Yasmina Ramzy - Artistic Director of Arabesque Academy
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 03/03/2009 - 10:27.
CAREER TIPS
Don’t listen to anyone, trust your own instincts – everyone is an expert and so are you - even if you are wrong, it is better to have made the mistake on your own.
Try it all, have no fear. What is the worst that can happen? Even if the worst happens, it could be interesting. Sometimes the best things happen when it all goes wrong.
Be happy and spread the happiness. It is contagious and will keep coming back to you.
Surround yourself with inspiring people and inspiring art. It lifts the soul and allows you to see the bigger picture.
Respect yourself and others – another thing that is contagious.
What does a typical Thursday look like for you, starting from when you wake up – to heading to bed?
The phone usually wakes me up with either the office calling or the Arabesque lead drummer with some new issue or question or gossip. Then I get in the shower, prepare and eat breakfast (steak and asparagus), answer emails, answer phone messages, get dressed, do laundry or clean a little - all of these activities simultaneously for about 5 hours. Then I go to Arabesque Academy, teach a private class or two, attend some meetings, try to find more food,, choreograph for next performance, proof read promotional materials, deal with a wide range of financial issues, order merchandise, write an article, try to find more food, teach regular classes or get on a plane to teach somewhere else in the world for the weekend. At the end of every day, I eat popcorn and watch The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
What was your first job out of school?
Dropped out of school at sixteen. Was good at math so I applied as an Accounts Payable Clerk – I lied about my age and experience saying that I was much older of course. Got the job just based on smarts and learned everything on the job. Got promoted.
What are the 3 skills you require most to do your job well?
Be 10 different people in a day. I really feel I am only good at two things; choreography and teaching. All the others skills I need for my job I am terrible at, but somehow, I manage with a great support team.
What do you love most about your career?
I never had to think about what I wanted to do for a career. I just became obsessed and in love with a beautiful art form and it has kept me busy for 28 years. Sometimes, it pays the rent. I love the fact that I have never felt like I had a job. I just do what I love. It is always new and exciting, traveling and meeting fascinating people but most of all it is heaven to hang around dancers and musicians all the time. I love artists.
Do you have any warnings?
No warnings. Fear is no fun.
If you could try a different career on for a year, what would it be?
Sommelier
** You can watch Yasmina Ramzy’s beautiful choreography this coming weekend in the premiere performance of EGYPT at the Fleck Dance Theatre at Harbourfront. Talented belly dancing is absolutely captivating to watch! For tickets: www.harbourfrontcentre.ca
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