Thread: I need help this is my first belly dance party

Hi ladies,

I've been recommended to teach belly dancing at a girls night out party. This will be my first time doing this. What is usually included? A choreographed song, followed by a lesson or just a small demonstration and mostly teaching. I'm also going to provide hip scarfs. Are there any other suggestions?

Thanks,

Nadia

Hi Nadia,

I usually start with a 5-or-so minute performance, then I pass around the hip scarves. I give them a short spiel about where bellydance comes from/it's history etc while they get the hip scarves on. The rest is teaching. I usually end with a follow-the-leader routine to a pop song.

A word of advice? Be willing to roll with the punches a bit. Teaching bellydance to ladies who have had a few drinks can be great fun for everyone (including you) but is also a bit like herding cats. You have to strike a balance between letting them goof off and encouraging the fun while still being assertive enough to keep things (mainly) on track.

Have fun and good luck with the party!

We were discussing this last weekend and there were three different approaches. One teacher used it as a performance opportunity - ie the main bit was a dance by her then some teaching. Another talked about the dance with a few demos. Me, I run a one-hour class.

Include something that will get their heart rates up.

Pick 2 or 3 simple moves to teach. Stick to safe ones - these are not dancers so nothing with lower back extension - on purpose like a tilted hip circle - or by accident like a maya. Keep an eye on physical safety but ignore technical errors.

Either a very simple choreography - just using those moves or a "follow me" session.

ETD: Asra has an important point. They are paying you to entertain them. On one night I gave three completely different parties. Each group had its own needs, level of intoxication and personalities. You have to be adaptable!

Thanks Ladies,

One more question. Do you charge by the head, flat rate, or both?

I charge a flat rate. If you don't know what to charge, you should ask your instructor or check Samira Sharuk's site to find out what a fair rate is in your area. Here's the link:http://www.samirashuruk.com/Belly_Dancer_Rates.html

I do something very similar to what Asra described. I charge a flat rate for up to 20 guests, with a slight price increase after that.

Thanks sooh much ladies!!