~ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ~
Q. How much do you charge per hour?
A. I do not charge per hour. I charge per show. Pricing starts at $350 for a full show. (approx. 20 min or so)
Q. Can I get a lower rate if I request a shorter show?
A. Shorter shows are not available at this time. The preparation and expense for me is the same regardless if I dance for 10 minutes or 20 minutes.
Q. Why is it so expensive?
A. Bellydancers put many hours into practicing, taking classes and workshops, learning new skills and techniques. We spend thousands of dollars on professional costumes, makeup, and jewelry. All this is taken into account when coming up with ‘the going rate’.
Q.Will you provide the music?
A. Yes, I will bring my own music on CD or mp3 player. Please let me know if you will be providing a sound system. I do have my own portable one that I can bring. If you are interested in having live musicians play, I can send you contact information for a band.
Q.Can you bring your own CD player?
A. Yes, I have a professional portable sound system that is very loud for indoor and outdoor use.
Q. Can we take photos and/or videos at the performance?
A. Yes, you are welcome to take photos during the performance and there will be time afterward to take photos with your guests. You are welcome to videotape it also. I always appreciate it if I am sent a photo or two.
Q. Do you use any props?
A. My show usually includes fanveils and a sword dance if there is adequate space. If there is a large space, and high ceilings then I usually do Isis Wings as the entrance.
Q. What will you wear?
A. All of my costumes are high end, professional costumes and appropriate for all ages. You can see photos of the costumes in my galleries and on my blog. Please let me know in advance if you have a color or costume preference and I will be happy to accommodate you.
Q. Is it OK for children to be there?
A. Of course. All my performances are family friendly.
Q. How do I pay you?
A. A non refundable down payment of half is required to book your event. The balance is expected in cash upon arrival. If it is a last minute booking, then you will be asked to pay via Paypal and there will be a service fee added. Many times, people find it easiest to pay in full by check when sending the contract, so that on the day of the event, they don’t have to worry about payment. You may now also pay with Venmo.
Q. Is tipping allowed?
A. Tipping is appreciated. It lets me know that you are enjoying my performance.
Q. What if I book you, and then I have to cancel?
A. There is a non-refundable deposit of half to book your event. If you pay all of it in advance, you will receive a refund minus the deposit.
Q. What if I book you, and then you have to cancel on me?
A . In the event I have to cancel you will be refunded any money you have paid. If possible, I will try and provide you with contact information or help you find a replacement for another dancer.
Q. Can I get free entertainment for my charitable event?
A. Occasionally I donate a free performance to charity. This is on a limited basis and you are always welcome to ask is you have a specific request.
Q. Will you get the guest(s) of honor up to dance?
A. Of course, just point them out to me. Also please let me know if you don’t want me to get them up to dance.
Q. How soon do I need to book?
A. The sooner the better. Your day and time will be reserved for you once I receive the down payment and contract. During busy times booking can take place months in advance. So If you want to guarantee my performance availability then do so as soon as possible.
Q. How much do you charge per hour?
A. I do not charge per hour. I charge per show. Pricing starts at $350 for a full show. (approx. 20 min or so)
Q. Can I get a lower rate if I request a shorter show?
A. Shorter shows are not available at this time. The preparation and expense for me is the same regardless if I dance for 10 minutes or 20 minutes.
Q. Why is it so expensive?
A. Bellydancers put many hours into practicing, taking classes and workshops, learning new skills and techniques. We spend thousands of dollars on professional costumes, makeup, and jewelry. All this is taken into account when coming up with ‘the going rate’.
Q.Will you provide the music?
A. Yes, I will bring my own music on CD or mp3 player. Please let me know if you will be providing a sound system. I do have my own portable one that I can bring. If you are interested in having live musicians play, I can send you contact information for a band.
Q.Can you bring your own CD player?
A. Yes, I have a professional portable sound system that is very loud for indoor and outdoor use.
Q. Can we take photos and/or videos at the performance?
A. Yes, you are welcome to take photos during the performance and there will be time afterward to take photos with your guests. You are welcome to videotape it also. I always appreciate it if I am sent a photo or two.
Q. Do you use any props?
A. My show usually includes fanveils and a sword dance if there is adequate space. If there is a large space, and high ceilings then I usually do Isis Wings as the entrance.
Q. What will you wear?
A. All of my costumes are high end, professional costumes and appropriate for all ages. You can see photos of the costumes in my galleries and on my blog. Please let me know in advance if you have a color or costume preference and I will be happy to accommodate you.
Q. Is it OK for children to be there?
A. Of course. All my performances are family friendly.
Q. How do I pay you?
A. A non refundable down payment of half is required to book your event. The balance is expected in cash upon arrival. If it is a last minute booking, then you will be asked to pay via Paypal and there will be a service fee added. Many times, people find it easiest to pay in full by check when sending the contract, so that on the day of the event, they don’t have to worry about payment. You may now also pay with Venmo.
Q. Is tipping allowed?
A. Tipping is appreciated. It lets me know that you are enjoying my performance.
Q. What if I book you, and then I have to cancel?
A. There is a non-refundable deposit of half to book your event. If you pay all of it in advance, you will receive a refund minus the deposit.
Q. What if I book you, and then you have to cancel on me?
A . In the event I have to cancel you will be refunded any money you have paid. If possible, I will try and provide you with contact information or help you find a replacement for another dancer.
Q. Can I get free entertainment for my charitable event?
A. Occasionally I donate a free performance to charity. This is on a limited basis and you are always welcome to ask is you have a specific request.
Q. Will you get the guest(s) of honor up to dance?
A. Of course, just point them out to me. Also please let me know if you don’t want me to get them up to dance.
Q. How soon do I need to book?
A. The sooner the better. Your day and time will be reserved for you once I receive the down payment and contract. During busy times booking can take place months in advance. So If you want to guarantee my performance availability then do so as soon as possible.