From the Land of OZ, Oberon and Zaina's Reviews of the IBDC
Written Separately, but as Always from being Together
Show / Event Review
Coming to Las Vegas
July 30th to August 5th, 2007
The Biggest Event in Belly Dance History (That is just one of the questions)
The International Belly Dance Convention * aka: The IBDC
The IBDC as Zaina Experienced It!
Disclaimer of sorts: As you may know, I have been writing reviews of shows, CDs, DVDs, etc. for nearly 20 years now. Some events I absolutely love and can’t help but express that personal opinion of excitement (gushing as they say). Others I don’t like so well, but I still bring the highlights, suggested improvements, and benefits to the dance community.
Reviews are what they are, a personal, as well as experienced opinion. Who is doing the reviewing, their reputation, etc. is what brings us to accepting or not accepting the information we read. Wikipedia says “A review is an evaluation of a publication, movie, video game, musical composition, book, etc. In addition to a critical statement, the reviews author may assign the work a rating (for instance, one to five stars) to indicate its relative merit (you have seen me do this with other reviews). And I will do so here. You will understand later why I bother with this explanation.
I wanted to let the dust settle a bit, before offering my personal review and corresponding comments of this advertised “biggest event in belly dance history”. I needed time as they say to wrap my head around it, which I am still not sure I have been able to do. But, aside from the experiences I had, having been to some of the great events in this country, I did not see this particular Vegas event as actually being the advertised “Biggest Event in Belly Dance History”. And I still wonder at the boastful, ballsy comment that to this day remains the heading of their website. If you were there and without blinders or other “agenda” as they say, then you saw how big it was or was not. And no amount of exaggeration or self promotion will change the real numbers or what was viewed by all attendees/participants.
I was curious and somewhat excited to see if the promoter could do what he/they advertised (produce the biggest belly dance event in history) and said they would do. In one of our conversations via telephone, the promoter told me he thinks bigger than we do. So I wanted to see how big he was talking - if the old adage, this is 8 inches when it is really 4 was what we were gonna get. Perhaps a vulgar analogy, but by the end of this article an accurate one. I was quite intrigued to see if this seemingly first time promoter in our community could do it so much better, and bigger, more credibly, and if he/they really could teach me/us a few things (or not).
This promoter has placed a cautionary statement on their website, "Much controversy and speculation have been made regarding the future of the IBDC, we would like to assure you that we have taken steps for our protection, and we are currently planning our schedule for the 2008 convention, stay tuned for future dates!!" As well, some of us were handed faxes from the offices of attorneys making "legal" statements” as to the whys and what-fors some workshop instructors were not in attendance, and we see opposing posts on various lists that propose to come from workshop instructor’s and others from organizers, it seems pretty clear there may be issues and legalities we don’t want to participate in. As well, in my opinion when the promoter does not truly face up to the music of what he seems to have created, it just leaves a “bad taste in the mouth” and I wonder how many will go back next time round. Who will be so willing to cough up their hard earned money after such disappointment?
And, people who put in writing that they are truthfully speaking – well if they are not the promoter, nor the workshop instructors who were unable to make the event, for whatever reason, and if said truthful speakers don’t hold a contract in hand that would clearly – clear things up, then they should head this the suggestion that they may have to one day back up the words they believe to be the truth with their own hard earned reputations – TRUTHFULLY SPEAKING of course.
I will say clearly, I support those individuals, who like me, have spent their careers bringing events to our community - - risking themselves financially and emotionally, but risking out of love for an art form rather than merely as a “business venture”. This has always been art first, business second and while that may seem a bit crazy to some business professionals, it is simply what is in my heart, not my pocket that speaks loudest.
So, on to my experience, opinion and observations of the 2007 IBDC:
No, this wasn’t, in my opinion, the biggest nor anywhere near the biggest event in belly dance history. Is that “biggest” statement like so many other issues surrounding this event truthful, deceitful, or merely exaggerations of an excited event organizer? I suppose we will each try to decide what of those is most accurate and of course we are all entitled to our own opinions.
In the months prior to this event, I suffered slights to my own competition, made by a workshop instructor of the IBDC, as well as slights from the “media director” that common sense and simple respect tells a person not to say. It was a frustrating few months leading into the event, but I did try to be as supportive as possible, I still went when my gut told me “don’t go” and was supportive while I was there, especially of the many competitors, dancers and vendors. Give me shopping and I will shop.
