Audience
Members
Audience
Members
How To Be An Appreciative Audience Member
by Shira
You love to watch Middle Eastern dance, and as an audience member you want to
provide the kind of support and feedback that the dancer will appreciate. But
maybe you're not sure what's appropriate. Should you watch quietly, the way you
would when you go to the symphony? Should you get rowdy and shout "Hey, mama!
What a woman!" at the stage? Customs vary from one country to another, but here
are some guidelines that may help.
Belly dancers usually like it when the audience actively engages in enjoying the
show. This is not the time to sit quietly and politely--save that for the
symphony! In fact, an exuberant audience response often energizes the performer
and makes it easier for her to relate to you and the other spectators.
Below are some suggestions on how to show your own enthusiasm for a dancer's
performance. Read them over, and use the ones that feel natural for you.
Body Language
There's an old adage, "Actions speak louder than words." You can say a lot with
body language! Lean forward. Smile brightly at the dancer. Make eye contact with
her. Nod your head, sway in your chair, or tap your foot in time to the music.
Clap in time to the music.
If the dancer does a movement that particularly impresses you, such as intricate
stomach undulations, feel free to applaud either while she's still doing it or
immediately after she finishes it, whichever feels more natural to you.
In the United States, dances are often divided into several "parts", with each
"part" consisting of a song. For example, the dancer might enter to a fast,
spritely song, then dance with her veil to a slow, dreamy rhumba, followed by a
fast finale. It is always appropriate to applaud in the typical U.S. style at
the end of each such part--you can clap, whoop, whistle, etc.
Arabic Expressions
One way to let the dancer know you're enjoying her show is to shout something
complimentary. You don't have to wait for a song to end to call out one of these
expressions--it's perfectly fine to speak up at the moment the dancer does
something you particularly enjoy seeing. Here are some Arabic-language
suggestions, provided by Khedaoudj Megateli:
Masha 'Allah. Comes from "Insha 'Allah" which means "God Willing," but
is used to express admiration.
Ya 'Aini. Means, "Oh my eyes!"
Ya 'Allah. Means, "Oh my God!" in the context of calling God to come to your
rescue). You can also say it contracted Yallah, which means, "Go for it, come
on!"
Ya Halla. Means, "What a welcome sight!"
Ya Marhaba. Means, "Sweet Greeting!"
Ya Gadda'. Means, "What a strength!"
Wa Na'am. Means, "What a beautiful bounty!"
Qunti Fin. Means, "Where were you?" (Suggesting hidden beauty, such as the
American expression, "Where have you been all my life?")
Ta'alli. Means, "Come here!"
Smalla' 'Alik. Means, "May God protect you."
English-Language Expressions
No one ever said you must express your admiration for a performer in Arabic!
There are plenty of things you can say in English that will get your point
across, and be understood by other audience members. Here are some ideas:
Wow!
Lovely!
Beautiful!
Nice!
Think twice before you use slangy expressions like, "Go, Baby!" In some
communities they may be construed as an insult, even if you didn't mean them
that way.
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