Thread: Arabic wedding

O.k., so this is a totally new subject for me, I have never performed in one. I have been asked to do a 1/2 hr. show at an Arabic wedding, nothing fancy, not a big whoop-ti-do. There will be about 30-40 people at this small event. We do not have a big Arabic community. So my questions are...
What is traditional?
What should I do? Can I do 3 songs and then involve the crowd?
Is the shamadan a must?
After I do my dances, should I make the crowd a part of the show (participation)?
What about tips? Should I use my tip jar to collect tips? I normally balance a tip jar on my head and that is how I collect tips. Of course I do this for the American crowd.
What songs do you suggest?
What is the going rate for a 1/2 hour Arabic Wedding?

Any helpful hits/tips will be greatly appreciated...g.:

thanks for your help!,r:;

Originally Posted by Shaharazad

What is traditional?

The bellydancer's job is to get the party started, bring an air of festivity. Every family is different and you want to stay close to their vision for the event. Talk to the bride or the groom's mom, whoever is hiring you, and ask them if they have any special requests for music (usually they want pop songs, look for romantic ones; I had a thread a while back where I got great suggestions, maybe it could be turned up with a search?) I like to ask what the color scheme is so I can try to at least not clash, and if I can incorporate the bride's colors I do. Also ask if they would prefer you to wear a more conservative costume. I like a blingy beledi dress for weddings. If there will be non-Arabs or conservative family members present, the organizers will appreciate knowing that you're offering a class act.

What should I do? Can I do 3 songs and then involve the crowd?

Yes, absolutely. Dance in the center, dance among the tables. Be the embodiment of romance and loving energy and celebration/party spirit. My weddings always want fast, lively pop music, no Um Kalthoum or classics, but ask them what they want. Get lyric translations for any music you choose, make sure it's not 'girl gets done wrong' or 'your cheating heart' music but love lyrics!

Get the bride and groom up first!! then their parents. Be very gracious about giving up the limelight, of course. By that time people will either randomly join you or be pointing out other family members for you to dance with.

Is the shamadan a must?

No. If you've never done it and don't own one, don't even mention it to them. If you do it, then ask if they want it and charge extra if they do.

After I do my dances, should I make the crowd a part of the show (participation)?

Absolutely. Starting with the couple and the family. At restaurants we usually get people up one at a time and lead them through moves, but Arabs will be ready to dance with you and with each other without guidance.

What about tips? Should I use my tip jar to collect tips? I normally balance a tip jar on my head and that is how I collect tips. Of course I do this for the American crowd.

I *personally* haven't ever been offered a tip at a wedding and wouldn't solicit them. Although I'd graciously accept them if they were offered! There was a story on Bhuz once where a dancer was showered with tons of money when she danced, then discovered THAT family's tradition was to give that money to the bride and groom! That seems to be the exception rather than the norm, though.

What songs do you suggest?

Romantic pop songs, unless the family asks for something else. Try to find that old thread I had on this subject, it was wonderful! I think the suggestions included Saharni and Lawn Oyounak, most Amr Diab songs are good. No shaabi like Saad or Hoda, though.

What is the going rate for a 1/2 hour Arabic Wedding?

You might check Samira Shuruk's site for the going rate in your area. You could also follow the 'as much as the ice sculpture' rule ..g.: Usually more than the going rate for a 1/2 hour NONwedding show in your area... maybe 40-50% more?

Thank you Lauren, you had shed light in this subject. I will read Samira's website and check the rate list. Thank you very much for your words of wisdom!

Found the thread with music suggestions!
http://www.bhuz.com/forum/music-trad...ding-sets.html

And a smaller thread as well: http://www.bhuz.com/forum/rest-belly...gig-music.html


And here's a link to Samira's rates by region page.
Belly Dancer Rates

here in San Diego there is a big Arabic community actually they are Chaldean mostly...
if they ask you to do zeffa (bring the groom and bride) and perform make sure you ask if the dance performance will be right after because typically zeffa takes long time, it is like marching into the room everyone gets up, claps and they cut cake...etc.
so I would not mention the zeffa or if they do ask the time and extra fee for that. Shamdan is used for zeffa scene usually or if you are performing solo you can enter with it maybe to Alf Layla Wi Layla...that is my favorite and they know that song.
in San Diego going rates for weddings usually (I know there are undercutters) $200 + which is below standard already...
I would use Set El Hosen, Oum Kalthoum songs, Hakim, Amr Diab, Ehab Tawfik songs towards the end and go arround dance with audience.
At the begining I would bring up groom/bride to dance with me..you might get money shower as tips hopefully kids wont pick them up...they migth gone in front of your eyes. Make sure you tell them any money on the floor is yours.

HI Turkishdancer, thank you so much for your words of wisdom. I sure hope I am prepared enough to do good on Saturday night.