We're thrilled you'd like to audition to join Sarab-Mirage! Please read the information carefully first, and if you are still interested, fill out the form below no later than March 14, 2020. All registered participants will receive a confirmation email. Questions? Email seyyidedancer@gmail.com
SARAB-MIRAGE is a growing dance company formed with the purpose to bring the beautiful dance forms of the Middle East and North Africa and its evolutions to new stages and audiences in New England, mostly around the Boston area. The focus is on Arabic Oriental Dance (Raks Sharqi) and sometimes fusion style belly dance, for stage and translating specific folkloric dance forms for diverse audiences. The dance company will support community events and charitable causes with their performances, develop Seyyide's new and old choreographies, and possibly compete in different places. We have just produced and perform in our own theater show in the Spring, with partial support from the Arlington Cultural Council, and we want to produce more events!
Looking for dancers ideally with at least one year learning experience in oriental dance/belly dance/Middle Eastern dance, who want to boost their performing art skills and experience. Previous performance experience is a plus, but not mandatory. Dancers with multidisciplinary background are encouraged to apply. Dancers who have been longtime students and want to take the next step and challenge themselves are also welcome.
You must be able to pick up choreography quickly, be receptive and dependable, be interested in better understanding the culture and context of the dance form, and be and up for carrying on the group's projects. Being part of a company is not for everyone. Some dancers thrive at being soloists while others prefer to dance alongside other dancers. You must be willing to work as a team to put the entire troupe forward. A sense of humor, a generous heart and a desire to improve your dance personally and as a group are essential.
• Commitment: You are expected to commit to the company for about 5 months, starting now and until the end of July 2020. We are looking for dancers who take joining a troupe seriously, who know that their actions affect all other company members, and who find being part of a collective enriching.
• Development: You are expected to come to rehearsal prepared. That means rehearsing on your own during the week and maintaining your individual practice to keep your skills sharp. In order to do so, it is required that as part of your individual practice, you study with the company director (Seyyide) as a student in some of her regular classes, signing up and participating for a minimum of one class per week. You're most welcome to study with other teachers in addition, but it is imperative that you keep your development in the style and discipline needed for the company work by studying with Seyyide (or another teacher whose style also uses the same vocabulary of Egyptian/Arabic dance that you'll need for Seyyide's choreography). You are responsible for paying for these classes during the time of your commitment with the company. Check up the many options at http://seyyide.com/registration.php
• Showing Up: You are expected to be present at all rehearsals and performances. If you have made a commitment to a performance you have made a commitment to the troupe. Each dancer is held as being crucially important and as such we need you present. Usually Sarab-Mirage has been rehearsing mostly on Wednesday or Thursday evenings after 7 pm and sometimes on other days (weekends during the day, Friday evenings). We try to make sure all can make all rehearsals, and check in often about availability before scheduling the meetings. You should expect a minimum of one hour per week, although when we have projects coming up that may easily double.
• Dues & Financial Obligations: At this time, all dancers chip in $200 for the full period to cover studio space and general overhead. Payment plans could be offered, but the obligation is for the full amount, so an autopay system is set up at the beginning of the period (either via credit card, paypal or by writing several checks in advance). Dancers also need to cover the expenses of required costumes, we have spent around $90-110 per year in the past few years, and it's expected to be no less. However, we did use some financial support from grants in previous year to get some of the costumes necessary for the company, and we are planning to keep applying for more grants to help us finance rehearsal space and costumes. All additional expenses are cleared with dancers before moving forward if dancers are being asked to contribute.
How to audition? Submit the application below, and you will get a confirmation email that you are expected to come to the audition. Current deadline to submit your application is March 14. Audition is on Sunday 3/15. There is a $10 fee to audition.
What can you expect at the audition? Come wearing what you’d usually wear to a belly dance class — yoga pants or tights and a top that allows up to see your line and we’ll be dancing barefoot. We’ll ask you to perform a dance solo to music and style of your choice, three minutes to show us what you’ve got! Then we’ll teach you a short belly dance choreography as a group and ask you to perform in small groups.
Once you are ready, proceed to answer the questions and don't forget to click on the "submit" button so we receive your application.
We can’t wait to meet you! Please pass on this post to friends who may be interested in auditioning too. Got questions? Email Seyyide at seyyide@seyyide.com or call, text her at 774-473-9785.
We look forward to seeing you soon!