Spend your money wisely! For your special event, you'll want the peace of mind provided by hiring a performer who is professional, reliable and tasteful as well as a dancer that is above and beyond the norm in grace, skill and entertainment value. Don't take a chance on "cheap" and end up with a student dancer! Hire the best you can afford and entertain your guests with a quality entertainment.
What’s behind the pricing of a belly dancer?
Like most performing arts, the expense is in the preparation. Before arriving at your door step that night, a belly dancer will have:
Before all of that, a quality dancer will likely have spent thousands of dollars on dance training, music, make-up, accessories, props and costumes as well as a typical business’s expenses of advertising, computers, software, web site, business cards, accounting, photographs, gas, car maintenance and travel. She will also have spent endless hours in dancing, performing, editing music, altering and/or making costumes, and researching the historical and cultural aspects of belly dance.
What’s behind the pricing of a belly dancer?
Like most performing arts, the expense is in the preparation. Before arriving at your door step that night, a belly dancer will have:
- purchased and put together music for your event
- prepared and rehearsed the pieces she will perform
- donned a professional costume(s) *
- applied professional make-up and costume accessories
- prepared and packed the necessary props (sword, zills, veils, fire tray) she will be using to enhance your show
- traveled to your event
Before all of that, a quality dancer will likely have spent thousands of dollars on dance training, music, make-up, accessories, props and costumes as well as a typical business’s expenses of advertising, computers, software, web site, business cards, accounting, photographs, gas, car maintenance and travel. She will also have spent endless hours in dancing, performing, editing music, altering and/or making costumes, and researching the historical and cultural aspects of belly dance.
Although the price tag may seem high for a relatively short performance,
you are paying for all the things that make it possible for a professional entertainer
to provide you with the high-quality performance you deserve.
you are paying for all the things that make it possible for a professional entertainer
to provide you with the high-quality performance you deserve.
Why do performer’s rates vary?
In most communities, professional belly dancers come to a general consensus on what is appropriate to charge for different types of events. If you ask around, you will find most working dancers charge nearly the same rates for the same services.
If you find a dancer charging significantly less, be wary! The old adage, "You get what you pay for!", is often true. That individual may be less skilled and have lower than professional standards. Other times, these budget dancers may be students or hobbyists who will not be able to provide an authentic show that meets your standards.
Professional dancers are in demand and are able to command a higher rate because of their skill level, unique specialties, high-end costuming, and cultural insights. As a general rule, you will find the more expensive dancer is worth it!
Rates may also vary for other reasons. These may include extra travel expenses, holiday rates (such as Valentines or NYE), an extended show duration with multiple sets (as well as props and costumes), or the type of event you are planning. For example, wedding receptions often experience delays and will require a larger block of the dancer's time. Finally, in most cases celebrations are on a weekend evening, so the dancer is likely giving up one or more restaurant engagements to work for you and that may be factored in when she sets her rate.
In the end, hiring a well-qualified dancer is worth every penny because it ensures that your entertainment selection will truly "wow" you and your guests.
In most communities, professional belly dancers come to a general consensus on what is appropriate to charge for different types of events. If you ask around, you will find most working dancers charge nearly the same rates for the same services.
If you find a dancer charging significantly less, be wary! The old adage, "You get what you pay for!", is often true. That individual may be less skilled and have lower than professional standards. Other times, these budget dancers may be students or hobbyists who will not be able to provide an authentic show that meets your standards.
Professional dancers are in demand and are able to command a higher rate because of their skill level, unique specialties, high-end costuming, and cultural insights. As a general rule, you will find the more expensive dancer is worth it!
Rates may also vary for other reasons. These may include extra travel expenses, holiday rates (such as Valentines or NYE), an extended show duration with multiple sets (as well as props and costumes), or the type of event you are planning. For example, wedding receptions often experience delays and will require a larger block of the dancer's time. Finally, in most cases celebrations are on a weekend evening, so the dancer is likely giving up one or more restaurant engagements to work for you and that may be factored in when she sets her rate.
In the end, hiring a well-qualified dancer is worth every penny because it ensures that your entertainment selection will truly "wow" you and your guests.
*A single professional costume ranges in price from $300, for a simple beaded bra and belt ensemble, up to $1300+, for a full outfit with intricate beading. Most high-quality professional ensembles average $500-$1000 and are handmade in Egypt or Turkey. Professional dancers require several costumes (in various colors) to accommodate different types of events and venues.