Rhiannon

(Under construction - 2023 update coming soon!)
Here are some common questions people have when thinking about hiring a bellydancer:

What can I expect from a performance?

Rhiannon will find out what you envision for your event and then set about customizing her show. She will determine music, props, costuming, as well as things like the any special requests such as how she will sneak in to surprise the guest of honor. Rhiannon will confirm each step along the way so both of you are on the same page. If deemed necessary, Rhiannon might be able to meet at your venue ahead of time to address any unique set-up concerns.
Girl's night out and group lessons, Belly-grams aka "mini shows," Classic & Full length shows, Children's Princess Parties, Wedding show/Zeffas, Corporate Events ETC... Almost any event can be catered to and have a unique show created!
*NOTE* Rhiannon does not perform for any all-male audience without prior communication and assurance of a safe environment
If you hire Rhiannon, you can expect tons of fun, professional entertainment, glamour, audience interaction, and wonderful memories! Regardless of your package selection, there is an dramatic entrance to engage your guests, audience interaction, exciting music and props, and each show always end with a rousing drum solo.

What type of props can be used in a show?
Rhiannon can choose from several props to provide interest and compliment the music. Finger cymbals are very fun and popular with audiences. The sword or fire elements are always impressive especially with the men and children. The dramatic Isis wings are a crowd favorite. Silk veils are a classic belly dance accent and fan veils are modern addition that adds flair to any show.

Can I request certain songs for my event?
Yes…within reason! A typical, traditional belly dance show will be performed to Middle Eastern music. However, if you want to use a particular Western song, discuss it with Rhiannon. You must make special requests at least two weeks before your show to ensure Rhiannon has time to become familiar enough with the song to dance to it. Inappropriate songs will not be considered.

What if I need more than one belly dancer?
Rhiannon can reach out to other professional belly dancers in the community and attempt to customize and negotiate a show that works for both client and dancers. Notice is key here, as belly dancers can be difficult to book last second, and a show involving more than one performer takes significantly more planning to ensure a successful performance. Note that belly dancers do not "come in bulk prices," as in more dancers will mean a higher price, as both dancers are committing their time and resources to the allotted event.
How far in advance should I book?
The sooner the better - the good dancers book up fast! Also, weekend evenings are prime-time for events and dancers are often working around their ongoing restaurant performances. If Rhiannon is unavailable, she will refer you to another well-qualified belly dancer.

What behavior is expected of my guests?
Belly dancers love an enthusiastic, smiling audience. Positive energy from the audience brings out the best in a performer and everyone has more fun! Guests are encouraged to clap to the music, cheer at a sword trick, or hoot and holler during shimmies - all within the realm of good taste, of course. Just be sure to allow the dancer plenty of space to dance and avoid crossing her path, especially if she has a sword on her head, a fire tray, etc. You or your guest might end up getting hurt or hurting the dancer.

Can we tip the belly dancer?
Yes! Tipping really gets a crowd excited and eager to participate in the show! It is a fun way to show the dancer how much everyone appreciates her skills. Rhiannon will offer her hip (maybe even tease you with it!) or an arm cuff for you and your guests to place a bill. Another option is the traditional method of "showering" money over the dancer's head (rather than tipping on her body). This may be a more comfortable choice for some audience members. An assigned person will collect the tips off the floor and deliver them to Rhiannon after her show.
Why is the costume...sexy?
Belly dancers use their belly! If they were all covered up, how would you be able to see the fine muscle control that the dancer has developed over years of practice and study? The costume is part of the art form, just like a ballerina's (much more revealing) leotard and tights. Belly dance is not specifically meant to titillate, but Americans tend to be nervous about belly dancing because they mix-up sensual/exotic with sexual/erotic. Belly dance is a beautiful art form that celebrates women’s beautiful bodies in a way that is unique and empowering. If there are cultural or religious concerns, Rhiannon can wear a nylon leotard under her costume or perform in a full coverage Saidi or Baladi dress.

IN SUMMARY
Belly dance is a lively form of Middle Eastern entertainment appropriate for all types of events and audiences of all ages.
Belly dance is a cultural art form that takes years of study to perform well. It is NOT stripping nor meant to titillate.
Dancers will approach her audience so they can better admire her costume and her movements.
It is perfectly okay, and desirable, for audience members to watch and enjoy the intricate movements of a dancer.
Tipping is appreciated - you can usually tip the dancer on her arm band, her hip, or shower her over her head.
Have fun! Smile, clap to the music, and join in the dancing!
Let the dancer know that you appreciate and respect her, her time, and her craft.

Wondering about rates?

A belly dance show, like most entertainment, can be booked at varying rates, yet the quality of entertainment is often reflected in the final price. Will you take a chance on the cheapest dancer or will you chose one that is more expensive but also more skilled? You'll likely want to hire a performer who is professional, reliable and tasteful. However, you'll likely also want the peace of mind provided by a dancer that is above and beyond the norm in grace, skill and entertainment value.

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, a belly dancer will have:

purchased and put together music for your event
prepared and rehearsed the pieces she will perform to the specially selected music
selected the professional costume(s) that is complementary to your event*
applied performance quality 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.

(Under construction - 2023 update coming soon!)
Rhiannon is a melting pot of movement with much experience in the performing arts as well as a strong athletic background. She is a lifelong student of dance but currently considers herself to be a variety entertainer - she started her professional career in the performing arts as a belly dancer back in 2014.

Timing is everything! Rhiannon will arrive at least 15 minutes before the agreed upon show time, and will leave promptly after the conclusion of her arranged appearance.
(NON GIG SALAD) Showtime delays beyond 15 mins will be charged at a rate of $25 per 10 minutes of wait time past the agreed-upon time. Note that any major delays may result in your show being cut short due to other booked engagements Rhiannon may have on that same evening.

Many dancers will bring an assistant, such as a friend or spouse, to help with props, costuming, parking, etc. as well as to provide added safety. You will not be expected to include them in your guest list, feed them, etc. They will just blend into the background.