How to hire a bellydancer

[clevermanka]

An internet acquaintance of mine who is getting married wants a bellydancer at her wedding reception. She asked for advice on hiring someone and I offered the following three questions.

1. What is your style of bellydance?

If she doesn't respond with something like "cabaret," "American cabaret," "Raqs Sharki," "Egyptian," "Turkish," "Lebanese," or something along those lines, be very concerned. If she can't identify her style of dance, it means she's more of a "wiggle in a bellydance costume" dancer. If she says "fusion," or "tribal," she might be a good dancer, but is probably not what you want for a wedding. (She's marrying a man from Turkey, hence my suggested preference for traditional styles)

2. Do you perform a full performance set or just a couple songs?

Traditionally, a performance set includes these basics: An intro, a performance song (sometimes with veil), a drum solo, and an exit song. Someone who says she just does a couple songs might be an okay dancer, but if she doesn't even know what you mean, that's a good indication that she's not practiced in classical performance techniques and might be a questionable dancer.

3. Do you accept tips from the audience, and if so, do you allow body-tipping?

This is another trick question because there are totally legit dancers who accept body-tipping (I'm one of them), and totally legit dancers who don't (most my other dancer friends). But if she doesn't even know what you mean? Giant red flag.

I thought this might be helpful for anyone else who might consider hiring a bellydancer for an event. Fellow dancers, do you have any additional suggestions?

Comments

[mundungus42.livejournal.com]

I would ask where else she performs, which would let you know if she's performing anywhere regularly, which would indicate some level of professionalism, and also give you the opportunity to see her perform before your event. Even if she doesn't have regular gigs, she might have an upcoming performance somewhere.

I would also ask what kind of props she uses to avoid running afoul of the reception venue's rules and also give your friend the opportunity to put the kibbosh on Isis wings or live fire if she has any kind of preference.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Ooo! Good points, thanks! I'll forward these to her!

[msmitti.livejournal.com]

I was also thinking it would be good to see her perform somewhere. Possibly a video if she doesn't have a performance in the immediate future. That might give her a sense of the style and the way she interacts with a crowd. Sometimes a fantastic technical dancer might not have great crowd skills which would be a bummer at a wedding.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Trouble is, she doesn't live in the city where they're holding the wedding.

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

Well, with our enormous network of dancers, I'm sure we can be of assistance there!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Hm! I hadn't even thought of that! Let me see if she'd be willing to divulge that info.

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

I *wish* people would tip me as a dancer. The only times I've ever received tips was when I was busking and had a saxophone case out seeded with some change.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Tipping in general is, for good or ill, on the decline all around, I think.

[aprilstarchild.livejournal.com]

I rarely carry cash. If I know I'm gonna be somewhere where I'll want to tip people in cash I do tend to bring it. I've missed the Oregon Country Fair two years now, but between seeing belly dancers and all the busking performers, I've learned that a stack of ones should be one of the things I always bring!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Yay! You're our favorite kind of audience member! =D

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

Another question or two:

"Will you need for me to provide you a changing room?" because a regular performer will appreciate that question even if she doesn't require it.

I like asking about props, because any bellydance who counters with a shamadan in her repertoire is definitely well-versed at wedding gigs, even if she can't really light one up at most venues.

and just as with any other job/gig...

References.

Other advice for the bride is to have the money ready with another designated person who will also provide a watchful eye on the dancer's cover-up/props, show her to a changing area, hand her music to the DJ. That way the bride is free to enjoy her reception with fussing over the details/payment with the dancer.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I'll send these suggestions along to her for once she finds the dancer. Thanks!