Mariana Bellydance NW

Once you decide to book me for your event, the first thing we do is have a phone conversation. We discuss your event, the cause for celebration, who's the audience, and the general ambience you want to create.

We agree on length of the performance, price, date and location. All details that are discussed as part of your event are put into my standard performance contract. Once the contract is finalized, signed and a deposit is received, I begin planning specific choreography to perform for your event. Some clients request specific songs, and most of the time I'm already familiar with the songs being requested and they can be easily added to the show.

Depending on the event/venue, I will meet with the client/wedding planner/DJ to check out the venue for spacing requirements and/or do a sound check. I take my job seriously and I don't want any sound/venue mishaps to happen for your special occasion! I've performed at the Fairmont Hotel, Mill Creek Country Club, Woodinville School House and many other local public and private venues. So you can be certain I have experience working in a variety of settings.

On day of the show, I arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of the show and will require a private area to enter and dress. Most clients request I enter from the back of the room to surprise the audience.

I dance 5 songs: an entrance, a song that uses a prop (usually veils/isis wings), a drum solo, a switch to a different type of prop (zills/drum) and then an exit song to get the audience dancing. Upon the client's request, I will bring audience members up to dance and by that point in the party most people are ready to get up and move as I make a graceful exit while your guest dance away!

WHAT YOU GET: A professional who is invested in making your event special!

I will work with you to determine the appropriate show length, type of music, costuming choices and what type of prop(s): veil, fan veil, Isis wings, sword, zills, drum or tambourine will be used, if any. We decide together the level and amount of audience participation. For example, some clients request I start the debke, and other clients prefer no audience participation. What is right, depends on your event and working with someone like me that has several years of experience to guide you makes the process painless and fun!

A typical performance is a 30 minute set. My minimum fee is $250, which includes travel time and prep time.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES: A drummer(s) or band can be arranged as part of the show to create a more unique event!

A mini lesson can be offered depending on the event type! I provide hip scarves and veils for people to to use during the lesson. I teach dance regularly at Zamani World Dance in Bothell and have experience leading groups to have fun and move!

WHAT TO EXPECT: I will arrive 30 minutes prior to show start and will require a private area to enter and dress. Most clients request I enter from the back of the room to surprise the audience. I dance 5 songs: an entrance, a song that uses a prop (usually veils/isis wings), a drum solo, a switch to a different type of prop (zills/drum) and then an exit song to get the audience dancing. Upon the client's request, I will bring audience members up to dance and by that point in the party most people are ready to get up and move as I make a graceful exit while your guest dance away!

WHY ME? I love what I do! I enjoy working with people and I love leaving a party seeing the guests dancing, smiling and having a good time! I'm professional, timely and honest. My promotional material is current, and what you see on this page is what you get!

CREDENTIALS
Awards
La Danse Oriental 2017 - 3rd Place CD Professional
La Danse Oriental 2015 - 1st Place Alternative Fusion (Bellywood)
Naach Meri Jaan 2015 - 1st Place Bollywood Troupe with Blue Lotus Dance Company
La Danse Oriental 2014 - 2nd Place Themed Alternative Fusion (Bellywood)
Belly Dancer USA 2012 - 1st Place People's Choice Alternative Music (Bellywood)
Belly Dancer USA 2012 - 2nd Place Seven Veils
La Danse Oriental 2012 - 3rd Place Horizon

Notable Training:
Study in Egypt 2018
Raks Madrid, Spain 2018
Nesma Andalusi Dance & Music Intensive, Granada, Spain, 2017
Esceulla Tarab Al-Anadalus (Lebanese Orientale & Flamenco) Training & Intensive 2015 & 2016
Tamallyn Dallal Teacher Training & Intensive 2014
Mercedes Ruiz Escuella de Flamenco Jerez, Spain 2013 & 2014
YogaFit Instructor Training 2011
BodyJam Instructor Training 2011
Zumba Instructor Training 2011

Currently Mariana is a member of Karavans and Khan El Khalili Dance Troupe a middle eastern folkloric troupe under the direction of Seattle's legendary Mish Mish. Mariana has also previously been a member of Culture Shakti Dance a Bollywood troupe under the direction of Katrina Ji and was a member of the multi award winning troupe Blue Lotus Dance Company a bellydance, Bollywood and Russian Gypsy troupe under the direction of Nalini.

Technical requirements are few, however they vary on the event type/size:
SOUND: If you have a DJ/Masters of Ceremony/Sound Crew/Event Planner - I will require their contact info. I will work with them directly to ensure they have my music, do a sound check and are aware of any show queues. If there is no sound crew, I can bring my own sound system. This works best for small spaces.
SPACE: I require a minimum of 10x10 space to perform in, and an even surface for dancing, no decks!
A private place to change my clothing and warm up prior to my performance start time.