fitting jacket should serve you well.

Bring sneakers or comfy walking shoes, you might feel dorky wearing them, but you'll need them.

When going to Egypt, Turkey or any exotic belly dance land of origin, do what seasoned dancers do- check an empty or almost- empty suitcase to use for bringing back costumes and souvenirs. On the way back, put as many of the costumes you bought as you can fit in your carry-on, and pack your street-clothes in the checked bag.That way, if something gets lost or stolen (this happens way more than anyone would like to think!) it will be your easily replaceable street clothes, not a custom-made stunner from Eman Zaki, Bella or Hannan!

With efficient packing, you can look amazing wherever you go…both on-and off-stage!

** This post originally appeared on June 16, 2009

DANCERS BACKSTAGE RITUALS PART FOUR: ALEYA OF CAIRO

This is Part Four of my series Dancers Backstage Rituals...and this post focuses on Aleya, an American belly dancer who has been living and working in Cairo, Egypt for three years.

Aleya and I came up together in the Los Angeles dance scene. We saw each other constantly, at gigs working together, and socially too. In 2008, we sort of accidentally bumped into each other in Cairo. I say "accidentally" because neither of us knew that the other one was going to be there!

Aleya had been in the beach resort of Hurghada, relaxing, and I had taken a un-planned, totally last minute ten-day trip to my favorite city on earth...between gig obligations. Due to the wonders of email and texting, Aleya found out I was in Egypt, and of course we got together...spending some quality time which basically amounted to four days with no sleep and constant laughing. We ran amok in Cairo's cabarets until the wee hours, shoveled a quick breakfast in our mouths, and then spent all day hanging around Eman Zaki's atelier or cruising around the city before doing our hair and makeup in my hotel room...and then repeating it all again! It was during this trip that Aleya confided to me she was planning on moving to Egypt to pursue her dreams of dancing in Cairo.

"So...when are you doing that?" I asked, thinking she'd say something like "next year".

"I'm just going to go home and get my cats," she replied.

Knowing that Aleya was as insane about her cats as I am about mine, I immediately realized that this wasn't a lark...it was an absolutely serious, real move, not a temporary "feeling it out" kind of deal. Taking her cats along to Cairo meant Aleya was going for broke!

But as long as I have known her, she has been always driven and continually strives for excellence. In Los Angeles, she worked at clubs, restaurants and private parties, taught classes, and directed and choreographed for her own Negma Dance Company. Before she left, she also released a CD of fantastic belly dance music called "Bellylicious Raks". ( There is a link at the end of this post where you can purchase it on CD Baby).

After moving to Cairo, she soaked up as much dance, music and culture as she could. By the time I came back the next summer, her dancing, which was always great, had been noticeably changed by her time in Egypt. She was, however, finding the dance scene harder to crack than she'd originally expected, and though she was trying everything she could think of to get work, work wasn't coming her way.

As she told me this, she joked,

"I always believed in affirmations, so I used to say: I want my life to be just like a vacation....and now it is like a vacation, but I don't want it to be, I want to work!"

Her dedication paid off though, because she has been working... at private parties at top-notch hotels, and at Cairo landmarks like the elegant floating supper club, The Nile Maxim. She also teaches many group and private classes, and just appeared in Qatar, dancing for the Royal Family.

Somehow in between all of this, she also managed to document the Egyptian Revolution! While other people were cowering in their apartments, Aleya and partner Ramy Salem were smack dab in the middle of the protests, braving tear gas and riotous crowds to take photos of history-in-the-making. You can see them in her book, "18 Days"- scroll down to the end of this post for a link to preview and purchase the book, which is stunning.


From the very beginning, Aleya was always such a super-hot performer, no one would ever have guessed that in the first part of her career, she suffered from really bad stage fright- but she did. Happily, she doesn't any more, but see what she has to say about that- and gigging in Cairo, here, in her own words:


"My first five years of performing I had horrible stage fright! I used to practice for at least one and a half hours before a performance. I think the stage fright stemmed from me not feeling good enough, so I felt like I had to remember all my moves and practice a lot before I danced.

I would put on videos of dancers I admired and imitate their movements. I would try to get two moves from them that were not in my normal repertoire and do them during my show. In retrospect I think this has helped me to have a bigger vocabulary for the dance. It also calmed me down so I could release all of the nervous energy I had. It was great! I would do two workouts in one night, and sometimes more if I were doing a couple of shows.

Now, as I prepare to dance, several years later, I just try to stretch and relax after I change into my costume.

Of course before I dance, I must have my wig on even though I have long hair. My vision of belly dancers always has been to have big hair and lots of stage make-up. I don’t believe in the “natural look” for a performer! If I don’t have big hair and great make up, the stage won’t feel quite right and I will not perform my best.

I also must always go to the toilet before I dance, even if I went 5 minutes before! I think that stems from the habits, which I acquired long ago, when I had stage fright. I have never been able to release this habit, which can be quite annoying… especially because in Cairo, you never know where your show will be or what the conditions are where you will be changing into your costume! For example let’s say you have a show at the Pyramids, then your “dressing room” is in the middle of the desert…things can get quite complicated!

Now, I am quite comfortable with any kind of venue or show where I can interact with an audience; they always put me at ease. I don’t get nervous and I don’t need much of a ritual.

On the other hand, if I am dancing on a big stage with a band and away from the audience I still get unbelievably nervous. If and when I do, I just close my eyes and say to myself,

“It’s just a big party!”

Saying this takes the edge off for me and I also say a little prayer to God and the Universe for letting me be my absolute best, and being thankful for the gift of dance. Then it’s show time! And I just try to be in the moment and enjoy it. "

- Aleya

Watch Aleya dancing on The Nile Maxim in Cairo here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMicku0pc4U&feature=player_embedded

Buy Aleya's CD "Bellylicious Raks" here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/aleya

Preview & purchase Ramy Salem and Aleya's book "18 days" here: http://aleyabellydance.com/2011/07/09/egyptian-revolution-in-cairo-part-ii/

Read Aleya's blog about belly dancing and living in Cairo here: http://aleyabellydance.com/

PHOTOS: Aleya by Ramy Salem; Aleya dancing on The Nile Maxim