So, I guess I could ask, the biggest at what? Perhaps in advertising to promote the event but in attendees, well, I wonder if there are any actual numbers, because the massive crowds eluded me. When I was there on Thursday, the 2nd of August, there were no more than 35 people in the audience of the competitions (one I judged the other I watched) a small pittance compared to other competitions I have attended recently and over the years. Perhaps the other categories were more heavily attended. The category sizes were good and the performances were exciting - - I just wish there had been more of an audience for all their effort.
Biggest by way of vendors? Well, ask the vendors that were there(there have been a few who posted to lists and it seems they have different opinions, but then that is the case of any event, one vendor may do very well, another not so well). There should be a list somewhere, but I never did see one posted. Nearly everyone that I spoke with however, regarding "how they were doing" said there had been hardly anyone there, let alone buying customers.
Side note 1: When we got to the event lobby area, one of the very first things we were told by some very frustrated vendors was that some had to pay Union wages to have their merchandise loaded into the building, one to the tune of $300 plus. Not sure if everyone experienced this, but wow, what an unexpected expense, one that could affect profits. I am guessing the Union issue was a surprise to everyone, but any event promoter with vendors should be completely aware of these potential charges to their customers.
Side note 2: Recently the comment was made by a vendor who was at IBDC; “I made more as a vendor at this event than the last four competitions I attended”. That seems a direct shot at those of us who do and have been producing competitions for years and I would point out here that this event began on Monday and completed on Sunday, so seven days of vending in this one event as opposed to two days at most other events and competitions. I would hope to make more money in this type of extended situation. (I suppose if you do the numbers it would take 4 events of two days to almost equal the 7 day ride of this event, so it is logical rather than exceptional to make as much money at this event as the last four 2 day competitions attended). Perhaps just my way of looking at things and putting the sniping comment that was made into perspective. And this was not only a competition, so why the comment about the last four competitions anyway – why single out competitions only? Snip, snip, snip. And why? To what purpose? To hype the new guy while slapping those of us in the face who have “earned” our positions in this community through years of hard work? Not something I will forget I assure you.
As I walked around, the vendors who usually have stand-in-line customers, had none and many of the vending tables were covered for the 9 hours I was at the event. There were certainly no where near as many as I have seen at some of the truly large Belly Dance events across the country. So, to my experience, not bigger in vendors (and not what seemed to be promised on the web site before the event). Perhaps just bigger in thought for the promoter who admitted to me he had not attended one of those “largest events”, but rather that he had representatives at the other event to inform him of its size and content.
If biggest is referring to the amount of signs and advertising, my gosh, the signs (and they were beautifully done) were everywhere in the hotel/casino, and a few we actually saw in town – so yeah, a lot of signs, much hype, commercials in and out of the US, probably more than I have ever seen for an event. Yeah - - BIGGER advertising budget.
Big as far as how far you had to travel to get to the host hotel – well, the taxi ride to the hotel from the strip cost us a whopping $35.00 one way, so $70.00 round trip. Can’t imagine doing that for 6 or 7 days ($400 to $500). We did not stay at the hosting hotel because we had other things lined up to do while in Vegas and those were all down on the strip as was our hotel of choice. And I for one wanted to play in and around the excitement of Sin City – which again the promoter said he could use to the benefit of the event. The drive took about 30-40 minutes - - when I say way out there, I do mean way out there in comparison to the strip. So, if the promoter was looking for the enticement of the Vegas strip and its glorious hotels/casinos to help get people there, other than dancers, the general public then he failed by having the event so far away from that very excitement. Why would the general public want to leave the strip and the excitement there to travel that far to an off strip event to see Belly Dancers, when so many other shows are offered on the strip and some at cheaper prices? And our feet told us we walked a half mile to get from the drop off location at the front of the hotel to the ballrooms upstairs.
