Answers from Sacramento's Sweetheart, Professional international Fusion Bellydancer Spiritdancer Tutankhamun!
PERFORMANCE F.A.Q.
Q: Is a Bellydance/or Fusion dance performance appropriate for my family gathering/wedding/shower/birthday party?
A: Yes! Bellydance is a highly-regarded art form and a great way to bring joy and fun to any family or social gathering. Spirit's performances are appropriate for all ages and are family friendly. Children and elders love to dance and appreciate the show too just as much as anyone else!
Examples of common Bellydance event occasions:
*Private and Corporate Events (Absolutely NO all male events)
*Grand Openings
*Nightclubs
*Festivals
*School arts demonstrations
*Parks & Recreation events
*Restaurants
*Special Events/Theme Parties
*Performance/Lesson Package
*Concerts with Live Musicians
*Performance Art Events/Variety Shows
*Celebrations: Birthdays, Anniversaries. Ask about the Belly Gram!
*Engagements, Weddings, Bachelorette Parties, Baby Showers
*Holiday functions for your staff
*VIP receptions
*Team building workshops
*Awards dinners
*Conferences and conventions
*Networking and tabling events
*Fundraisers
Q: How long is the show?
A: A typical show is between 20 – 40 minutes. Performances may include finger cymbals, and/or other props. When appropriate, the show may include audience participation.
Q: Will Spiritdancer bring music?
A: A burned CD that is tailored to your event will be provided. The venue should have a good quality sound system that plays CDs.
Q: What kind of music is used?
A: Music will be engineered to match your special event. Types of music may include: African, Moroccan, Arabic, Turkish, Persian, Afghani, Indian, Native American, Latin, Hip-Hop and modern genres, etc.. (please be as specific as possible with Spiritdancer about your requests).
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: The sooner the better! Last minute shows, booked within two weeks, may be accommodated if you are flexible about when the show starts.
Q: What about tipping?
A: Gratuity may be added to your payment, usually about 20 to 40%. However, while tips are appreciated, they are never obligatory. (Spiritdancer and any other dancers booked with, are Professional Artists, never to have hands laid upon them, and will not book any all male events.)
Q: Are Spiritdancer's performance rates high?
A: No, they are actually very comparable! Spiritdancer strives to make performance art fair and accessible. There are countless hours and days, weeks, etc of hard work that go into preparing a show. With true consideration of this, S's rates are a steal, and are the area standard. Anything less would be unprofessional and unethical, promoting a lower quality of life for all artists in our area. When you hire Spiritdancer, you hire a dedicated professional dancer/multi-talented artist with years of excellent training and performing experience under her belt. Hiring Spirit you will get a beautiful and uniquely created performance that will delight your family and friends. Spiritdancer's work is worth every penny!
Q: What if I need more than one dancer?
A: Ask about booking Spiritdancer in addition to other beautiful and talented dancers. Spiritdancer loves working with other artists and can also collaborate with other troupes/companies to provide theatrical stage performances for large or small venues.
Q: If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?
A: "Bellydance is a highly complicated athletic art form, taking years of dedication to develop the art form. A professional dancer should have years of experience studying and performing. Before hiring a dancer I would advise watching a video to see how you like the dancer's style. Ask to see the dancer's resume if that comforts you. If you can, Go and see the dancer perform! It is easier to see how a dancer is in a professional environment by actually getting a sneak peek at a performance." ~Spiritdancer
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: "Being a performing artist means being part of a separate culture in and of itself. The dance world is a place where the individual thrives being unique. Entertainment and the arts have always been my life. Providing a positive, enriching, and joyful experience is what I most enjoy about my career, whether performing or in the classroom." ~Spiritdancer
Q: How did you decide to get in your line of work?
