Advance Your Bellydance Podcast: Business Edition

One day (hopefully soon), we'll get back to performing for others on stage, at weddings, or even in a restaurant with patrons only half paying attention to us in between bites.  But right now, if you're still enjoying the online haflas and want more tips on how to shine without having a direct audience in front of you, this week's tips are for you! Make sure to book your spot for the Vintage Era Vibes Workshop at www.zana.dance/workshops --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aybd/support

"If you're an artist then you understand the art aspect of it is not just about the dollar sign, it’s about including people who can express their art and share their movement with others, and give opportunity and a platform for people to express that.” - Ahava⁠ I’m all about paving your own road to success and defining what it means for you, not what you’re conditioned to see. That’s why I’m so excited to have another very special guest this week.  Listen to Ahava's 3 tips on defining your own success in the bellydance world, the positive changes she’s seen in the community, how far we still have to go and what she’s working on to make that happen.⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aybd/support

This week, we’re talking about a pioneer of Oriental Dance: Badia Masabni. Badia Masabani was an entertainer and a businesswoman who in the 1920s opened several clubs that launched the careers of some famous bellydancers, like Samia Gamal and Taheya Carioca. Listen to hear 3 fun facts about this Golden Era’s most famous businesswoman. If you’re a fan of Golden Era bellydance or want to learn more about it, come join the Vintage Era Vibes workshop on Saturday, September 12th. You’ll learn a vintage bellydance inspired choreography to a beautiful piece of Franco-Arabic music. If you’re local to Berlin, you can come join in person or you can follow the workshop online. If you can’t make it that day but still want to learn the choreography, you’ll have 7 days to view the video! The Early Bird for the Vintage Era Vibes Workshop price ends August 10th, at 23:59 CEST so hurry and sign up now: www.zana.dance/workshops --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aybd/support

Comedy has always been a big part of my life so it's no surprise I find parallels between stand-up comedy and performing on stage. Listen for 4 stage tips to take away from one of my favorite comedians. Sign up for Less is More at: http://bit.ly/lessismorecourse or at www.zana.dance/less-is-more --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aybd/support

“When life gets you down, improvise as if crawling was part of the choreography.” -  Iveta Cherneva But if you’re terrified of improv, this sage advice might be moot. Let’s fix that, with these 3 steps to more confident improvisation. If you want to dive deeper into improvisation need that extra push to get you to actually practice it like free stuff Then sign up for my free email course, Less is More. You’ll get e-mails with tips and prompts on how to dance more honestly and authentically and how to captivate your audience. No bellydance gymnastics required. Sign up for Less is More at: bit.ly/lessismorecourse or at zana.dance/less-is-more --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aybd/support

“When you’re vulnerable, you give not only yourself a chance to learn, but you show others it’s ok to be that way, too.” - Catrice Fairuza How can we create equity for those with different experiences than us? How can we ensure we’re inclusive, on stage and in the dance studio? How can we overall be less garbage-y and just be better? I’m excited to interview Catrice Fairuza on her experience as a Black MENAHT dancer on topics like her start in bellydance, becoming a costume designer when other designers charge $200+ for plus sized costumes (yes, really), winning competitions as the “underdog”, and much more. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aybd/support

“Designers could do a lot to step up but mostly, they could do a lot to just say they’re available, understand, and are able to accommodate.” - Eshta Amar In this interview with bellydancer and costume designer Eshta Amar, we talk about body inclusivity in bellydance (or rather, the lack thereof). Where we are now, why it's important, and what the bellydance community can do to help. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aybd/support

Not on Pinterest? You’re missing out on sales, my dear! Here are 3 Pin ideas to get you started and sell out your classes. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aybd/support

This week we’re talking about 3 ways to keep going when you’re no longer motivated. And during these shitty times, who can blame you? I sure don’t. If you’ve been patting yourself on the back for just getting out of bed, I’m right there with you. So let’s look at 3 ways to take it a step further and start thinking long term. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aybd/support

If you’re like me, you’ve probably been watching a bit too much TV recently. But if you’re also like me, you’re looking for creativity, inspiration, and motivation everywhere, even when lazily watching your umpteenth show on Netflix. Enter: “Restaurants on Edge”. Find out why I love this Netflix show and how one musician’s cool idea gets you thinking outside of the box for your bellydance business. Come dance with me! Online Workshops and Classes: June 27th Intensive Technique Workshops: www.zana.dance/workshops Weekly Live Online Bellydance Classes: www.zana.dance/classes --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aybd/support