Bigger by way of prizes for the competition? Well, yeah pretty amazing there. Great prizes, some as high as $3,000 (they said cash prizes on the web site, but then they also told the dancers that the checks would be mailed to them later, after the event was over. Things that make you go hmmmmmm) and trips to Egypt. I guess the proof of that “bigger” would be when the trips are taken and the checks are received and cashed. (Since I originally wrote this in August 07 - and it is now September 07, the talk on the street (from the winners and some workshop instructors) is that contestant winners have still not been paid their prize money and some instructors have not been paid, yet there is to some still promises). And it is not hard to see that this does affect the rest of the competitions down the line - a hard thing for competitors and the community to swallow - seems stuck in our throats. Broken Promises.
Bigger by way of the amount of workshop instructors and workshops? Nope, and that is even before some of the instructors didn’t make it. Have seen more at other events. Perhaps they meant bigger in name and reputation. But then, who decides what name is the bigger one?
Bigger in fees? Oh yeah, IBDC may win this one. The posted cost for the Friday and Saturday night show, sitting in the VIP area was $450.00. BIGGER, no doubt. I believe it was $145ish for a straight "gala show" entrance ticket (hard to really understand their fee structure I think first because it was such a shock - - and I can’t remember if that did or did not include dinner, but then I haven’t talked to anyone who did go to the Friday / Sat shows. The competition segment was over on Thursday, so no more double up in that there wasn’t competition at the same time there was a show for the Friday and Saturday Galas. But, yes, BIGGER in cost for entrance.
Other observations and frustrations:
I had spoken with the promoter several times via telephone prior to the event (he stated to me on the phone that he does not answer e-mails because he receives too many - - another alarm was set off with this one). The very first thing I expressed via telephone was that Oberon and I wanted to interview Dina and that it would be our main focus for attending the event. As you know, the Dancer to Dancer interviews are the most uniquely done interviews in the Belly Dance world – personal as opposed to merely question and answer sessions. We truly felt we could do a wonderful interview with this iconic woman. I have adored Dina and was an immediate fan since the first time I saw her in 1994. I was told via telephone conversation that we would have the interview and I continued to pursue that interview right to the day we arrived.
But I was also told in the week prior to our arrival at IBDC, by the newly placed media director (and in writing) that "many many people wanted to interview Dina" and there was no guarantee of an interview - - a bit hard to swallow after I had spent money on airfare, hotel, etc. He then actually asked us if we had contacts at CNN that we could give him so that he could set up press time for Dina and Amani (which gave us the feeling that his opinion might be the little belly dance publications weren’t nearly so important). (I never did see CNN reps there either). And via telephone the same media director told me that Dina would not be arriving until Friday, (which I found interesting since that was the day she was to teach and was scheduled I believe from 10 - noon). He also commented that she was a very big star, and as hard to get a hold of as Brittany Spears. I couldn’t keep up with the flying poo at this point and I was clearly on high alert. So, you might be feeling here as I did, there were serious communications or lack thereof, issues.
Suffice to say, after meeting said media director face to face, and after more of his condescending and rude comments, I angrily told him I was done with our conversation as he lounged back in his chair seemingly looking down his nose at us. The deceit and games had gone far enough and I couldn’t bare another minute of conversation with him. Personally, it seemed once he had placed his foot in his mouth, he just couldn’t keep from further cramming it down his throat, choking on his own lies and drama. I did NOT get the respectful treatment others claim to have had. And I was merely asking that they back up what they had promised.
This same media director tried to make amends later by offering me an “interview spot” on the casino’s player’s club network. I suggested it would make more sense to interview the workshop instructors and he said there weren’t any there, in the vending room. As I looked around, I saw 4 workshop instructors and pointed them out, to which he responded, “oh, didn’t know who they were”. Interesting comment I think and clearly a lack of knowledge of our community and by the claimed Media Director.
So, are you getting a flavor of our experience here?
I suppose in finality, I personally believe some of what you hear about this event may be truthful, truthfully speaking, and some may be deceit and outlandish exaggerations. How do you determine which is which? Well, in my years of experience, I trust the judgment and comments of those I know to be truthful, those who don’t posture to merely put themselves in better position. Those who don’t see this man as a cash cow who will elevate them to higher status. I am certainly not convinced that the IBDC can continue its claim as the BIGGEST. But then time tells all, don’t you think?
Zaina gives this event (rather than stars), a whopping two and one quarter inches.
The IBDC
Through the eyes of – Oberon
Troublesome memories tend to fade – a happy fact for the promoter of the IBDC, Las Vegas this year.
