How To Gauge Who Is a Top Bellydance Entertainer
Quality Over Quantity
Beware: What To Watch Out For
Award Winning : Are Your Sure?
- Did the belly dancer actually compete in a national or international level competition? That would be good. Or, did they win at a simple renaissance fair or school show? That would not be good. Competing against amateurs is not the same as competing with professionals across the globe.
- Make sure you know what you are getting when you see the words “award-winning”. Did they win an online poll for “best picture” on some social media site? That would not be good.
Beautiful Picture: Is it all Photoshopped?
- Are the pictures and video on the website recent? The person you hire should look and dance the way they appear in the video and photograph. Sure, dancers can fluctuate a little, but it is recommended to always request a recent, full-length video to make sure you like what you see and it is clear what their technique is like.
- Photoshop…the body and face should not be altered in a manner that misleads clients. I see a lot of highly photoshopped or filtered images going around in this industry. A recent video is going to be the best way to ensure you are getting the person you expect the day of your event.
Fake Reviews & Old Footage...
- Are the bellydancers’ reviews online from actual clients? That would be good. Or are they from their buddy photographer or vendor friends? Don’t fall for staged reviews! You are welcome to request to speak to a previous client of mine that left a review online. All of my reviews are from real clients.
- Ask for the full video! Is there enough footage of actual DANCING ability from the potential performer? Look for a bellydancer with clear video footage (that is recent) that plays continuously from beginning to end. Seeing a video that is edited down to various, short clips means things are being concealed.
If you are wondering if you should have Jennifer perform at your event the answer is “absolutely!” Jennifer was engaging, technical and greatly entertaining for all of our guests (which ranged in age from 2 to 50’s). She got everyone up and dancing at the end and brought so much joy to my partner’s 50th surprise birthday. Jennifer is kind, courteous and conducts herself with a high level of professionalism and made this surprise performance effortless. We are grateful for the joyful memories she helped our family to create.
Karoline Neumann
You Get What You Pay For
Let’s be frank, there are standards for pricing in every industry for a reason. Just like there is a minimum wage and then 6 figure salaries, what a belly dancer charges reflects her skill and ability.
Don’t choose the minimum wage options. Even just a $25 difference in a price, means there is a difference in skill/ability. Do your homework, and i applaud you for taking the time to read this information and educating yourself on how to hire the best performer for your event!
Charisma + Experience
Technique and beauty alone do not always equate to an exceptional show. Charisma and cultural nuance are the essential magical ingredient that captivate audiences and leaves a positive and memorable impression.
No one wants a gorgeous dancer with a plastered smile. The audience should feel their soul when the bellydancer performs. The emotional range and depth of the performer are what lead to genuine smiles and “wow” moments.
Experience plays a big part in creating the perfect show. Just like a doctor, lawyer, or any other profession, experience matters, and selecting a performer with the vast expertise to ensure that you are stress-free leading up to the party/event and can manipulate the energy perfectly is the goal.
A Little Extra Goes a Long Way
One of the first questions I am asked over the phone is, “how much does a bellydance show cost?” If you want a top bellydance entertainer, then yes, it will cost more.
That extra expense will go a long way when it comes to getting a World Champion, internationally renowned, belly dance party entertainment professional vs. a “professional” with less than great dancing or showmanship.
In general, if prices are lower, the video will definitely be the proof to use when comparing dancers. Videos are a bellydancer’s portfolio, so make sure to watch them, compare, and make the best decision.
Your loved ones will be at your event, make sure to impress them. Do not be fooled by pretty girls in sparkly costumes without enough dance training to support their claims.