To make your event a success, you’ll want to consider a few simple factors to make the dancer’s job easier and your guests happier. Please consider the following:
THE DANCE FLOOR/SPACE:
As a general rule, the more space for the dancer, the better the show. Dancers do not dance on tables. The dance area may be as little at 8′ x 8′. But, like any other dance, Belly Dancers need room to move, especially for longer shows or to use props.
PERFORMANCE LENGTH:
The length and content of a performance depends upon your goals and visions for the event. There are usually 3 options:
1. You simply want to surprise someone for his or her birthday or you have a very small space available for the dancer. You may be looking for what is known as a “Belly-gram”: usually 5-15 minutes, about 2-5 songs, and includes a short display of 1 or 2 props. This is usually the most affordable type of performance.
2. For most parties or shows where the audience is not familiar with Belly Dance, 15-30 minutes is great. With ample space, this time frame gives a good variety of song styles and props without taking over the the whole evening. This is also great if you have multiple entertainers at the event.
3. For larger or longer events, or if your audience is familiar with belly dance, you may want a dancer to perform for 30 minutes to several hours. Of course this includes breaks and usually a costume change if there are multiple sets.
SOUND LOGISTICS:
Plan on getting the optimal sound system for your space. It will make the whole night more exciting for your guests and the investment in your dancer more enjoyable.
The bigger your space, the more powerful your sound needs to be. Boom-boxes and some home stereos will not provide enough sound when you are in a room with 20+ people, background noise, etc. It is especially harder to hear the music if the area is carpeted or the ceilings are higher than 8 or 9 feet. If you do not have the sound system you think is appropriate, Linda may be able to procure one for you for an additional fee.
DANCER’S NEEDS
Please plan on providing the following for your dancer to make the event run smoothly:
-Access to drinking water. (Though we usually bring our own, things do happen)
-A clean, private, safe area to change clothes and keep her things while she performs
-Parking, as close as possible to the changing area/building entrance
-A name and cell phone number of someone who will be meeting the dancer when she arrives
-Someone to start the music and maybe discreetly set out a prop for her grand entrance.
If you have any other questions or would like to check Linda’s availability and pricing for your event, please contact Linda at 615-482-6429, by email at