Alyssa Jakum

An exquisite Belly Dance show tailored to your specific needs!
Typical shows last between 15-30 minutes, additional sets may be included if requested prior to your performance. The single-set classic belly dance show includes an entrance piece featuring lovely veil work (finger cymbals optional), a beautiful taksim, and a drum solo finale followed by some audience participation. Alyssa also specializes in sword work and can provide other props and dance styles if requested.

Interested in getting your guests a bit more involved?
Alyssa can provide a short lesson providing your guests with some fundamental movements of the dance. Belly Dance is perfect for anyone… any size, shape, age, gender, you name it! For longer lessons, Alyssa will teach your guests a simple beginner choreography to delight their friends at the next gathering.

The sky is the limit!
Whatever your vision may be, Alyssa can help you realize it.

Alyssa is a dynamic and entertaining dancer who brings an abundance of fun and energy to every one of her performances. Drawing on a lifetime of movement, a decade of which has been focused on Belly Dance, Alyssa brings a unique outlook to this dance form as well as a high level of technique.

Alyssa has studied extensively with her mentor Kitiera of Seattle who has instilled in her a love of dance fusion, which adds an unexpected element to her shows and separates her from other dance artists. Dedicated to her craft, Alyssa has also sought the tutelage of renowned master instructor Suhaila Salimpour and has earned certifications in both the Suhaila and Jamila formats offered by the Salimpour School; she continues to be highly influenced by her work with the Salimpour School and strives for excellence within their programs.

A consummate student, Alyssa continues to train through workshops with leading professionals in the industry including: Sabriye Tekbilek, Abigail Keyes, Ozgen, Crystal Silmi, Aubre Hill, Amel Tafsout, Zoe Jakes, Ruby Beh, Shahrzad and many more.

Alyssa takes her time in consulting with each client to create a one of a kind show that is perfect for your event. Engaging and entertaining, your guests will be talking about their experience for years to come!

*Please note that all shows are family-friendly. Alyssa does not accept shows where attendees exclusively male.*

Below you will find a sample contract from Alyssa outlining the basic responsibilities of the performer as well as the client. All shows require a complete contract:

This contract represents the complete terms and conditions between ____________ (“client”) and Alyssa Jakum (“performer”).
1. The performer will provide:
a) One dancer for a performance on ______date______ at ______________venue & address ________at ___time____.
b) The total performance shall be two sets for the duration of 10-15 minutes with a 15 minute intermission
c) The performer agrees to be professionally costumed during the performance
d) The performance shall include veil and finger cymbals
e) If appropriate, the performer will encourage audience participation through dancing and tipping. The performer will not force guests to participate if they do not show interest. Any tips received by the performer will not be applied to the cost of the performance agreed upon in this contract. The performer will instruct the guests how to appropriately tip, any touching of the performer without the performer’s consent will result in the offending party’s removal from the performance area with no later admittance until the performance has been concluded.
f) The performer will provide music in the form of a CD and an iPod in case of CD player malfunction.
g) The performer will provide Arabic music for the performance which may include, but is not limited, to: Arabic classics and standards, taksims, drum solos, and Arabic pop.
h) The performer reserves the right to be accompanied by an assistant/escort. The assistant/escort will be responsible for helping with the performance as not to disturb the client with the details. The assistant/escort will dress and act appropriately for the event.
i) If the performer must cancel the performance for any reason, the client will be refunded 100% of the paid deposit.

2. The client will provide:
a) A total payment in the amount of $______. 25% payment will be paid at the time of contract return to the performer; the remaining balance is due on the day of the event before the performance (cash preferred). All checks made payable to Alyssa Jakum Dance, LLC. The client agrees to pay a fee of $50 for any returned checks.
b) Client will notify owner/manager of the venue of the expected entertainment.
c) A safe and adequate space for the performer shall be provided. This includes a floor or stage space that is free of broken glass, spilled liquids, or other hazardous objects. This also includes an environment that is free of harassment of a sexual nature or otherwise. If the performer deems the environment unsafe for the above reasons, they may leave without rendering services. In that case, the client will still be responsible for paying the full amount. If there are children present, the client agrees to make sure they are supervised and have no access to the performance area during the run of the show.
d) A sound system with CD and iPod playing capabilities shall be provided including any necessary cables, preferably in the same room which the performance is to take place. The sound system is an important part of the show and should be tested prior to the arrival of the performer. Louder is better.
e) The client will communicate any special suggestions or requests at least 3 days prior to the beginning of the performance. The performance has been carefully choreographed and it is difficult to make changes once the performance has begun. Be assured that, if appropriate, music specifically intended for audience participation will be included.
f) Often the performer will have more than one engagement per night, so it is important that the show start at the agreed upon time. If the performer is required to start more than 30 minutes late, an extra charge of $100 will apply. In some cases, lateness may result in a shorter show or constitute a breach of contract on the part of the client.
g) A private and secure space will be provided for the performer to change clothes and to store their bags while performing.
h) The client agrees to be responsible for the actions of their guests or event employees, and to reimburse the performer for any damages suffered due to the actions of the client’s guests or event employees, including harm to any costumes, props or equipment while such items are at the place of the performance.
i) The client accepts all responsibility for any injuries sustained by them or those in attendance while participating in the performance. The performer and Alyssa Jakum Dance, LLC is released from all liability for any expenses that may be due to participating in the performance.
j) If the client or anyone at the event wishes to record any portion of the performance, they must provide the performer with a copy of the recording. Any recordings or photographs shall not be duplicated or used for commercial purposes without written permission from the performer. Full photo rights are not granted for any photos taken during the performance. Any recording or photographs of the performer shared via social media must be approved by the performer before posting.
k) Please contact Alyssa Jakum Dance, LLC for any cancellations within 7 days. If the performance is cancelled prior to the event, payment in full is still required. No fees will apply to the client if they cancel more than 7 days prior, however, the deposit is non-refundable.