Belly Dancer

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. My most common performances are those at community venues and stage shows. I have at least one of those engagements per month. Most of my performances are for the belly dance community, but others are for the public at large. When it comes to paying jobs, I offer clients a variety of packages. The most common packages are the two-set belly dance show and the Shimmy Party. The two-set show features two sets, each lasting 10 minutes, so you’ll get 20 full minutes of dancing. The sets are usually spaced 10-30 minutes apart. This is best for large themed-parties, corporate events, and restaurant shows. This is by far my most popular package. The Shimmy Party is my personal favorite because I love to teach. This package gets the guests up and dancing by teaching them basic beginner belly dance moves. It's perfect for bridal showers, bachelorette parties and club meetings.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Hiring a belly dancer can make or break your event. You want someone experienced and professional. Shop around for what kind of dancer, performer and personality meshes best with what you have in mind. Don't shop around for the best prices when it comes to hiring a belly dancer. When it comes to belly dancers, you really do get what you pay for!

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Belly dancing is hard! It takes years of training and study to become a professional performer. It's also very diverse. There are so many different kinds of belly dancers--Egyptian, American Cabaret, Turkish, Tribal, Fusion, Folkloric and more! We're not one-size fits all. But no matter what style she dances, a high-quality belly dancer will always be classy and professional.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. Asking the right questions is essential when you are looking for a belly dancer. Each entertainer offers her own unique style and point of view. Picking one can be hard! Ask the following questions to pick the perfect performer for your event: How much do you charge for a ______? (fill in the blank with what kind of event it will be). How long will you perform for? What kind of music will you dance to? What kind of costumes do you wear? Do you dance with props? Do you include audience participation? How long have you been belly dancing? How long have you been performing? Have you ever performed for an event like mine? If the person you're talking to can't answer these basic questions, then consider that a huge red flag!

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I love sharing the beauty and art of belly dance with both clients and students. A lot people are misinformed about belly dance or they simply don't know much about it. When I am out in the community performing or teaching others, I am given the unique opportunity to affect how people perceive belly dance. Belly dance is fun, exotic, joyful and really hard. I love opening people's eyes to that. Through my dancing, I teach people it's OK to embrace belly dance and have a darn good time in the process.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. I wish that customers knew the hard work that most professional belly dancers put into their craft. Before a belly dancer is able to hit the stage, she has put in countless hours of training, rehearsals, drills and study. She also spends hundreds and often thousands of dollars on training (either at workshops or through weekly classes), costumes and accessories (those aren't cheap!), music, instructional DVDs, and let's not forget about all the gas it takes to drive to and from classes and gigs! Belly dance is a labor of love. You can't just slap on a costume and makeup and show up for a show. A real belly dancer is classy, professional, prepared and she has most likely dedicated a large portion of her life to the art form.