Performance FAQs
Photo credit: Carl Sermon Photography
Frequenty Asked Questions regarding a belly dance performance...
Q. How long is the show?
A. It depends of the type of event. A typical show is between 15 - 25 minutes. Events that include a lesson last about an hour. Times can easily be adjusted to suit the schedule of events. The dancer may use zils (finger cymbals), swords, veils, and candles. If space permits, isis wings may also be possible. When appropriate, the show may include audience participation, for example, the guest of honor may be asked to join in the dance! For performance options and rate information, please visit the "hire" page here.
Q. Is it appropriate for children?
A. Yes, all of Heather's belly dance shows are family friendly. Very often, it is the children who have the best time!
Q. Is tipping appropriate?
A. Yes. Unless the host has requested otherwise, the dancer happily accepts tips that are tastefully offered. Tips may be tucked into the side of the dancer's arm band, or thrown above her head as a "money shower".
Q. How far in advance should I make the booking?
A. It is always better to book the show sooner rather than later. Last minute requests may be accommodated depending on Heather's schedule, but scheduling at least a week in advance is appreciated.
Q. Do you bring your own music?
A.Yes, music will be provided in the form of an iPod, thumb drive or music CD arranged in advance with the client. It will be middle eastern or fusion music appropriate for the performance portion and/or lesson content of the show.
Q. Who provides the sound system or music player?
A. The venue or person hosting/contracting the dancer or dancers. Louder is better. In some situations, the dancer will provide a sound dock and digital music player.
Q. I want this to be a surprise for my guests. Can you help?
A. Of course! Since this is such a common situation I always assume at least SOMEONE doesn't know about the middle eastern dancer. I won't leave details to give anything away on voicemail messages and I'm happy to stay out of sight and to have someone sneak me inside through the garage or service entrance.
Q. Why is it so expensive?!
A. You are not really paying for the 20 to 45 minutes that I'll be dancing at your event. You're paying for the years of practice and experience that I'll be bringing with me. Years of dance classes, costumes and competitions all help to build a great performance artist, but they can also be very expensive. High quality costuming and professional stage makeup is costly, but sets the professional apart from the amateur. If an artist can afford to work full time in their field instead of needing a second job, the quality of art presented increases dramatically. Don't think of it as paying me by the minute. Think of it as supporting the arts in your community. My performance rates are the professional standard for the area. Lower rates can be found. However, that usually means the experience level of the dancer is also lower as well. Don't leave your event to chance. Hire a professional.
Q. Do you dance at bachelor parties or men's private parties?
A. Sorry, no thank you. No inquiries for all male events will be considered. That's not what I do or what middle eastern dance is about.
If you have questions that are not covered in this section, please contact me.
Q. How long is the show?
A. It depends of the type of event. A typical show is between 15 - 25 minutes. Events that include a lesson last about an hour. Times can easily be adjusted to suit the schedule of events. The dancer may use zils (finger cymbals), swords, veils, and candles. If space permits, isis wings may also be possible. When appropriate, the show may include audience participation, for example, the guest of honor may be asked to join in the dance! For performance options and rate information, please visit the "hire" page here.
Q. Is it appropriate for children?
A. Yes, all of Heather's belly dance shows are family friendly. Very often, it is the children who have the best time!
Q. Is tipping appropriate?
A. Yes. Unless the host has requested otherwise, the dancer happily accepts tips that are tastefully offered. Tips may be tucked into the side of the dancer's arm band, or thrown above her head as a "money shower".
Q. How far in advance should I make the booking?
A. It is always better to book the show sooner rather than later. Last minute requests may be accommodated depending on Heather's schedule, but scheduling at least a week in advance is appreciated.
Q. Do you bring your own music?
A.Yes, music will be provided in the form of an iPod, thumb drive or music CD arranged in advance with the client. It will be middle eastern or fusion music appropriate for the performance portion and/or lesson content of the show.
Q. Who provides the sound system or music player?
A. The venue or person hosting/contracting the dancer or dancers. Louder is better. In some situations, the dancer will provide a sound dock and digital music player.
Q. I want this to be a surprise for my guests. Can you help?
A. Of course! Since this is such a common situation I always assume at least SOMEONE doesn't know about the middle eastern dancer. I won't leave details to give anything away on voicemail messages and I'm happy to stay out of sight and to have someone sneak me inside through the garage or service entrance.
Q. Why is it so expensive?!
A. You are not really paying for the 20 to 45 minutes that I'll be dancing at your event. You're paying for the years of practice and experience that I'll be bringing with me. Years of dance classes, costumes and competitions all help to build a great performance artist, but they can also be very expensive. High quality costuming and professional stage makeup is costly, but sets the professional apart from the amateur. If an artist can afford to work full time in their field instead of needing a second job, the quality of art presented increases dramatically. Don't think of it as paying me by the minute. Think of it as supporting the arts in your community. My performance rates are the professional standard for the area. Lower rates can be found. However, that usually means the experience level of the dancer is also lower as well. Don't leave your event to chance. Hire a professional.
Q. Do you dance at bachelor parties or men's private parties?
A. Sorry, no thank you. No inquiries for all male events will be considered. That's not what I do or what middle eastern dance is about.
If you have questions that are not covered in this section, please contact me.
