Although we are talking about improvising to a drum solo, there are still certain rules and structures that both dancer and drummer are following during the performance. If you are someone who is afraid to perform to a drum solo improvisation, these tips and principles will definitely help you to be more prepared:

The concept of four - If the drummer has experience of playing for a dancer, he wouldn't randomly play different phrases. You can expect him to repeat each phrase 4 times before he switches to a different theme. This means that as a dancer you have four 'attempts' to catch all Dums and Taks. Lol, I'm partially joking about four attempts, but obviously after you've heard the first phrase, you are more prepared for the next 3 repetitions.

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Variations - Although I've just mentioned about 4 repetitions, the drummer may play them with slight changes. The main theme will be the same, but nuances of the ornamentation may vary. Be ready that the most different phrase is typically the 4th one.

Intro - From a music point of view, there are three major variations on how the drum solo may start: 2/4 rhythm (for instance, malfuf), tremolos, or various phrases (based on rhythms or not). From a dance point of view, you may start either on stage or off stage. If you hear 2/4 rhythms, use this time for travelling steps; for tremolos, you can start with shimmies (either on spot, or moving); if you hear phrases, no need to necessarily focus on the detailed hips/belly technique right away. Feel free to simply walk on/around stage, use fluid arm movements and steps to create a character and set the mood. It's just the beginning of your show. There will be plenty of time to showcase your isolation technique later.

You can learn rhythms easily: find information on the Internet and memorize the basic structures. But does it guarantee that you actually understand rhythms? That you are able to recognize them in songs, and know what to do with each of them? Check out special intensive Identifying Rhythms that focuses on helping you identify rhythms and build your confidence around the most important belly dance beats! It includes dance tutorials to get the beats in your body, writing exercises to memorize rhythms, lectures and articles to understand them, drumming quizzes to check yourself, song breakdowns to develop your listening skills, and other creative assignments to help you conquer this task. Find more information HERE.

Tremolos and interaction with the drummer - Don't forget that during a drum solo improvisation you are not performing alone. It's a duet with a drummer. Tremolos and intimate small drumming accents are perfect spots to come closer to the drummer and create a moment of interaction. It can be something fun and comic, or as a 'challenge' between his drum and your belly.
Finale. - Making sure to finish together with your drummer is crucial for the impression your show will make on the audience. A typical finale structure includes twisting step, turns, and two final accents. The entire finale is often initiated by the drummer by speeding up his music, but the duration of turns and final accents are initiated by the dancer. Make sure you give your drummer clear signals by sharp stops, and keep a steady tempo between your stop and final pose. Only in this case your drummer will be able to catch the final moment together with you.

Let me know if these tips were helpful, and if you want to see how all these principles work on practice, don't forget to join amazing intensive at the Iana Dance Club on this topic!

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Author: Iana Komarnytska
Photographer: Pedro Bonatto