A: "I grew up in the dance world. It is life as I know it. I discovered Bellydance as a young child, first from my African dance teacher Carolyn Himes Tucker, then from my favorite Classical Ballet and Callinetics teacher, Bobbi Bader and the World's Authority on Classical Ballet, Sunny Smith; and more in depth with my Congolese teacher Blanche Brown, Traditional Egyptian from Linda Tregle and others. I danced as a professional from 1992. I became certified as a Dance Art Instructor by the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission in 2009. Bellydance is my life's passion. I graduated from the Visual and Performing Arts Center of Sacramento, CA in 1993. Performing Arts is what I do. It is my safe place. I do not do anything else. It is therapeutic. I have always loved performing, teaching, and learning Dance Art and the arts in general. I so appreciate the positive image of female and male empowerment Bellydance provides.
SPIRITDANZER was created as a way to give back to a community I feel has given so much to me. I openly share my heart with my students, collegues and the community. My goal is to help as many as possible enrich their lives and celebrate life with Bellydance! "
Q: What is Spiritdancer's booking policy?
A: Spiritdancer's Booking Policy:
In order to confirm a booking, a deposit of 50% is required. The remaining balance is due 14 days prior to the event.
This deposit holds your time slot as, "Reserved". It is a non-refundable donation. If the event has to be rescheduled past this time, the deposit will be applied to a later show of corresponding value. Spiritdancer does not start rehearsing for a show until all monies are received and paid in full. You will receive an invoice for your choreographic and/or performance package.
By confirming your choreographic and/or performance request you are agreeing to Spiritdancer’s booking policy of no refunds. If your show has to reschedule or cancels within 2 weeks of the date and you have paid Spiritdancer in full then the credit will be applied to a later date and time. There is no expiration for a postponed show and you will be given priority over other shows on the agenda.
Please contact Spiritdancer today for more information on Booking for performance!!
F.A.Q. for Classes
Q: I'm out of shape/uncoordinated/I've never taken a dance class! I'm intimidated!
A: Don't worry! In Spiritdancer's Beginning classes, you will find a welcoming, judgement-free environment. She breaks all of the movements down, piece by piece, as slowly as you need her to, please ask questions. Spiritdancer's focus in on FUN!
Q: Do I have to show my belly?
A: No, you don't! You can cover up as you like.
Q: I come from a Caribbean, African and/or Middle Eastern background. It's in my blood! Can I skip right to the Intermediate class?
A: Even Sacred Bellydance is a highly technical art form, as complex as Jazz or Percussive Tap dance, for example. Traditional Oriental dance also includes Classical Ballet. While you may be familiar with social dance moves, the performance vocabulary takes a great deal of practice to achieve muscle memory and mastery. So please come to a Beginning class first, and see how you feel.
Q: How do I know if I am supporting a studio that exploits its artists?
A: Become educated about the legal rights of independent contractors working in your area. Ask the individual instructors if they receive less than half of the fee you paid for the classes provided. What is the head count? How much does the instructor actually receive? You can ask if they are represented legally as independents or if they are being represented instead as an employee through word or action. Pay attention to actions and the reality of the situation, not the off hand opinions of others. Please help to preserve the dignity, humanity, and legal Rights of the artists in our community!
Q: What can I do to change unfair working conditions for local artists?
A: Educate yourself about maltreatment conditions and the legal rights of independent contractors, and don't allow yourself to be a party to the injustice and illegal subjugation. Of course don't help create, "Starving artists". Report violations you become aware of to your city's Labor Board and to the Better Business Bureau, and don't be party to it.
Q: I want to be a professional! How many weeks of classes do I need before I can start dancing professionally?!
A: Becoming a professional dancer, in any genre takes a great deal of training - years, not weeks. But do not despair, with hard work and dedication you will reach your goal and there are plenty of performance opportunities available for dancers of varying levels!
Q: I'm religious and want to make sure that I am in an all female environment. Is that possible?
A: Yes. Spiritdancer is happy to discuss individual needs.
Q: I'm a guy. Is there such a thing as a male Bellydancer? Can I come to class?
A: Yes. Most classes are open to men and women; and Yes, there are many male dancers, in every genre of dance, here on Turtle Island/the U.S. ;) and the world over! All cultures have developed dance for Everyone from the beginning of time!
