All of us had to pivot in 2020 and COVID-19 really screwed up in-person learning for dance studios as well as live music.
Karen and two of her students, Lisa and Suzanne, took some time to discuss the joy and the challenges of online vs. in-person belly dance lessons and performances.
Bottom line, Karen’s focus, dedication, and passion remains all about the live music component of belly dance.
During this episode of the Baby Boomer Belly Dancer, we talk about:
00:00 What is a “baby boomer” – with Karen, Suzanne, and Lisa
00:31 Comparing online vs live in the class and performance
00:46 This is the future… and now Karavan Online is over 10 years old
02:43 The “struggle” to learn online and camera angles
04:23 Suzanne’s and Lisa’s experience with online workshops
08:01 Practicing versus performing — the power of anonymity
10:36 Let’s talk virtual performing – where are the nuances?
13:43 Cutting edge – dancing to live music in Houston with Project Band
16:17 Participating remotely online from around the U.S. (and world)
17:05 No substitute for performing in front of a live audience
18:00 Seeing things from a different perspective
21:50 Preparing for a production and your headspace
24:23 The energy and expectation – no strength without resistance
27:00 Instantaneous, immediate, and back and forth audience feedback
29:11 Where is the “on switch”?
30:23 Love of live music – imperfection is part of the fun – so go for it
34:57 Coming out of being locked down and being a COVID hermit
36:58 We were having fun; we weren’t even “Breaking the Law”
39:33 How it all worked out in Houston with the virtual performances
41:01 How it all changed Project Band forever and now the world is watching
42:44 What’s changed and what will remain the same
46:20 Sincere presentation of improv vs playing the script
As for dancing in the face of a pandemic…. well, people were having f****** fun!
We are still working out the kinks and may need a better way for Gylon to throw a comment or two out from the booth.
With over 40 years in her chosen craft of belly dancing, Karavan Studio owner and professional belly dancer, Karen Barbee Adkisson, has been teaching students the art of belly dance techniques for more than 30 years and is dedicated to keeping live music performances as part of this artful cultural dance.
Join us as Karen’s inquisitive mind and unique perspective on a wide array of topics inspire, educate, and even entertain your sensibilities… because everything comes back to belly dance.
You can also subscribe to her YouTube channel or the Baby Boomer Belly Dancer podcast.