Best of the Interview Series

This month marks the one-year anniversary of the wildly popular interview series. Each dancer who's been interviewed has shared such amazing insights with our dance community.  To commemorate, I read back through the interviews and pick my favorite quote from each dancer.

"The only way to find your voice in this dance is to DANCE. It took me a few years to get my true voice in this dance, and it was one of the best journeys I’ve ever experienced!" - Nadira

"I think there's room for all of us. We should all be sisters in the dance. As dancers, we are already on the fringe anyway, so it's a waste of energy to compete or argue. We should band together." - Dolphina

"There are three things that make a great dancer: technique, appearance, and stage presence....To be a good dancer, you need two of those three attributes. To be a great dancer you need all three. And I would say there's a certain charisma that makes up the last 10% that really tells you someone is a star. When you see it, you will know. The hair on the back of your neck will stand up because it is so perfect and so amazing. That's what it's all about. You will just know." - Mish Mish

"Dance is build on basics. Take the time to learn the dance and don't rush to get ahead." - Tamalyn Dallal

"Taking the stage is sacred, wait for it and know that you earned it....And remember that when you are on stage, your number one job is to make every audience member comfortable. No one should feel scared for you. "Introduce" yourself as the dancer and be confident. When you are comfortable, the audience will be comfortable and will be able to enjoy the performance. Then you can just be you and share what is in your heart. " - Malia 

"I know there's a lesson for me in every gig, and every dancer will experience audiences that are indifferent or even offended.  These situations demand of us to dance for ourselves in the moment.  When I find myself in a gig like that, where I just want to walk out, I have to remember, and am reminded, that there are always a few lives I touch no matter what." - Dahlia

"Whether you want to think of your dance as a business or not, it’s really important to determine how much time you want to invest in it. How much you put in, is how much you’ll get out of it."  - Ziva Emtiyaz

P.S. I know it's been a couple months since a new interview has come out.  Once I get through my wedding and honeymoon, I'll have some more time and interviews will recommence. Keep your eyes peeled!

 

Photo Credit (Left to Right): Dahlia, Nadira, Malia

Interview with Ziva

 

 

The Introduction
You recently saw her place as the first runner-up out of an amazing group of dancers on the reality show Project Belly Dance.  But her dance resume extends far beyond.  Based in San Francisco, Ziva is a belly dance instructor, performer, choreographer, and program director.  She’s danced with the award-winning Ya Habibi Dance Company.  Studying and teaching workshops with master percussionist Souhail Kaspar, has taken her as far away as Japan and Turkey.  She was also selected as a competition winner for Jillina’s Bellydance Evolution.  Learn more about Ziva on her website.

The Interview
Having pre-arranged a time for our phone interview, my phone rings promptly at our agreed upon time (punctually is not a widely known trait among belly dancers!).  Sounding bright and bubbly, I can feel her positive energy through the phone.  We dive right in.

Alessandra: As dancers we feed off each other.  What other dancers are currently inspiring you?
Ziva: I’m inspired a lot by the dancers around me, such as the Hipline instructors and my coworkers, Samar Nassar, Rebecca Vasile, and Kendra Katz.  I would also include my original teacher on the Pacific coast, Shoshanna.  On a more global scale, I would also add Daria Mitskovich, Didem, Aziza, Soheir Zaki, and Zoe Jakes.

Alessandra: As I think most of the belly dance community is aware, you were just recently the first runner-up on Project Belly Dance - congratulations!  But of course we want to hear the inside scoop!  What about the competition that wasn't depicted in the episodes do you think the audience would find the most surprising?
Ziva: Thank you!  Probably the most surprising, is that the competition was filmed in the span of two days.  After the first round of cuts, there were already people lining up outside for our first performance in front of a full audience.  So you really had to be on your toes!

Alessandra: Was this your first belly dance competition or had you done other ones before?
Ziva: This was my first competition in front of live judges.  I had done Jillina’s belly dance competition where you submit your filmed audition video, but it is a completely different scenario when you can do multiple takes and edit your performance.  This type of live competition takes the challenge to a whole new level.
Alessandra: Well, you seemed very confident and composed!  Was that how you were actually feeling, or were there underlying nerves?
Ziva: My nerves were definitely running on high!

Alessandra:  What did you think was the most challenging aspect of the competition? Ziva: Believing in myself.  Each of the dancers was amazing in her own way, so I had to really work to stay focused on what I was doing.  I really had to be my own cheerleader.  I think also, you had to be hungry for it and have that desire to do your absolute best to be able to continue on each round.  I would also add that it was hard to watch dancers get cut.  My heart went out to them.  Participating in the show really illustrated to me that you have to be prepared for anything.  For example, in the “Name That Tune” section, you needed to have studied culture and music to excel.  Or even just makeup; who would have thought that putting on your eyelashes would be a monumental thing!  Just goes to show that you need to be strengthening your skills as a dancer on a daily basis.

Alessandra:  If you could go back and change something related to your performance, what would you change? 
Ziva: I would say more time for preparation, as I felt mine was rather limited.  But then, I think most dancers feel that way all the time.  However, on the flip side, in my last performance of the competition, despite having prepared a choreography, I decided last minute to just dance from my heart and improvise.  (If you want to view that performance, if can be seen here.)

Alessandra:  What doors has being on Project Belly Dance opened for you?
Ziva: Just having people reach out to me through Facebook and other social media and letting me know that they liked my dancing and really believe in what I’m doing has been amazing.  It’s really opened the opportunity for me to network with other dancers.  And of course my upcoming DVD with Cheeky Girls!
Alessandra: Do you have a topic yet?
Ziva: The topic is still in the works.  But it’s going to be fun and challenging.  We film in February.

Alessandra:  Even before you were on Project Belly Dance you were touring around the U.S. with Grammy-nominated drummer Souhail Kaspar doing workshops.  What have been your top takeaways from working so closely with such a talented musician?  
Ziva: He has so much information.  Every time I’m with him I learn more about how rich Middle Eastern dance and culture is.  Having a mentor is vital.  Also how universal dance is.  We recently taught together in Japan, and even though there was a language barrier, it really illustrated that with dance we can communicate with our movements across spoken language barriers.   

Alessandra:  What advice would you give to beginning belly dance students?
Ziva: Technique can be frustrating, so I think beginners need to know that it’s muscle memory.  Try to relax and know that it will come.  Having a sense of humor is important.  And staying motivated and inspired, either through watching YouTube or other local performances.  And finally, goal-setting is key. 
Alessandra:  And what advice would you give to dancers looking to make the transition to professional?  
Ziva: Whether you want to think of your dance as a business or not, it’s really important to determine how much time you want to invest in it.  How much you put in, is how much you’ll get out of it.  To be successful, one hour per day is not enough.  You also need to invest in a website and business cards.  And find a mentor.  Not just someone who can coach you on technique, but also musicality and meaning.  Try to branch out and see other dance communities and network with dancers in other cities.  And keep saying yes to every opportunity.