huh

[alonewiththemoon]

Not that I'm remotely thinking of auditioning, but I was heartened to see this note in the most recent Bellydance SuperStars call for auditions.  The age range used to be 18-28, I believe--it's good to see an acknowledgment that a dancer might well be in her prime well into her 30s:

A NOTE FROM MILES COPELAND:
The criteria is simply this: this is a professional dance troupe with physical demands in stamina and availability. Being able to be away from home for 3-4 months at a time is a must. Performing as many as 7 shows a week is also a must. Ability to learn choreography quickly is very helpful. Having a specialty (something unique) is always a plus. As a rule, ages 18-40, UNLESS you have something special to offer and can take the rigors of touring.

Contrary to some misinformed popular opinion, we do NOT look for one body type, but being fit is essential in a professional touring troupe. Above all, we look for talent, good attitude, and pleasing persona on stage. Then again, it’s more true to say I don’t know what I’m looking for until I see it. So come on down!

Comments

[nepenthedreams]

That's great to see. I'm sure that there are some unconscious biases but it's good that upfront the auditions are open to anyone who has the skills at the required level (which as we discussed a few years ago, considering the training he wants people to be doing, would probably put them in the top of their form no matter what their age).

[bluemoonsaga.livejournal.com]

to be honest some of the dancers in the show are over 30/40 so miles can't very well discriminate can he??bb

[alonewiththemoon]

hey, I know you! :-) Yeah, some of the dancers are already in that age range--I think maybe their example showed him that the original age requirement was pretty limiting in terms of the talent they could attract (not that there aren't enormously talented 18 year olds out there, but typically people don't start dancing until they are a bit older, which makes them older still when they are really good).

[bluemoonsaga.livejournal.com]

hi back. i've been over here awhile. bb