Contact Spiritdancer for more information on performance or instruction today!
PERFORMANCE F.A.Q.
Q: Is a Bellydance/or Fusion dance performance appropriate for my family gathering/wedding/shower/birthday party?
A: Yes! Bellydance is a highly-regarded art form and a great way to bring joy and fun to any family or social gathering. Spirit's performances are appropriate for all ages and are family friendly. Children and elders love to dance and appreciate the show too just as much as anyone else!
Examples of common Bellydance event occasions:
*Private and Corporate Events (Absolutely NO all male events)
*Grand Openings
*Nightclubs
*Festivals
*School arts demonstrations
*Parks & Recreation events
*Restaurants
*Special Events/Theme Parties
*Performance/Lesson Package
*Concerts with Live Musicians
*Performance Art Events/Variety Shows
*Celebrations: Birthdays, Anniversaries. Ask about the Belly Gram!
*Engagements, Weddings, Bachelorette Parties, Baby Showers
*Holiday functions for your staff
*VIP receptions
*Team building workshops
*Awards dinners
*Conferences and conventions
*Networking and tabling events
*Fundraisers
Q: How long is the show?
A: A typical show is between 20 – 40 minutes. Performances may include finger cymbals, and/or other props. When appropriate, the show may include audience participation.
Q: Will Spiritdancer bring music?
A: A burned CD that is tailored to your event will be provided. The venue should have a good quality sound system that plays CDs.
Q: What kind of music is used?
A: Music will be engineered to match your special event. Types of music may include: African, Moroccan, Arabic, Turkish, Persian, Afghani, Indian, Native American, Latin, Hip-Hop and modern genres, etc.. (please be as specific as possible with Spiritdancer about your requests).
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: The sooner the better! Last minute shows, booked within two weeks, may be accommodated if you are flexible about when the show starts.
Q: What about tipping?
A: Gratuity may be added to your payment, usually about 20 to 40%. However, while tips are appreciated, they are never obligatory. (Spiritdancer and any other dancers booked with, are Professional Artists, never to have hands laid upon them, and will not book any all male events.)
Q: Are Spiritdancer's performance rates high?
A: No, they are actually very comparable! Spiritdancer strives to make performance art fair and accessible. There are countless hours and days, weeks, etc of hard work that go into preparing a show. With true consideration of this, S's rates are a steal, and are the area standard. Anything less would be unprofessional and unethical, promoting a lower quality of life for all artists in our area. When you hire Spiritdancer, you hire a dedicated professional dancer/multi-talented artist with years of excellent training and performing experience under her belt. Hiring Spirit you will get a beautiful and uniquely created performance that will delight your family and friends. Spiritdancer's work is worth every penny!
Q: What if I need more than one dancer?
A: Ask about booking Spiritdancer in addition to other beautiful and talented dancers. Spiritdancer loves working with other artists and can also collaborate with other troupes/companies to provide theatrical stage performances for large or small venues.
Q: If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?
A: "Bellydance is a highly complicated athletic art form, taking years of dedication to develop the art form. A professional dancer should have years of experience studying and performing. Before hiring a dancer I would advise watching a video to see how you like the dancer's style. Ask to see the dancer's resume if that comforts you. If you can, Go and see the dancer perform! It is easier to see how a dancer is in a professional environment by actually getting a sneak peek at a performance." ~Spiritdancer
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: "Being a performing artist means being part of a separate culture in and of itself. The dance world is a place where the individual thrives being unique. Entertainment and the arts have always been my life. Providing a positive, enriching, and joyful experience is what I most enjoy about my career, whether performing or in the classroom." ~Spiritdancer
Q: How did you decide to get in your line of work?
