Let’s roll my Tribal Fest posts into my Professional Ambitions series and talk a bit about the important role of networking in becoming a professional dancer, and some tips on how to properly network at a belly dance festival. Once again, standard disclaimers apply, I am not presenting myself as an expert, this series is a “learn alongside me” experience.

It’s often said that “It’s not WHAT you know, it’s WHO you know” and that often applies in the world of belly dance. If you want to be invited to be in shows, get hired to perform, or teach workshops, it really helps to have good connections. You build connections locally whenever you go to class or attend a hafla or host an event, but how do you build a network in the greater dance community? One way is by using dance festivals like Tribal Fest as a way to meet and get to know new people.

During Tribal Fest this year, my troupemates were teasing me about being a celebrity, because it seemed like every time we were walking around together, someone would recognize me and say hello and give me a hug. But I’m not famous or anything. I just know a lot of people because the first couple of events I went to, I was by myself most of the time so I had to make new friends. Plus I apparently made a good impression on some teachers (more on how to do that in a couple minutes). Now whenever I go to TF or LVBDI or WP, people remember me from the last time we met, or our on-line interactions.

So how do you become a minor belly dance celebrity like me? (She said, tongue firmly in cheek) Try these simple steps:

1. Be nice to everyone you meet. Compliment vendors on their work. Thank your teacher at the end of the workshop. Say “hi” to the person sitting next to you at the show. Crack jokes while waiting in line in the bathroom. This stuff doesn’t come naturally to me, I am shy and a little socially awkward/anxious, but making the effort is totally worth it! You will find that many other belly dancers are also shy and awkward and just waiting for someone to say “hi” to them.

2. No, seriously, everyone you meet! Don’t make the mistake of only trying to make friends with the bigwigs. It’s important to forge good connections with your peers, because as you come up in the dance world together, you’ll run into each other time and again and likely have the opportunity to work together. It’s so nice to see a friendly face next to you in a challenging workshop, and to have someone to compare notes with. Plus your peers are a great source of information on who is good to study with, what vendors have great costumes at amateur-friendly prices, and they’ll give you the in when you’re visiting their area and want to know about classes and shows to check out while you’re there.

3. Be mindful of other peoples’ time. The sad truth is, it can be really hard to have a good, in-depth visit with someone at a festival. We’re all running around trying to see everyone we want to see, in between workshops and performances. Sometimes you only get 5 minutes to chat with someone, or maybe you just get to hug them and say hello and then not see them again for the entire rest of the week. Learn to be OK with this, and make good use of the time you have. Don’t be greedy about it. This is especially true when dealing with the teachers or big-name performers. Everyone wants to give Rachel Brice a hug, so the Meet the Teacher night is not the best time to try to tell her a long rambling story about your pet chinchilla (I totally made that up, I’m not trying to call anyone out).

4. But do try to take the time to talk with your teachers. If something in a workshop really resonated with you, or it was the most challenging/most fun/craziest class you took all week, let them know! If you can’t take the time to actually talk to your teacher at the end of your workshop (someone else is talking to them and you need to jet to your next class, for instance), at least be sure to wave and say “thank you!” on your way out the door.

5. Volunteer! I have to admit I’ve never volunteered at Tribal Fest because I tend to pack my schedule full at that event, but I have volunteered at LVBDI and WP. Being in one spot for a couple of hours means people come to YOU and you get to help them with whatever your job is! And being willing to work makes a good impression on event organizers, too.

6. Pre-game the networking by being active on the event’s Facebook page. When I went to Waking Persephone last year, a few people already knew me from my enthusiastic posts on the event page. You can especially make a good impression by helping people out by answering questions, like giving restaurant recommendations or travel tips.

7. Be on your best behavior in workshops and back stage if you’re performing. Teachers and performers notice who is nice and helpful, who listens in class, who asks insightful questions, who helped tidy up the back stage area before they left, etc etc. Want to make friends really fast? Be the person who has extra notebook paper, pens, safety pins, or hairspray! Being willing to share supplies or cinch someone’s bra tighter or snap a troupe’s picture makes a great impression.

8. Make introductions. Once you know some people, be willing to introduce people to each other. Say “Oh, you like dancing with a sword? Let me introduce you to my awesome friend who teaches sword workshops!” Make your circle of friends bigger! Life is more fun when your friends are friends with each other.

9. Don’t be too shy to make a social media connection. Had a nice chat with a classmate during a workshop? Feel like you have a lot in common? Send them a friend request.

10. Hit the social media hard after the event. Thank your teachers and event promoters and stage managers and anyone else who made the event special. “Like” and comment on photos and videos. Post on your new friends’ walls saying how nice it was to meet them. Post your own photos and videos and blog posts. This helps people remember who you are, so when the next event rolls around, they’ll recall how wonderfully friendly you are.

The key with all of this, of course, is to just be genuine. Let your love of dance and your excitement about it shine through. Don’t force interactions, just let it flow naturally and soon enough you’ll be making friends left and right and you’ll never have an awkward “I’m the only person alone at Tribal Fest!” moment again.