Bellydance Performance FAQ Here are some answers to Frequently Asked Questions about arranging for a bellydance performance and what happens during a show. If you have further questions, please email or call Fatine (713.446.1827). 1. IS BELLYDANCE FAMILY-FRIENDLY? YES, YES, and YES! Bellydance is absolutely appropriate for all age groups, including young children. Skilled bellydance should not be confused with "adult entertainment," and indeed, the differences are generally obvious. 2. WHAT IS THE LENGTH OF A PERFORMANCE? A typical performance will be one set, or 15-20 minutes. However, some engagements can last longer, depending on their nature. For example, a Bellydance Party, which generally includes a dance lesson and a short performance, often lasts an hour. A regular performance (no lesson) with two or more dancers will often last longer than 20 minutes. 3. WILL THE DANCER(S) SUPPLY HER (THEIR) OWN MUSIC? Yes. A range of musical styles is available, too, from traditional to modern to tribal to fusion. 4. HOW IS PAYMENT HANDLED? You may pay with cash (at the event), personal check (in advance or at the event), or Paypal (in advance). For private parties, a deposit secures the date of your event on the dancer's calendar. The balance of the payment is due at the event, although if you prefer to pay the complete total in advance, that is acceptable. 5. DO YOU PERFORM AT ALL-MALE EVENTS, SUCH AS BACHELOR PARTIES? Absolutely not. Please refer to FAQ #1. No dancer who works with me will perform at an all-male event, either. We would not want to further an unfortunate and misguided stereotype about this art form. 6. IS TIPPING ALLOWED? HOW DOES ONE DO IT? Yes, it is. Tipping is culturally acceptable and occurs in a variety of ways, often depending on the nationality of the audience. A preferred and popular method is referred to as a "money shower," in which audience members shower bills over the dancer's head. Sometimes audience members might tip a dancer in her costume, for example in the side of the belt, and many people will simply hand her money. Other possibilities include forming bills into a necklace which is then presented to the dancer, simply throwing money at her feet, and using a tip basket. 7. WHAT HAPPENS IF A GUEST OR AUDIENCE MEMBER BECOMES ROWDY, RUDE, OR OTHERWISE INAPPROPRIATE? It is the responsibility of the host of the event to subdue or remove disrespectful guests. If the problem is not taken care of immediately, the dancer has the prerogative to end the show immediately. Full payment for the engagement will still be required. 8. WHAT HAPPENS IF A CLIENT HAS TO CANCEL THE EVENT? If you must cancel an engagement, please try to do so at least 72 hours before the event. If you do so, a full refund of whatever money you have paid can be sent to you, or you may simply reschedule instead. If you must cancel fewer than 72 hours before the event and do not wish to reschedule, half your deposit will be refunded; having secured the date initially prevents the dancer from booking another engagement in so short a time, and half the deposit will count as a cancellation fee. 9. WHAT HAPENS IF THE DANCER HAS TO CANCEL HER PERFORMANCE? This is not likely to happen. In the event, however, of illness or family emergency, the dancer will provide an excellent substitute. You may depend on the substitute to behave professionally, to be very talented, and to provide a good show. You may pay the substitute for the engagement just as you would the initially scheduled dancer. 10. MAY I REQUEST A SHOW WITH MORE THAN ONE DANCER? Yes, of course. Costs will vary, depending on the number of dancers and the length of the performance. If you have more questions, please ask! Thank you. Frequently Asked Questions Although bellydance is an ancient art form and a popular modern cultural movement, questions abound regarding the nature of a typical professional bellydance performance. This page contains the opinions and policies of Fatine and of the professional dancers she chooses to work with. For further information or to book a bellydance performance or seminar, please contact Fatine at 713.446.1827 or fatine.bellydance [at] gmail.com