I survived the Bellydance Superstars Auditions….and the journey there!

Its been a crazy few weeks dealing with all the fear and anxiety that surfaces before such a big day. So many questions… am I worthy? Am I good enough? Could I actually handle the job if I where to get it? What music should I dance to? Should it be slow or fast? A résumé, a bio, photos…. Aaaagghhh!

Of course obstacles where all around me; this could not be a simple day. I planned my course of action and even got a hotel room on Miami Beach due to my crazy two-day schedule prior to and through the audition. I had to teach at MEDE on Thursday morning, be at the BDSS show on Thursday night, audition next morning, and then perform again later that night at MEDE for a fund- raiser. Traffic being what it is in South Florida, it would have been at least 45 minutes driving each way if I had not booked the room. As it was, I barely made the audition time frame spending a large portion of the drive there in bumper to bumper standstills. Needless to say, knowing others had flown in, taken days off from work, and basically packed and prepared an entire trip around a 3 minute shot at the audition, I kept my stress in perspective.

Thursday…

I taught my class at MEDE on Thursday morning, which was also our last rehearsal for the Friday night fundraiser. I met one of the many talented dancers that was in town for the audition Shara from North Carolina. Shara had auditioned once before and had a wonderful sense of calmness and professionalism. She helped remind me of why we dance and that opportunity to be a part of the BDSS was certainly one not to be missed.

The Bellydance Superstars and Desert Roses where all amazing! I had a great time at the show with my Mom and the entire south Florida Bellydance community. The crowd was excited and their passion and support for the artist showed through out the entire show. I couldn’t stop zagareting, yipping and dancing in my seat and was surely not alone in this.

Being simultaneously awestruck, inspired, and completely overwhelmed, I was “ready” to focus on the audition. I went right back to the hotel after the show to prepare for the next morning and attempted a good night sleep.

Friday…

I woke up at 5:30a to get ready as I thought I had planed out my travel time perfectly being only 15 minutes from the studio. In classic fashion, I pulled onto AIA south into a parking lot of cars. Doh! I continued to consciously breathe, watching the clock and praying I didn’t miss my big chance. It looked like I might for a few minutes there since the cars were at a standstill for some time.

Once there, I ended up running from the closest, pricey parking lot (in full tribal garb) to arrive at the studio at 9:10 am. The hallway was wall to wall packed with over 60 beautiful dancers in full costume and make-up. Nothing had happened yet, so I made it in one piece. I worked my way down to the end of the hallway, saying hello to all of the familiar faces. By the time I finished prepping myself, I can honestly say I was feeling very good and ready to go. I was a little nervous, but nothing compared to the doubt and fear I felt while preparing for the big day. I guess its true what they say about fear being the bigger obstacle in any challenge on gives themselves.

Eventually, Bozenka (who was organizing the groups of dancers) came out into the hall and called all of the Tribal dancers in…. this was it. The moment was here. I believe their was a total of 12 of us. We entered the studio where Jillina, Sharon and Miles were awaiting. Bozenka saw me, smiled, give me a hug and wished me well. I entered the studio and the ride began.

Sharon taught us a combo and we ran few it a few times. We then performed it on our own and improved for about 30 seconds at the end. We were then asked to line up in a tight close line and introduce ourselves. At this point they paused to confirm who the finalists were. A few brief moments later, they thanked all of the dancers and announced the 5 finalists. I had made the cut. I was in the finals! I was also in complete auto pilot mode, I grabbed my resume, music & zills and waited for the solos to begin as if in a dream. The solos were all wonderful and I was fortunate to get to see them all as I was the last to perform. I handed Jillina my resume and music and it was showtime! When this very vivid and exciting “lucid dream” of an experience ended, I thanked them all very much for the opportunity and that was it! They then quickly called the first group of caberet dancers and began that part of their auditions.

I did manage to snap a photo with Sharon before she left to catch her plane. She was so kind. Her energy is so very cool, rooted, and down to earth.


The cabaret auditions where happening fast. Though their where several groups, they only chose five dancers for the finals as well. It played out just like any professional large audition with every emotion made present and every story told through the experience and hard work to get there, take a chance, and take what comes.

I personally did not want to regret not giving it a shot, and I am so happy I took a chance and put it out there. Deciding to face my fears and by continuously reminding myself of why I bellydance is what got me through it. Now I get back to my real life and patiently wait for them to contact me. What a ride!