So you want to hire a/some bellydancers for your next event? Here is a load of information intended to help you in making your decision about hiring bellydancers. This may also acquaint you with us.
Natium is the phonetic spelling for a term that means dance in southern India (spelled Natyam). The word is pronounced Nah-Tee-Umm. We are primarily an Improvisational Tribal & Modern Fusion Bellydance troupe however we also pay homage to various tribal people with our array of world dance styles. We perform with skirts, embracing flamenco and Eastern European skirt dances. We dance with Far East props like Chinese fighting fans and fluttering silk veil fans. You can also see us dancing with fire as you would see in Polynesian locales or in Hawaii. We also embrace styles from the Middle East and from India, including Bharatnatyam, Indian Fusion and Bollywood.
Natium consists of several trained dancers, as well as insured fire arts performers and fire safety personnel. You may also see us performing with students in training, on occasion.
To book Natium World Dance for performances contact K-Lee at kahleabellydancer@gmail.com
Prior to booking, you may wish to consult below for reference regarding questions that will come up prior to us accepting a job.
So what do I get out of this?
Bellydance is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. It is both eye catching and great entertainment, appropriate for folks of all ages and events of all types. Your guests will be entertained and it is a fabulous way to kick off your occasion or celebration. Bellydancing IS family-appropriate and any professional dancer will insure her act is tasteful and appropriate whether your four year old is watching, or your grandmother.
Date, time and length of performance requested
A typical bellydance show will last about 20 to 30 minutes. It is also possible to book a show to last two or even three sets. You may choose to book multiple dancers in one show or spread out throughout the event or only to have one solo professional for entertainment. We can also provide meet and greet periods (popular with family events where children are present) and time for keepsake photos to be taken by and with guests.
We can provide fire performances in many situations, with our highly trained, skilled, insured and safe fire dancers. Kids love this!
Professional performers may book several shows in one night. Therefore, it makes sense that many dancers will bill according to the length of time at an event, not just the length of time on the dance floor.
When hiring a bellydancer, try to be ready for the performance at the agreed time so that the dancer(s) can adhere to their other performance commitments. If you start the dancer late, she may likely still need to leave at the agreed upon time to make her other engagements.
It is noteworthy to add that if you just want a pretty girl in a skimpy costume, wiggling out of a cake, you will want to shop elsewhere.
Can you perform this weekend?
Many bellydancers are not available for jobs at the last minute. Many professional dancers require advance notice to perform, as many have regular performances, and some travel to perform, outside of the hometown to other states and sometimes, even, other countries. Most dancers are booked months in advance. Occasionally we can accommodate the last minute request; it never hurts to ask!
Location of performance and type of event
A dancer will consider drive time, distance of travel, and gas used to get to and from the venue. A dancer will ask what type of event or function she is dancing at so that she can outline an appropriate performance line up that will be cohesive to your event. We have performed at various types of engagements from bachelorette parties to Red Hat Society events, from private parties to public restaurant shows, at corporate events, birthday parties, retirement parties, grand openings for businesses, cultural events, family events and many more. We DO NOT perform at bachelor parties but can arrange to do bachelorette parties where a bellydance lesson is offered to the bride and her guests and then a bellydance performance is provided to them as well.
Is a sound system provided?
Many clients think a portable stereo or “boombox” is adequate, however, with a crowd of guests and with professional dancers using finger cymbals, the music on a “boombox” or portable stereo can be lost. For larger events a PA system is recommended, provided by the host(ess). At small, intimate gathering, sometimes a home stereo is sufficient.
How much space is available for the dancer(s), what type of surface will she/they be performing on and how many guests are expected?
Often times a dancer will want to know what space she is working with so as to insure ample room for multiple dancers, for use of props like veils or swords. She will also need to know what type of surface you want her to dance on. The difference from a grassy knoll at an outdoor wedding and a hardwood floor in a room with ceiling fans can make a big difference in a dancer’s planning. Also, whether a dancer is indoors or outdoors will weigh on the type of show she chooses to perform. Elements like wind or bright sun or cold weather could affect a dancer's performance and she will want to consider these elements when planning. She will also be interested to know the size of the crowd she is performing for to plan adequately.
Is a performance requested or a lesson and performance combined, for the party?
Perhaps you want your event to be more interactive for the guests. A mini dance lesson is great fun for guests both participating and observing. The hired dancer may be able to provide this in addition to the performance aspect of your event. Price quotes are reflected in your choice. Performers may also include a period to pull your guests up to the dance floor to dance with them. This is a great way to get guests out of their seats to join in on the fun. Keep in mind that guests should only dance with the dancer, if invited to do so. Also, guests are asked to do so respectfully and not to touch the dancer(s). Any inappropriate touching or harassment will result in the dancer(s) leaving the premises right away with no refunds offered to the host of the event. Keep your guests in check. If a stripper is what you are looking for, then a bellydancer is NOT what you want to hire.
Payment details & what will it cost?
Bellydancer's are affordable and generally no more expensive than any other hired performer at events, like a clown, a musician, or a Disc Jockey. Remember, you want a skilled, quality dancer/troupe with experience in the entertainment business.
We along with most professional dancers will ask for a 50% deposit to reserve the date and time frame for your event. In the event you cancel the dancer’s performance or the event, the dancer retains this deposit. We will also ask for the final 50% prior to dancing at your event. Payment to the owner of Natium World Dance can be made by way of cash, personal check, money order, credit card or Paypal. Dates are not held until payments have cleared. An additional $35 fee is added for any returned or unpaid payments. Should the dancer(s) need to cancel for any reason, efforts will be made to find an ample substitute or to provide a full refund, your choice.
Is the location of the performance safe and will there be a safe place for the dancer(s) to store props and personal items?
Dancers will want to feel safe at your event. Will there be safe and well lit areas to park and for the dancer(s) to make entrance to the event? (no dark alleys please) Will the dancer be able to store and secure her personal items and dance props away from guests and will she be guaranteed their secure storage? (props can be pricey so we want to feel like they are secure)
How did you hear of NATIUM World Dance?
If a previous client referred you, we often like to extend our thanks to those who refer us.
Payment and gratuity to the dancer(s)
Payment and tipping vary from event to event. Many things are considered when bidding a performance opportunity. Tipping by guests is not required, but can be customary. Tipping is a way of showing appreciation for the dancer’s performance if guests are enjoying the show. Dancers do not accept tips in the brassier or cleavage area and some are even averse to any body tipping at all. The most complimentary and tasteful form of tipping is for the tipping person to walk up to the dancer cautiously (you don’t want to rush up on her mid-performance!) and hold several dollars in your hand. The tipper will then hold the bills over her head and let them fall over her, in essence, showering her with “compliments”. Again, tipping is not required, and is entirely up to your discretion. At times we may vary the event quote if guests will or will not be tipping. Just please be sure to remind guests that tipping a bellydancer is much different from tipping a dancer in gentlemen's clubs!