What types of events do belly dancers perform at?
Birthday parties, Weddings, Awards Ceremonies, Fundraisers, Cultural Events, School Assemblies, Bachelorette Parties, Corporate Events or any other sort of theme parties. What type of events will I NOT perform at? Bachelor parties or any other all male audiences.

What type of performances do Belly Dancers do?
There are numerous different ways a belly dancer can do a performance. It all depends on the individual event and the desires of the clients. Basic formats would be a stage performance consisting of one or several 15-30 minute sets on stage featuring an opening number, maybe some props, a drum solo, and a finale. Multiple sets often include a costume change. Another way for a belly dancer to perform is to move around the room at an event. This is a more personal type of performance and the dancer will often interact with the audience more and encourage them to dance. Often dancers will do a fusion of both of these types of performances at an event. Group performances can run in the same basic two formats of a mix of both. A troupe can do a staged choreography, which can be a very impressive and powerful production. Multiple dancers better suited for large events.

How much does it cost to hire a Belly Dancer?
It depends on the type of event, the type of performance, the location, and the day of the week. I live and work in Chicago and charge extra to travel to suburbs. My prices range anywhere from $150 per set per dancer to $300. But every dancer is different. To get a quote for your event, please fill out the Booking Request Form.

What should I expect from a Belly Dance performance?
It depends on the dancer and the type of performance you and her agree on. It’s important for you to ask the dancer any and all question you may have. Are you expecting her to use zils (finger cymbals)? Do you have a particular style of costume you would prefer? Particular music? Don’t be shy, there is no such things as a silly question.

What about tipping?
I’m so glad you asked, I actually made a whole post about it, click here.

I hope you decide to hire a belly dancer at your next event! It’s a great way to impress your guests and make you event memorable forever. Enjoy!

Booking Request Form

I just wanted to drop by and give you a quick tipping tutorial for belly dance audiences.

It is a welcome and customary practice for an entertained audience to tip their dancers. While it typically comes in single dollar bill increments, larger bills are of course, welcome.

There are basically 2 ways to tip an dancer, one is to throw the money on top of her while she dances, usually making a nice pretty flutter of bills that snow to ground, and the other is to tuck them in to her costume. While tucking money into a dancers costume may make some people uncomfortable, its the best way to ensure the dancer actually receives her tips since it is unfortunately a pretty standard practice that money on the floor belongs to the night club.

When tucking money into a dancers costume, you want to put it only in her belt or arm bands. Tucking money into shoulder straps is acceptable, but risky and tucking money into her bra is always a no-no.  If the “tucking” is not your cup of tea, the dancer will most graciously accept tips in her hands as well.

Dancers always want to feel that their performance is appreciated and tipping is a great way to let her know! And while you up, how about a few shoulder shimmies with her!