A: "I grew up in the dance world. It is life as I know it. I discovered Bellydance as a young child, first from my African dance teacher Carolyn Himes Tucker, then from my favorite Classical Ballet and Callinetics teacher, Bobbi Bader and the World's Authority on Classical Ballet, Sunny Smith; and more in depth with my Congolese teacher Blanche Brown, Traditional Egyptian from Linda Tregle and others. I danced as a professional from 1992. I became certified as a Dance Art Instructor by the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission in 2009. Bellydance is my life's passion. I graduated from the Visual and Performing Arts Center of Sacramento, CA in 1993. Performing Arts is what I do. It is my safe place. I do not do anything else. It is therapeutic. I have always loved performing, teaching, and learning Dance Art and the arts in general. I so appreciate the positive image of female and male empowerment Bellydance provides.
SPIRITDANZER was created as a way to give back to a community I feel has given so much to me. I openly share my heart with my students, collegues and the community. My goal is to help as many as possible enrich their lives and celebrate life with Bellydance! "
Q: What is Spiritdancer's booking policy?
A: Spiritdancer's Booking Policy:
In order to confirm a booking, a deposit of 50% is required. The remaining balance is due 14 days prior to the event.
This deposit holds your time slot as, "Reserved". It is a non-refundable donation. If the event has to be rescheduled past this time, the deposit will be applied to a later show of corresponding value. Spiritdancer does not start rehearsing for a show until all monies are received and paid in full. You will receive an invoice for your choreographic and/or performance package.
By confirming your choreographic and/or performance request you are agreeing to Spiritdancer’s booking policy of no refunds. If your show has to reschedule or cancels within 2 weeks of the date and you have paid Spiritdancer in full then the credit will be applied to a later date and time. There is no expiration for a postponed show and you will be given priority over other shows on the agenda.
Please contact Spiritdancer today for more information on Booking for performance!!
F.A.Q. for Classes
Q: I'm out of shape/uncoordinated/I've never taken a dance class! I'm intimidated!
A: Don't worry! In Spiritdancer's Beginning classes, you will find a welcoming, judgement-free environment. She breaks all of the movements down, piece by piece, as slowly as you need her to, please ask questions. Spiritdancer's focus in on FUN!
Q: Do I have to show my belly?
A: No, you don't! You can cover up as you like.
Q: I come from a Caribbean, African and/or Middle Eastern background. It's in my blood! Can I skip right to the Intermediate class?
A: Even Sacred Bellydance is a highly technical art form, as complex as Jazz or Percussive Tap dance, for example. Traditional Oriental dance also includes Classical Ballet. While you may be familiar with social dance moves, the performance vocabulary takes a great deal of practice to achieve muscle memory and mastery. So please come to a Beginning class first, and see how you feel.
Q: How do I know if I am supporting a studio that exploits its artists?
A: Become educated about the legal rights of independent contractors working in your area. Ask the individual instructors if they receive less than half of the fee you paid for the classes provided. What is the head count? How much does the instructor actually receive? You can ask if they are represented legally as independents or if they are being represented instead as an employee through word or action. Pay attention to actions and the reality of the situation, not the off hand opinions of others. Please help to preserve the dignity, humanity, and legal Rights of the artists in our community!
Q: What can I do to change unfair working conditions for local artists?
A: Educate yourself about maltreatment conditions and the legal rights of independent contractors, and don't allow yourself to be a party to the injustice and illegal subjugation. Of course don't help create, "Starving artists". Report violations you become aware of to your city's Labor Board and to the Better Business Bureau, and don't be party to it.
Q: I want to be a professional! How many weeks of classes do I need before I can start dancing professionally?!
A: Becoming a professional dancer, in any genre takes a great deal of training - years, not weeks. But do not despair, with hard work and dedication you will reach your goal and there are plenty of performance opportunities available for dancers of varying levels!
Q: I'm religious and want to make sure that I am in an all female environment. Is that possible?
A: Yes. Spiritdancer is happy to discuss individual needs.
Q: I'm a guy. Is there such a thing as a male Bellydancer? Can I come to class?
A: Yes. Most classes are open to men and women; and Yes, there are many male dancers, in every genre of dance, here on Turtle Island/the U.S. ;) and the world over! All cultures have developed dance for Everyone from the beginning of time!
Contact Spiritdancer for more information on performance or instruction today!
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