Taking Middle Eastern Dance to the home of “bump and grind” in an artistic and educational manner is a feat in itself, but entering a new arena, admittedly without experiencing the great festivals and competitions put on by veteran sponsors of our national community seems a mistake. Especially when the website seem to boast an overwhelming and pricy criteria with some very large carrots dangled to seduce dancers to reserve a large portion of their annual spending money to travel to “Sin City” in search of serious cultural instruction with legendary dancers and the hope of exotic new costuming from Egypt’s best .
O.K. – so a lot has been bandied around on lists about this event, and as is usual in this strongly Matriarchal world of our dance, strong speech has been used to defend, protect and validate “the nice man” who is the promoter of this event, who indeed did have a nice public persona and seemed quite upset by the direction the event had gone … but … because my Editor, Zaina Hart allows it and because I feel you deserve to feel you can turn to iShimmy for an educated decision here is my observations of the IBDC. What follows are my experiences and observations only based on years of attending workshops, contests and festivals in our community and without having the agenda of Vendor, Competitor, Teacher or Promoter at this event.
It is important that you know that I talked Zaina into accompanying me to this event, my sole focus being to take a class from … and procure an interview with the legendary Dina. There were a few staff changes during our communications with IBDC and rumors of course, that the power-house Suhaila Salimpour would not teach at the event – although her name appeared on the web site in the teaching schedule long after we found she was indeed not teaching at this event.
Zaina having spoken personally to the promoter several times and assured that we would have Carte Blanc to report every aspect of the event, (including the observation of Dina’s teaching style and an interview with the enigmatic star), we confidently awaited our promised press packets ... which never came.
Zaina had accepted a judging assignment for the competition and I had paid for Dina’s class so that I could participate and observe as an officially registered participant.
I received immediate confirmation.
One of the personal to come aboard before we departed was the Media Director. Connecting only a few days before we left for the event, he hinted that the interview with Dina might be more difficult than first thought, due to the hoards of media desiring to meet and interview the star. I related to him that media outside of our business would be more interested in the controversy that surrounded her and certainly not interested in the industry / art related interview I had planned for her. My reply to him - that in the beginning of our communications, the promoter had given his word as regarded our focused plans and I would simply report my experiences as they happened. He agreed and promised to check our credentials, which he did – and we received a letter instructing us to contact him and pick up our press badges when we arrived.
Those of you who know me realize that I lived in Vegas for many years and travel there often throughout the year, and so, I was concerned learning that the venue – the new South Point Casino – was so far away from the other hotels on the Vegas Strip. It meant to me, the much- hoped –for “general public”, was more than probably not going to make the lengthy trip away from other amusements even if mildly interested. Believe me, this was born out by the cost of our taxi - $35.00 EACH WAY to the event and back.
We arrived at the South Point during one of the unfortunate Vegas rain storms and water was pouring under the doors and onto the carpet in several areas of the lengthy hallways we had to traverse to find the event. Just before reaching the escalators, an abundance of the same decorative cards showcasing dancers like Aradia hung from the ceiling to herald the event entrance – a poster of Dina adorned an adjacent wall.
We ascended into what I can only describe as a bleak scene. The event was cut in two – upon entering we saw a half dozen round cafeteria tables surrounded with folding chairs and ceremoniously decorated with Hooka pipes. They stood sadly and small within the yawning maw of a warehouse-esque space and behind a counter to the side of them, 3 people worked to inform, register and direct any inquiries. We were ushered to one of the waiting tables to wait for the media director and were greeted by several familiar faces from our community family of vendors and dancers. The media director did eventually join us, raising the hackles of my Editor and friend Zaina during an admittedly inexperienced beginning conversation with her. After a brief break to regain her composure, we sat down to discover that the Egyptian Treasures, that we and so many others had expensively traveled to see – were indeed to a woman and man – not coming. Now, as you have heard I’m sure – we were also told that one contract had been broken but that all others including Dina, Saad and Amani had not been able at the last moment to pick up their visas, due to unforeseen problems.
The Media Director was nice enough to guide me over the lengthy distance to the area where the work-shops were being held so I could retrieve a refund for my class. It was during this time he admitted that being within our community for only two weeks left him feeling awkwardly inexperienced when dealing with the changed situation. The promoter was behind the counter in this area and explaining the situation as he saw it – he was offering three other workshop teachers in place of the legend. Given my focus I politely declined and was given a refund slip.
