FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes you different from other belly dancers in Orlando?

First, let’s be real – there are some wonderful belly dancers in Orlando, many of whom are actually my friends. It’s an honor to be one of the more popular performers here in the entertainment capital of America! One thing that sets me apart from a lot of people in showbiz is my core philosophy that every client is my friend. It’s never been about the limelight or the applause or the backstage selfies for me. It’s always been about making people happy. I believe when a dancer truly cares about her clients and her audience, it shines through in every aspect of the show. From my custom-crafted shows to the memories we make on the dance floor, I will treat your event as if it was my own family’s special occasion, giving it the love and respect it deserves. After all, it takes a lot more than beautiful costumes and great dancing to make a memorable show. Your guests will always remember how the dancer made them feel, and that comes from the heart!

How long is your typical belly dance show?

Most of my clients go for the Classic Show, a complete set up to 25 minutes in length. (My total time on the dance floor is actually closer to 40 minutes as I often spend around 10-15 mins with your guests taking pictures after the show). The Classic Show is a great option because it gives guests the complete experience without overpowering your event and taking away from all the other fun activities or entertainment you have planned. If you want to make entertainment the focal point of your event, the Ultimate Show (2 20-minute sets with a costume change) is a nice way to fill a longer block of time. You can check out my Booking page for all show options, or give me a call and I’ll create something special just for you! 

Do your shows include audience participation?

Audience participation is my favorite part of every show! Not only is it lots of fun, but it’s totally authentic to the way belly dancers perform in the Middle East. Every audience has a different energy, whether it’s a bachelorette party where everybody’s getting silly or a corporate function where the group is a bit reserved. Through the years, I’ve developed a knack for reading the room and matching my level of interactivity to the crowd’s. Whether your guests want to show off on the dance floor or sway along in their seats, my goal is always to keep them engaged and make sure they’re having fun! 

Is belly dance appropriate for audiences of all ages?

Absolutely! Belly dance comes from traditional folk dances that are done by men, women and children at weddings and family celebrations throughout the Middle East. Kids are my biggest fans and they love getting up to dance with “The Princess” or admiring from afar! Unfortunately, belly dance can get a bad rap due to the media and cheaper dancers that tend to get hired by local nightclubs, hookah lounges and tourist traps. Always do your homework and make sure you’ve hired a reputable pro and not a bargain basement performer who could possibly embarrass you in front of your guests. 

Do you carry liability insurance?

Of course! While my act itself is very low-risk with no fire or hazardous props, I am insured for up to $1,000,000 and can provide proof of insurance or special named certificates if you or your venue request it.

How do I book you?

Please call (407) 505-5864 or so we can discuss the details of your event. If I’m free, I’ll ask that you sign a performance agreement and send a non-refundable $100 retainer to hold the date. Once I get this from you, we’re all set!

How far in advance should I book you?

In an ideal world, I’d recommend booking at least 2 weeks out. This will ensure availability and allow ample time to prepare your show. For weddings and large corporate events, it’s best to play it safe by booking 3-6 months out – especially if your event takes place during the busy spring, fall, or Christmas season.

Can you work with additional dancers if we want more than one?

Belly dance is traditionally a solo dance form, and you probably don’t need more than one dancer as long as you hire a soloist who knows how to work a room. However, a duet or trio can be a great choice for events in spaces larger than a hotel ballroom, or if you simply like the look of a larger dance group. If you hire me for a duet, trio or other ensemble show, I will personally select beautiful, professional performers at an equal or higher skill level than myself, and act as the main point of contact for all belly dance talent leading up to the show.

What type of music do you dance to? Do you take special requests?

My music playlists range from traditional to non-traditional, and are tailor-made for you. Want classical Egyptian music? I’ll bring on the Oum K. Want a Bollywood and hip hop fusion? You’ve got it. A little bit of Shakira for your familia? My hips don’t lie. I’m a big music geek, appreciate all world genres from saidi to soca, and will dance to anything that gets your guests moving on the dance floor!

Is tipping appropriate?

While tipping is not required, it is greatly appreciated and can add an element of interactive fun! In many parts of the Middle East, tipping the belly dancer is said to symbolize good luck to the newlyweds or the Guest of Honor. The most common way to tip a belly dancer is to throw bills over her head in a money shower (aka “making it rain”) or to discretely tuck a folded bill into the dancer’s arm bands or the side of her belt. If you prefer, you may simply hand me my tip or add it to my balance payment. For more tipping etiquette and traditions, check out my article Hot Tips on Tipping. If money is tight but you’d like to show your appreciation, some other generous “gratuities” include leaving me a 5-star review, sending me professional photo and video from the show, and referring me to your friends and family! 

Do you perform at bachelor parties?

I don’t do bachelor parties, private one-on-one dances, or any type of event where the audience consists entirely of men and where “adult” entertainment would be expected. This is for personal safety reasons and also to preserve the artistic and cultural integrity of my craft. 

Are you the dancer who will perform at my event? 

Let’s face it….nobody wants to get catfished by their entertainment. If you like what you see on my website and social media, and if you like the person you spoke with on the phone, then you’ll love what you’re going to get at your event! One thing that makes me unique in the Orlando area is that I’m a one-woman show and not an entertainment company that contracts out performers of mixed skill levels for events. (If a dance company advertises on their website that they’re scouting new talent with no belly dance experience necessary….or if their portfolio features stock images with a Shutterstock watermark rather than pictures of real local talent….then this should tell you everything you need to know)! When you book me, I will personally handle all aspects of the booking process with care from the initial call to the moment I take the stage. This guarantees peace of mind – no bait and switch, no third-party miscommunications, and no amateur performers who will use your once-in-a-lifetime event as on-the-job training. The only surprises at your event will be the good kind! 

Do you offer belly dance classes?

I am strictly a performer and don’t own a dance studio or teach belly dance classes.

Why do you charge more than other belly dancers in Orlando?

Plain and simple, professional belly dancers charge professional rates. While you don’t have to hire the most expensive belly dancer in Orlando to get the best performer for your event, the better professionals in this area are charging between $300-400 for a single 20-30 minute set. Professional prices reflect a higher level of quality, preparation and special event expertise. Our rates also reflect accountability. We use contracts and liability insurance for your protection. Low prices and excessively long shows almost always reflect the opposite, and you get what you pay for in this industry, whether that’s an hour of mediocre dancing or something far more devastating and embarrassing. No-shows, illegal/unsafe fire performances, and inappropriate, overly sexualized dancing are just a few things clients can expect when they go for the lowest bidder. I know this because I get last-minute calls from clients panicking when their bargain basement entertainment fell through. Instagram-worthy aesthetics don’t always translate to “professional” talent, no matter how often that word gets thrown around. Make sure to read reviews, look at full-length performance video from real events, and ask the right questions from the start. If a dancer doesn’t use contracts and deposits, and doesn’t have liability insurance, consider this a BIG red flag.

But something tells me that if you’re on my website and you’ve made it this far, you’re looking for a dancer who can actually rock your party and not just a “costumed character” who will look great in your photos but can’t put on a good show. If you’re looking for an experienced professional who knows how to engage the crowd, honor your cultural traditions, make adjustments on the fly, and give your loved ones an amazing experience, you’re in great hands and I have the reputation to prove it. (Just read my online reviews or ask any of your wedding vendors about me!) For more on this subject, check out my popular article “Would You Like to Hire a Free Belly Dancer?”