Thread: How much to charge for private parties?

I have started to perform at private parties and want to have a better idea of what the aproppriate/average fee is for private events?

I performed at birthday party where I performed for 15 minutes and charged the host $90 (Canadian). Is this amount the norm? Too low, too high?

I performed at another party the other night where I danced for about 20 minutes and also gave the people a 45-minute bellydance lesson. How much would one charge? About $200? or lower?

Any feedbacks/answers would be greatly appreciate!

Thanks
Goldie

It's really helpful to be acquainted with the going rates for your area. Samira Shuruk has a very helpful page on her site: belly dance rates

Hi Aida,
It's great that you are asking. I'd also recommend you ask your teacher/dance mentor. She should be able to steer you in the right direction and help you avoid pitfalls as well.
This page has important info regarding rates:
Standard rates and professional links and guidelines
Here are tons of links to help you:
performing and professionalism
Shira also has TONS of info:
All About Belly Dancing! Exploring The Art of Middle Eastern Dance! Learn About Belly Dance!

Rates vary from region to region. For example here in the Baltimore/DC region for private parties the minimum is $200 for a 20 minute party show. Dancers with more experience charge MORE, sometimes a good bit more. Please don't sell yourself short because you are new; charge professional rates. ..l;,..l;,..l;,
Remember your rates are a reflection of ALL your time and expenses- studying, working on your show, workshops, music, costuming...in addition to the actual prep time for the gig, travel time for the gig, wait around time at the gig (which shouldn't be too long) and finally the actual performance itself. When viewed like this you'll see that higher rates make sense.