 The
Gilded Serpent presents...
Glass
Dancing
by Neferteri
The art
of dancing on glass is a true measure of talent and nerve.
It can be one of the hardest things you can do as a dancer,
but the rewards are awesome! I know because I am the only
dancer in Las Vegas who performs it. I learned to dance on
three wine glasses several years ago while in Florida from
my instructor, Tasha Banat. Tasha is always
willing to share her unique and wonderful skills. I am not
sure exactly where in the Middle East dancing on glasses
came from, and no one seems to want to take credit for it.
It is too bad, because it is a graceful and challenging dance.
The first
thing you must understand about dancing on glass that there
is no trick. The glasses are real, and you will be putting
your full weight on those glasses. There is always the possibility
of hurting yourself, though I have been very fortunate over
the years, in that I have never fallen off of them or cut
my feet. There were basic rules about the care of the glasses
that Tasha gave me, and I will share them with you a little
later in this article.
The first
things you want to do it get three good quality wine glasses
or goblets. I usually purchase mine directly from the factory.
Please make sure the glasses are new and have never been
washed. I have a case of them (just in case one breaks).
The second thing you need to do is to getting a good small
rug, something like a bath rug, (please no prayer rugs).
The rug will help prevent the glasses from sliding out under
you. I usually put double-sided tape on the bottom of the
rug to make sure it stays put.
I always
take my time getting up onto the glasses. You need time to
adjust them and it adds to the overall dramatic effect. Once
you are on them you are committed to that spot, so be creative.
I do a lot of upper body moves and graceful arms. I will
usually have someone (an audience member) hand me a sword.
The audience always goes crazy when I do that.
Now it
is time for music. I recommend something slow, so you don't
have to worry about moving around or bouncing on the glasses.
Please remember you are on real glasses, and they can break
if you put too much pressure on them, so choose your music
with great forethought.
I have
always taken great care of my glasses. I never let anyone
else use them. I keep them wrapped in individual socks. The
socks prevent them from chipping and scratching. I never
wash them, because water can change the consistency of the
glasses (see, Dad, I was paying attention in school). If
I see a nick or chip on the glass, I will never use that
glass again. I keep the glasses stem side up so there no
pressure on the stems.
I will
tell you, at first it is not a comfortable feeling to be
on the glasses, but the more you focus the easier it will
get. You will need to take your time and get the feeling
of it. I wish you luck!
I will
be teaching the dancing on glass at my summer workshop on
June 30 in Las Vegas. If anyone is interested, please email
me at: dbpdl@aol.com or call me at: 702-207-2320.
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a comment? Send
us a letter!
Check the "Letters to the Editor" for
other possible viewpoints!
Ready
for More?
More by Neferteri
12-12-00 I
am Neferteri by Ann Lucas
There
appears to be some curiosity about the racial background of a dancer.
I don't fully understand why anyone in today's world would care,
but they do.
10-25-02
The Photography of Cynthia F Cushman, Full
size photos, smaller
photos (and files) Dramatic choice photos
of Leila, Dalia, Momo and Suzanna
10-20-02 Visions
of Delight, A History of Belly Dance in the United States Reviewed
by Bobbie Giarratana & Susie Poulelis
Photos of MECDA performers & layout by Susie, Third Annual Bay Area MECDA
Showcase
10-17-02 Music
and Style by Yasmela / Shelley Muzzy
ATS seems to be pushing Middle Eastern dance, at least in the U.S., back into
that safe and sexless area, sans the real knowledge of true folk movement |
