Recently, I find myself floored by the level of bitterness and acrimony expressed publicly over the issues of territorialism and the undermining of the efforts of various event producers.  Since the conflicts of interest seem obvious, why cannot the parties involved negotiate these conflicts -- or avoid them in the first place? If conflicts happen inadvertently, why cannot those involved take steps to ensure that they do not have a chance to happen again?

I am concerned that our dance community cannot seem to temper itself better and to engage in professional quality communication to work out differences.  Furthermore, I am appalled at the notion that anyone would expect any publication (such as Gilded Serpent for example) should publish a retraction of an interview that it had featured.  Such a demand implies that the offended party does not know the difference between “reporting” and “investigative reporting”!  For example: We can report that Johnny admitted stealing the apple from Mr. Roger’s tree, but we will have to do some investigative reporting to find out the circumstances of his theft and the reasons for the theft and how future thievery might be avoided. [Ed- see letters for more discussion]

I want to address how event producers can negotiate better from the start by engaging in up-front, cooperative, “win-win” negotiations with other event producers, rather than the “lose-win” tactics meant to undermine each other that I have observed over decades in this business.  I have seen the situation repeatedly—across the board and across the county, and now, even internationally! 

Of course, everyone begins with the very best of intentions when organizing an event, but as the old saying goes:  “The road to Heck is paved with… good intentions!”  The “heck” of it is that such dissension turns into bitter rivalries and does not reflect well on the Middle Eastern dance community in general.

The Middle Eastern dance community needs its festivals, shows, and workshop events for our growth as dancers and as an education that we are a serious dance art form to the public at large. 

For decades, however, event producers have not been able to communicate with each other in a consistently constructive manner. Therefore, I am suggesting the following guidelines for review and comment by the Middle Eastern dance community at large: 

• When a new event producer announces her/his intentions of scheduling an event, why not initiate productive dialog!  For example, one could open a chat on-line to get dates firmly established with which everyone is comfortable.  Additionally, if issues do arise, talk to everyone again!  Further, keep talking, even if opinions vary. A variety of opinions is okay: at least all issues will be open for discussion beforehand.
• New event producers should be open to suggestions from the established producers in the regions; in return, each might just learn something very valuable!
• Established event producers: how about writing up a list of “avoidable pitfalls” in organizing an event? After all, it benefits no one if dancers have such a lousy time at an event that they stay away from everyone’s events because of a bad experience!
• It is important to have regular on-line meetings or conference calls with other event producers so that there are no misunderstandings about pricing of different facets of an event that will surface as problems when it is too late to make corrections.
• Make certain that lines of communication are always open, clear, and un-judgmental in tone. 
• Realize that just because we are competitors in the same field does not mean that we should not work together for the benefit of all.

Please feel free to embellish or suggest even more ways that event producers can work together; those suggestions that I have listed here cannot be the only ones!  Perhaps, with thoughtful civility, we can all become winners.

Resources-

• Events Calendar for Texas
• Gilded Serpent Events Calender
  --"Self Serve" and FREE! See what's happening and add your own special events. At the bottom of the Events Calendar page you'll see a link to a page to add your info. Deletions, including mistakes, done by editor (send me a note). The Events Calendar service is free. If you would like more promotion than this provides, please see our Ad Guide. 

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Check the "Letters to the Editor" for other possible viewpoints!

Ready for more?
9-14-06 Territorialism Undermines Event Sponsor's Efforts, Interview with Dee Dee Asad by Lynette
Open discussions of such issues will help dancers, musicians and those people who surround and support them, to recognize similar patterns in their own local environments.

7-25-06 Freedom From Choreography: A Lucy Report by Nisima
Lucy certainly did “Free me”! ...

11-10-06 How I Started a Bellydance Club in High School by Shazadi
I expected hardly anyone to show up at the first meeting. I was shocked when over 40 girls showed up and were very excited about the whole idea. So I was able to prove interest.

11-8-06 The Ethnic Dance Festival 2006 Photos by Susie Poulelis
Weekend One, June 10, 2006, Palace of Fine Arts, San Fransico, CA

11-2-06 The Constant Grind by Margo Abdo O'Dell
Today, the bitter truth is that the curvaceous and fleshy female figure is constantly disrespected by the media and pop culture.

10-29-06 Opening a Bellydance Studio, Tips for Success by Keti Sharif
She has recently retired fully from bellydancing but offers great advice on business plans for dancers wishing to expand their hobby into a career.