All of us had to pivot in 2020 and COVID-19 really screwed up in-person learning for dance studios as well as live music.

Karen and two of her students, Lisa and Suzanne, took some time to discuss the joy and the challenges of online vs. in-person belly dance lessons and performances.

Bottom line, Karen's focus, dedication, and passion remains all about the live music component of belly dance.

During this episode of the Baby Boomer Belly Dancer, we talk about:

00:00   What is a "baby boomer" - with Karen, Suzanne, and Lisa

00:31   Comparing online vs live in the class and performance

00:46   This is the future... and now Karavan Online is over 10 years old

02:43   The "struggle" to learn online and camera angles

04:23   Suzanne's and Lisa's experience with online workshops

08:01   Practicing versus performing -- the power of anonymity

10:36   Let's talk virtual performing - where are the nuances?

13:43   Cutting edge - dancing to live music in Houston with Project Band

16:17   Participating remotely online from around the U.S. (and world)

17:05   No substitute for performing in front of a live audience

18:00   Seeing things from a different perspective

21:50   Preparing for a production and your headspace

24:23   The energy and expectation - no strength without resistance

27:00   Instantaneous, immediate, and back and forth audience feedback

29:11   Where is the "on switch"?

30:23   Love of live music - imperfection is part of the fun - so go for it

34:57   Coming out of being locked down and being a COVID hermit

36:58   We were having fun; we weren't even "Breaking the Law"

39:33   How it all worked out in Houston with the virtual performances

41:01   How it all changed Project Band forever and now the world is watching

42:44   What's changed and what will remain the same

46:20   Sincere presentation of improv vs playing the script

As for dancing in the face of a pandemic.... well, people were having f****** fun!

We are still working out the kinks and may need a better way for Gylon to throw a comment or two out from the booth.