How to Hire a Bellydancer

Do’s and Don’ts for those new to hiring live entertainment especially in the field of Middle Eastern Dance.

Do:

Have Ready the Following information when you call the bellydancer or include it in your email

1. What type of event is it? Wedding, Birthday, Child’s Birthday Party, Charity Event, Bachlorette Party, Girls Night Out
2. When your event is to take place – include date and time & When you would like the dancer to perform – approximate time and any other defining information (ex: after the Bride & Groom’s first dance)
3. Where - Address of event and where you would like to have the dancer perform (ex: in the reception all, in the living room, outside by the pool)
4. What is the approximate size of the performance area (mainly needed to know what kind of props will/not work)
5. Performance Type – Do you want just a performance, do you want a mini class, Do you really like the look of sword dances or another prop?
6. Do you have a budget for entertainment?
7. What type of sound system do you have?  Will the dancer need to provide her own sound system? see more information below
8. Do you have a costume preference – Cabaret, Tribal, Fusion, Bedleh (Bra and Belt), more covered for conservative guests, does the party have a theme or color scheme
9. Duration of performance – 10, 15 or 20 minute slot.  Do you want multiple shows during a longer event?

Take some time to read Shem’s Article on Behind the Rates – Why Bellydancers Charge What they Do.

Assign a contact person for your event and give that person’s contact information to the dancer.  This way the dancer can call that person if they get lost or need more information for the event.

Think about your performance area and what kind of sound system you have.  Outdoor and larger events will require more speakers or a more professional grade sound system so everyone can hear the music.  Do you need the music in MP3 format or on a CD?  Do you need the music ahead of time to work it into your playlist?  If you need a CD,  is your CD player new enough that it will play burned CDs?

Another thing to inform the dancer about is the performance stage.  Is it carpet, hard wood, concrete, grass?  Is it level or sloped (like a backyard) as this will drastically affect balance for the dancer and the types of routines that might work.

Have a secure place for the dancer to change, freshen up and store her things.

  

Don’t:

Don’t expect to get services for free.  Bellydancers put a lot of time, sweat and tears into their training, their costumes and choreography.

Do not ask a dancer if she performs “extra services, wink, wink”.  If you would like to hire an exotic dancer or stripper there are plenty of agencies you can find in the phone book that provide those services.

Don’t expect the dancer to hang out at the rest of the party or stick around for general ambiance in her costume.