I have danced with several kinds of snakes and Ball Pythons are usually going to coil up on you and not move much.( I hope he hangs on to you) Not really that intresting to the audiance. In my pics I have one curled up around my wrist.
I prefer my boas they move around more.
But you can practice with him and see what happens. You have to keep in mind many other things when performing with snakes.
Like keeping them warm, safe away from people so no chance of anyone getting bit. Thay can poop on you and many other intresting things. But hey it's all in the day i the life of a snake dancer. LOL

And go back and read other threads here. We have had lots of good discussions.

Oh Welcome!!!

One thing I would suggest looking into is the DVD: "Belly Dance with Snakes: Embody Your Inner Serpent with Serpentessa". It is a fantastic resource for all things related to belly dancing with snakes (including care of snakes).

As far as Buddha being a ball python, I've heard a lot of people say they tend to coil up and not move much. But, at the same time, I have a BP named Dexter and, while we haven't danced in public yet, we dance frequently at home. He is anything BUT a passive partner. He is super curious and very active when we dance. That is one thing I would suggest. Dance a LOT with Buddha at home. See how he reacts to the movement. Get a good feel for what he will do when you move certain ways.

If there is a local herp group, I'd suggest looking into membership, if for no other reason that it would give you a snake friendly place to take Buddha out in the public. See how he reacts to strangers being around him. Dex LOVES new people.

You said you're taking a class. Talk to your teacher and fellow students (just in case someone has a phobia). If everyone is amenable, bring Buddha to class. Dance with him in class. It's a public forum to get a feel for how he'd react in a performance arena, but it's less stressful. And if he doesn't seem to like the public situation, you can always leave early and take him home.

Work with your snake -- get him comfortable with noises and such. My little girl (Nagaina) is a ball python and Eva Cernik also uses a ball python (Sultan) to dance. Some will coil up but if they are worked with on a regular basis - held and use to being allowed to move around you comfortably -- they will actually move and perform. My girl does not coil up much when I am holding her but I do take her out a lot and have since she was the not much bigger than a pencil - so she knows me well and feels comfortable.

Of course...avoid shedding time and after feedings so that they do not feel vulnerable. And well - try to plan around pooping if possible (I can see when my girl my be ready). If they have to go then they have to go so just know that. So far so good with me but now that I have said that -- I may experience the snake stage fright next time.

Biggest thing...keep him comfy and ensure that he is supported properly. Of course - let him stretch out and avoid pulling or trying to force movement. Avoid spinning and movements that may jar him too much. Keep him warm when transporting and safe --- they are little magicians -- so ensure that his case is warm and locked down! Pillow cases are great but they can get out -- Eva told me a story of Sultan (almost 20 and large) climbing through the knot (spiraled and followed it to get out). Use clips or a locking down case so that you do not find your baby missing. Think about the locations you may want to dance with him -- many cities will not allow you to dance with a live animal in restaurants so check before bringing him. Also ensure you have plenty of space between you and audience members as not everyone loves our snakes as much as we do....I assume that my girl can sense that so do not want anyone fearful to scare her or even chance them hurting her (intentional or not).

One thing I know we can all agree -- treat him as a dance partner not a prop. You will enjoy that more also....and so will he as I feel it adds to that feeling of comfort and safety. Get very comfortable in your home before taking him out....if you are not comfortable then chances are he will know it and ball up.

Honestly your concern shows that you do know your little guy.....just pay attention to if he is moving slow or beginning to look panicky when you begin working with him. They will let you know by either moving in a fast "how do I get out of this" motion or balling up.

Good luck...