Quarantine has (mostly) lifted where I’m at in Berlin but the Check-In Chat with another awesome bellydancer is back. Lisa Zahiya is back to lift your spirits with her positive outlook and just all-around hard-working, ass-kicking energy. In this week’s episode you’ll hear: - Lisa’s 4 pieces of advice to get you through this - How this 1 phrase will change your mindset - How she shows up for herself - And what Serena Williams can teach you about accountability www.zana.dance www.zana.dance/classes --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aybd/support

How To Support The Black Dance Community: https://www.dancespirit.com/support-black-dance-community-2646147157.html Donate To Color of Change: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/support-us How To Support Black Lives Matter: https://www.timeout.com/things-to-do/how-to-support-black-lives-matter Donate To Bail Funds: https://www.dsa-la.org/support_floyd_protests_nationwide https://www.autostraddle.com/43-bail-funds-you-can-absolutely-support-right-now/ Black Lives Matter Website: https://blacklivesmatter.com/ How To Stop Hate Groups Via Education: https://www.lifeafterhate.org/donations Support Black-Owned Businesses: https://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/a32729106/black-owned-businesses/ https://nymag.com/strategist/article/black-owned-businesses-support-shop.html https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/03/success/consumers-support-black-owned-small-businesses/index.html How To Support The Black Lives Movement When You Can’t Join A Protest: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/black-lives-matter-p

The Quarantine Check-In Chat is back this week with another fabulous dancer kicking ass during tough times. These episodes are all about spreading positivity, sharing tips and being grateful even through these crappy times so I’m happy to have chatted with Rosa Noreen again! Wondering what tips a seasoned dancer has for teaching online? Find out: - what Rosa recommends doing before teaching your first online class - the tool she relies on to stay organized - what fluffy creatures make appearances in her classes Live online classes start on June 2nd! For more info visit www.zana.dance/classes --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aybd/support

You worked hard and built a group of email subscribers but now doubt yourself: what if I made the wrong decision? This and that expert say I should be on this hottest social media app instead. What if I’m wrong and nobody sees my posts? And then you start doubting yourself, you procrastinate and say “well, I’ll just do some more research” and never actually hit that send button. And that’s a shame! I wanna read your stuff and I bet you, I’m not the only one! Listen to this week’s episode to find out why this distraction keeps you from posting the most amazing content you’ve been hiding from the world, and what to focus on instead. Spoiler alert: you ain’t the only one! www.zana.dance --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aybd/support

Starting to get cabin fever and stir-crazy? Not sure what’s next in bellydance? We got you. This week, Yamê joins me again as a guest on the AYBD Podcast but this time, for a Quarantine Check-In & Chat. We talk about: - how 2 hermits are coping with their new schedules

This week I want to try something different: when you head on over to your emails, you’ll have gotten a fun challenge for you to try today. It’s a great way to practice your improvisation skills with some guidance so you don’t feel like deer stuck in the headlights. Head on over to www.zana.dance and sign up for the newsletter, and start practicing your improv skills with structure! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aybd/support

Bootstrapping is building a company from the ground up with nothing but your savings, and money comes in from your sales and services. Oftentimes what this means for small business, the self-employed or freelancers, is that each and every task related to your business is probably done by yourself. That means writing ad copy, setting up newsletter lists, posting on social media, doing your own accounting, the list is endless! Not to mention, the time you actually spend on prepping for your classes or performances. I’m a fan of doing it yourself when you can, but even I’ve had to learn when to ask for help. Here are 5 ways you know when it’s time to stop trying to do it yourself and hire a pro. For more bellydance tips straight to your inbox, visit advanceyourbellydance.com and sign up for the free newsletter. www.zana.dance --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aybd/support

You might think in order to launch a product, say your new coaching program or online class, that you’ll need an elaborate website and a huge social media following, right? Wrong! Today we’re talking about why email marketing is still the best investment you can make in your business, how to do it for free, and how to do a launch with just an email list. For more bellydance tips straight to your inbox, visit advanceyourbellydance.com and sign up for the free newsletter. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aybd/support

Whether dancing or gigging is a full time or part-time job for you, you’re probably doing a version of it from home for the time being. Here are 4 ways I’m maintaining my sanity (and ok, some productivity, too) working from home during this difficult time we’re all facing. Please remember: it’s not a productivity contest and this situation we’re all going through in different ways isn’t forever. Do what you can to make yourself feel normal, sane, happy and don’t be too hard on yourself if some days suck more than others. For more bellydance tips straight to your inbox, visit advanceyourbellydance.com and sign up for the free newsletter. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aybd/support

Today we’re talking about 4 of the many ways you can use Sports Psychology to help you perform better, whether it be as a teacher in the studio, a performer on stage, or running your dance business. For more bellydance tips straight to your inbox, visit advanceyourbellydance.com and sign up for the free newsletter. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aybd/support