The trend I see of marketing dancers, gigs, venues, with unsupported superlatives bothers me. “Boston’s most sought-after bellydancer” – really? ‘Cause I don’t remember giving anyone _my_ inquiry or booking statistics to compare. “Boston’s most prestigious ___ restaurant” – Truly? When it just opened 6 months ago, and doesn’t seem to have the popularity, quality, or reputation of ABC restaurant in the same genre? How are we calculating these things?
I get that people want to attract people, to communicate that something is good, worthwhile, special. But when non-subjective superlatives are used, I find it off-putting. It comes across as exclusionary. It makes me feel that someone’s ego is at stake, that they feel they have to believe that they are most popular, respected, authentic – whichever superlative they’ve chosen – regardless of whether any facts have been gathered or what those facts tell us. And that they choose to view me through the lens of competition rather than as a fellow artist.
Maybe other people don’t value generosity of spirit so highly as an artistic trait. I dunno. So, leave me a comment – do others feel the same, or am I just old-fashioned?
People use superlatives and hyperbole to stand out… usually as a defense against a bold lie. Shhhhh! Let them keep doing it. If they know I am wise to tactic, they will quit doing it and then I won’t know they are lying anymore.
Oops, sorry Chris – I guess I’ve ruined it for us all now. 😉
I wouldn’t worry too much about it. I’m assuming that saying “I am an average looking, perhaps slightly over-weight, mediocre/good enough dancer” wouldn’t get girls many gigs, lol!
Hee! No, it wouldn’t. But I’d rather see “one of Boston’s top bellydancers” (or maybe something a little more creative and descriptive) than just flat-out “the top bellydancer in Boston.” The latter doesn’t upset me, but it gives me the sense that said dancer doesn’t play well with others…
I am going to have to totally agree with you! It annoys me.
Aloha Aslahan! Been reading your site, I like your professionalism and these comments here. Sounds like you are a team player and the sort of dancer I would like to meet and see perform. I made my living dancing in Atlanta and Savannah Georgia for nearly 20 years, beginning in 1991. Maybe we knew some of the same dancers, Eva was one of my favorites. I am traveling up in your area soon, will be in touch privately. Best Wishes, and keep up the good work.
Oh my goodness! I remember you from when I was a baby dancer in Atlanta! Would have been 1992 or ’93. I would be delighted to see you again – I look forward to hearing from you 🙂
Who did you take from in Atlanta? I am hoping to come see you at Shiraz Persian on Nov. 11 in Water town. How far is that from Boston MA? Close, right?