How long are your shows? What can I expect to see?

Most clients book me for my Classic Show, a 5-song complete set that lasts anywhere between 20-25 minutes. While I sometimes play slightly with the format, a typical Classic Show includes: a lively entrance with finger cymbals (or a dramatic entrance with wings, space permitting), an elegant veil dance, a dramatic balancing act with a sword or candles (or a folkloric cane dance if you prefer a more traditional presentation), a fiery drum solo, and an upbeat dance to Arabic pop music, often involving some form of audience participation centered around the Guest of Honor.

Can I book you for a longer show?

Though certain types of events call for a longer set or multiple sets, most of my clients find that a 25-minute show (or shorter!) is more than enough. My audiences are always happy to experience an exciting full show and still have plenty of time to mingle and eat. A set that’s too long can overpower your entire event. And I’m here to enhance your party, not to monopolize it!

Children will be present at my event. Is belly dance still an appropriate form of entertainment?

Absolutely! Belly dance is 100% family-friendly and comes from Middle Eastern social dances that are performed by people of all ages. In fact, kids are some of my biggest fans and my favorite audience members to dance for! They love the swooshing veils, the swords, and the princess-like costumes. Sometimes, they like to get up and join me for a quick hip shimmy – or even to try and upstage me while I’m performing!

OK, I like what I see. What’s your booking procedure?

It’s easy! Once you’ve reviewed my Booking Info and FAQ’s, please call(203) 716-1479 or E-mail Me with the details of your event. I’ll need to know the day and time, the location of your event, and how many guests you’re expecting, plus any other info on the theme of your event. If I’m free, I’ll tentatively pencil you in and ask that you sign a contract and pay a non-refundable 50% deposit up front. Once I get your contract and your payment, we’re good to go!

How far in advance should I book you?

While I try my hardest to accommodate even the most extreme last-minute requests, I am very busy and can’t always promise that I’ll be free when you need me. This is why I recommend that you book me 2-3 weeks out. This increases the likelihood that I’ll be available and have plenty of time to put together a show that’s perfectly planned to fit your needs.

What if I have to cancel?

If you decide to cancel our arrangements, please notify me ASAP so I can make myself available to other clients who might need my services that day. Please understand that all deposits collected up front are non-refundable.

What type of music do you dance to?

I have a huge collection of contemporary and classic Turkish, Egyptian, Lebanese and Greek music. I always pick my music to match the theme of the party, the style you have in mind, and/or any props you’d like me to dance to. If you have any special requests, now’s the time to speak up!

What type of costumes do you wear?

My costumes are all top of the line couture designs from Istanbul and Cairo. Most of my costumes are custom made for me. I also have a couple of cool vintage pieces. Though my costume rotation is always changing, I can accommodate virtually any requests, from specific color schemes to a more “covered” look.

Is tipping appropriate?

While tipping is not required, it’s certainly a welcomed gesture! In fact, tipping a belly dancer is customary throughout the Middle East. There are a couple of fun and widely acceptible ways to tip. You can throw money over my head in a “money shower,” or tuck the bills into my costume (I’ll direct you to the appropriate areas, such as my wristbands or the sides of my belt). Some audiences like to fashion a garland or necklace out of folded bills. I have even heard stories about audience members sticking a bill to a dancer’s sweaty forehead! If this all sounds like too much excitement, you may also feel free to hand me my tip after the show or as part of my payment, too.

Is there any type of event you don’t do?

I don’t do bachelor parties, stags or any event of that specific nature. The Bellydance Police could arrest me for that!

Carrara Nour is one of those dancers that captivates the crowd with her moves and her energy. She shows true professionalism and heart in her dancing and the art of belly dance could not have a better representative than her. Her passion and love for her dancing shows with every performance and if you ever get the chance to catch her fire dance, it is a MUST SEE!

- DJ Zeus, fan

The dancer down the street offered to dance at my restaurant for a plate of shawarma and “exposure.” Why do other dancers charge so much more?

When times are tough, $250 may seem like a lot to spend on a 25-minute show. You’ll find that in Connecticut, most belly dancers will charge at least this much for a party. Our rates reflect the regional cost of living, plus the hours of prep and the many hard costs involved with upholding a professional standard of aesthetics and training. If I lowered my prices, my customers would be the first ones to miss out.

If price is your only consideration, you can always find an eager amateur who will dance for a fraction of what the rest of us charge. My only warning to you is this: “you get what you pay for!” For another great perspective on rates, check out this beautifully written article by D.C.-area belly dancer Shems: Behind the Rates. I have also blogged extensively on the subject: My $0.02 on Rates.