How to Hire a Dancer

Many thanks to Fleur Frascella for writing the content of this section.

It is a wonderful idea to hire a bellydancer. Belly dance performances are a great way to liven up an event.

There are many different varieties of bellydance. Any mood, theme, or color scheme can be embellished by a professional belly dance performance. With many different costumes and music to chose from, professional belly dancers have the versatility to complement your event.

Belly dancers perform at events such as:

Birthday parties
Anniversaries
Weddings
Bridal Showers
Baby Showers
Girl's Night Out/Bachelorette party
Children's parties

How do you hire a dancer? First, decide what you want:

Do you want a troupe performance with multiple dancers? Or a mysterious solo dancer with a veil?
A lively Turkish style performance?
An American Tribal style troupe performance?
If you have preferences on how a belly dancer looks, please mention it. (For instance, if you want a tall dancer that has long red hair.)

When during the event should I schedule the performance?
Belly dance performances create wonderful transitions, and delightful diversions. If the bride needs a break between the cocktail hour and the reception this could create the perfect diversion. Belly dancers also inspire guests to get up and dance, so if you want to get the dancing started the bellydance performance is a great way to do this. She can even get the guest of honor up to dance with him/her.

Things to keep in mind

What is my budget?
Professional belly dancers in the Philadelphia Area charge between $150-$250 for a solo performance. Additional shows, group lessons, troupe performances, and musicians will be extra. (Please note that the old adage of "You get what you pay for" applies to any performer, including belly dancers. You don't want your guests to feel embarrassed for the performer, who may have charged less but it is reflected in their show.)

Just like the rest of your event staff, most dancers will require a deposit to reserve your date.

What is the length of the performance? Before you call, know:

The date and time of the event and the location
Your budget
Is this event a surprise?
Will the location allow a belly dancer to show up as a surprise? (Some restaurants will not.)
Do you want one dancer or a group of dancers?
Do you want live or recorded music? If you go with recorded music is there something play it on? Or does she need to bring a sound system?)

Belly dance is family-friendly Belly dancing is family friendly and suitable for all ages. If you have any concerns about this, don't hesitate to mention it to the belly dancer before the show. Similarly, belly dancers wear many kinds of costumes, and they are happy to work with you on this. Please note, most belly dancers will not perform at all male or bachelor parties.

For more information on how belly dance is a family activity and to dispel any misinformation on belly dance, please check out the "About Belly Dance" page.