I have never done this before. I have no idea what I am doing. I have seen enough finished products that I know what I am trying to make it look like. I know how to teach a belly dance class. I know how to write a basic script. These were my pros and cons before I even got to the business of making an instructional Bellydance video. I am still not certain I have any clue at all what I am doing, if I am qualified or if it will be worth anyone’s time. The things that I do know so far; I am having a grand time, I am learning along the way, and I am creating something that I think, at least some of my students will get a kick out of.
The Script
Being a writer and a bellydancer does make sense every now and again. Typically, I see the plot monkey writer come out when I am working on a stage performance. What is the story the dances are trying to tell and why should the audience see the dances in a particular order? When I write the syllabi for my classes it is nice to have a firm grasp on the English language and proper formulae for creating an outline.
I am still in the early stages of understanding proper script formatting and creation of a written diagram for a director. I am not sure if my method will work for everyone, but so far, it has made the work stress free and really fun.
In the video I am working on, I want to have several short videos on the proper break down and execution of each move the student will come across in the primary choreography. The camera man did not need to know what the moves were prior to filming. He did need to know if I would be traveling directionally, and when to stop and start recording.
Make-up and Costuming
On the first day of shooting, we planned to work on basic move breakdowns only. For learning movements, it is always easier to see the body and not get lost in a confusing blur of glitter and fancy costuming. While Shaun worked on arranging lighting and stabilizing the camera, I dressed as if heading out to teach any typical class, black yoga pants, black sleeveless top and coin belt.
Again because of the need for easy visuals and because I knew those lights were going to make things rather warm, I opted to pull my hair into a neat bun. I did add a little color with a headband and dangle earrings to match the coin belt.
Make-up was a bit of a different story. I typically do no more than maybe eyeliner and lip gloss to class, but the lighting in the studio would require full performance make-up to not look ill, so on with the show.
Eye of the Beholder
Most important to note here; trust your camera man! If he is good at what he does he will know what lighting to use, how to angle the camera and where in the room you should stand to make the image in the frame look fantastic. Second guessing his work is only going to frustrate both parties. Do make staging notes to the effect of; eliminate shadows and minimize angle changes though. Just telling him that this is a video for instructional purposes should let him know not to get artistic and keep it simple.
I gave a simple list of the names of each move to the camera man so he could read them off to me instead of my running back and forth to see what I wanted to do next. I also told him before each move if I would be traveling and we checked the view of the camera before proceeding. I let him know in the outline to help me stay within a 40 second to minute long clip for each move, and we really did pretty awesome at that!
Time to Make a Moving Picture
To make it extra easy for the camera man, and for the viewer later, I made certain to introduce each move with the commonly used name and a brief verbal explanation. I carefully explained each component of the move then demonstrated the movement a few times through smoothly and completely. I finished each segment by saying the name of the move a second time, this allowed the camera man to know when I was really done.
Because of our prior communication and the simple but well defined outline created, this part was easy for the camera man, and really easy for me, if I didn’t get a few slips of stage fright here and there.
Some moves are easier to understand from different angles. Do not make your camera man move all of his equipment, find the best lighting and turn your body to better demonstrate the movement. You would not ask your entire class or your audience to move around you, have the same respect for the camera.
Outtakes
It is going to happen! And, if you let it, it can make the project even more fun. Not to say you should get carried away with the giggles or trying to do a section to death trying to get perfection, but those funny oops moments are what it is to be human. Don’t get mad. Have a quick laugh with your camera man and move on. But don’t delete them! Someday you will need to relive that moment when you said 100 degree turn rather than 180.
Tomorrow is Another Day
Tomorrow we move on to the breakdown of the song and a final full costume display of the completed dance. I am excited, and a little nervous, but I am going to follow my own words and have fun no matter what!
*Look for AdeebA Korsana’s Bellydance Level One Video set for release Spring 2012*
Until then, check out AdeebA’s Bellydance classes in Peoria, Glendale and Phoenix, Arizona; www.easalle.com , Easalle.z@gmail.com , and bint Hazine dance troupe; Facebook.com/bint.hazine .