I made the long journey back to the entrance area, which unfortunately, I felt, was also the vendor’s area which I entered in search of Zaina. The vending area was again, in a giant, bleak ware-house of a room and the vendors were spread out in the formation of general trade show. To my eye, the promised visiting costumers were not present – but there, in a space far separated from the work-shops and their participants, were the venerated and faithful purveyors of our dance – the revered Harry Saroyan, the lovable Ma' Shuqa and Carl, Audrena, Delilah, Babylon Breeze and so many more recognizable faces. I was not aware of any published vendor list so I’m guessing at around thirty.
Given our reasons for coming to the event, we did not return the following day, but that day and night, the great vendor hall was virtually empty of customers.
In time, we left this area and again traveled down the long hallway to the casino’s restaurant to eat before our judging portion of the competition. (It was in this hallway that I met sweet and busy Amira who was front and center that night, working the competition with elegance and calm). A couple of weeks prior to our trip, Zaina had suggested to IBDC that I also judge the competition that night and so we made our way to the separate room that housed the stage in time to see the Fusion and Tribal troupes complete their challenge.
Large cash prizes were offered in every category and the dancers were rising to the opportunity with fabulous costumes and music and routines.
We judged the Oriental Troupes of which there were 14 in all. The competitors varied in style, costume, country of origin, dance experience and vision. For me it was the most pleasant part of the day to see all the education of our dance coming to life in front of us. What an honor to see the obviously long term commitment of the competitors coming from different nations with a common goal.
Here again, I must admit to being spoiled by the beautiful backdrops provided by The Double Crown and Rakkasah – I have so many memorable pictures from those venues and I had pre-supposed that IBDC would work to match those beautiful expensive settings but again the surroundings and audience were very spare.
However, I was grateful again to Amira and the wonderful staff of women who made sure we were well taken care of and made very welcome.
As you can see, I have tried to show you - through my eyes what I saw literally without personal comment as to my conclusions.
Though I want you to form your own opinions, I feel it is my duty to say to our readers – there is value in the hard work of proven community promoters who are often time also dancers like Zaina Hart with the Double Crown Competition, Shukriya with Rakkasah,
Mezdulene with Belly Dancer USA, Janie with Wiggles of the West and others tried and true. The venues are beautiful, the vendors are thoughtfully placed for success, Competitors are knowingly screened so they compete in correct categories, prizes are instantly given in total - no part is mailed after the fact – work shop instructors are chosen carefully –flown in and housed ahead of time at the promoters’ expense. Judges for the most part are respected members of our international community with on-going education and teaching practices …
Sometimes the glittering promises of ardent newcomers work to excite us into believing they can do it “Bigger and Better” than the faithful, dependable work horses of our community. With that bravado, there is the same responsibility for failure to provide what is promised, that belongs to the people in our community that have been laying on the line for all these years. Yeah – I’m saying that competitions such as IBDC are charging easily twice the daily rate for daily tickets hugely more for the dinner shows featuring their star instructors - $270.00 for the discounted rate - PER PERSON for their main dinner show. I know the furor that is unleashed on familiar promoters’ heads for the slightest inconsistency or perceived mistake. On the IBDC web site, the message states that - ( Much controversy and speculation have been made regarding the future of the IBDC, we would like to assure you that we have taken steps for our protection, and we are currently planning our schedule for the 2008 convention, stay tuned for future dates!!). This I copied and pasted directly from their website.
When planning and paying to attend a competition and workshops if the promoter is not responsible then wherein does that responsibility lie – who collects reward when the event is successful?
Maybe it’s good to be reminded how valuable your choice of where you spend you dollars is – and the many offers of help by well respected members of our community could maybe spell relief and more success for people already crafting the events in our world.
Maybe the newcomers should work hard and prove themselves what do you think?
In any case, the unanswered questions of the IBDC can be useful as we debate “familiarity breeding contempt”. Let’s take steps for our own protection when we judge these events by the actions they take and the truths that we know.
In closing I must say – it goes against the grain to have to be so careful not to name the names – to be so careful as to also be “protected” - because had the web-site boasted the truth, all entities would be standing “peacock proud” to absorb the well-earned glory. So, maybe another lesson about murky water.
