How to do the maya belly dance

Belly Dance Movements terms. Raqs sharqi

Last Updated on January 21, 2022

Belly Dance Movements

The following list of terms for raqs sharqi movements is not the official codified terminology, as this does not exist for raqs sharqi or belly dance.

It is instead the terminology I have learnt from my teachers over the years and from books and DVDs which I have used for learning.

Therefore, other raqs sharqi practitioners may use slightly different terms for some movements, but the most common movements are usually recognised by the community, using these terms.

Arabesque

Arabesque is traveling step with a pivot on one foot and an extended leg.

Backbend

Backbend refers to leaning backwards with the upper body.

Barrel turn

This is similar to the corkscrew turn, but with the arms extended (one upwards and the other one downwards).

Belly flutters

Belly flutters are quick contractions and releases of the upper abdominal muscles.

Belly pop

Belly pop in Raqs sharqi means a quick contraction and release of the lower abdominal muscles.

Camel

A camel is an isolated torso undulation like a wave, forward and back. In Egyptian style, it is confined mostly to the lower abdomen and lower back.

Chest circle

A chest circle is a circular movement of the ribcage, on the horizontal plane (but it can sometimes be on the vertical plane)

Chest drop

A chest drop is an isolated movement of the ribcage downwards.

Chest lift

This is an isolated movement of the ribcage upwards.

Choo choo shimmies

Choo choo shimmies are hip shimmies performed on relevé, while shuffling along the dance floor.

Corkscrew turn

A corkscrew turn is a turn performed on the spot, by crossing one foot in front of the other and pivoting on the heel of the foot that is in front.

Egyptian walk, or hagalla

These are when you step down on one foot at a time, whilst lowering the corresponding hip.

Floorwork

Floorwork refers to dancing movements done while sitting or lying on the floor.

Grapevine

Grapevine is the sideways travelling movement with sidesteps and steps across the support foot.

Head slide

A head slide is the horizontal sliding movement of the head side to side.

Heels stomp

A heels stomp is the tapping both heels flat to stress a downward accent in the music.

Hip bump

This is the thrusting movement of the hip to the side with emphasis.

Hip circle

A hip circle is the circular movement of the hips, on a horizontal plane.

Hip drop

A hip drop is the movement of one hip up to down, with emphasis on the downward motion. Only one hip moves and no weight is placed on the corresponding hip.

The weight of the body rests solely on the leg corresponding to the static hip.

Hip horizontal figure of eight

The hip figure of eight horizontally, is the tracing a figure of eight, or infinity symbol pattern, with the hips on a horizontal plane.

Hip jewel

A hip jewel is half horizontal figures of eight of one hip, punctuated at the end by a small abdominal contraction, with a ripple effect.

Hip lift

This involves the movement of one hip at a time down to up, with emphasis on the upward motion.

Hip shimmies

These are tha same as hip vibrations.

Hip slide

A hip slide is the horizontal sliding movement of the hips side to side.

Hip tak

A hip tak is a small and sharp hip movement creating an accent, similar to a hip bump.

Hip twist

This involves moving one hip forward and the other back, on a horizontal plane.

Hip vertical figure of 8

This is the tracing a figure of eight, or infinity symbol pattern, with the hips on a vertical plane, going inwards, towards the centre of the body.

Layering

Layering in Raqs sharqi is the performing two movements of the same part of the body at the same time. For example, a hip figure of eight while shimming the hips; little hip drops while doing a horizontal hip figure of eight.

Maya

Maya is like a hip vertical figure of eight, but with the hips moving outwards, away from the centre of the body.

Pelvic lift and drop

A pelvic lift and drop is an isolated movement of the pelvis upwards and downward, with the accent on the down movement.

Pelvic tilt with weight transfer

This involves tilting the pelvis, with weight transfer between one leg positioned in front and the other leg that is slightly back.

Relevé (or demi-pointe)

This is a movement in which the dancer rises on the tips of the toes.

Scissor step

A scissor step is stepping with the same foot forward and back, while the other footsteps on the spot.

Shoulder rolls

Shoulder rools are alternating rolling movements of the shoulders.

Shoulder shimmies

Shoulder shimmies are the vibration of the shoulders, achieved by moving them in quick alternation back and forward.

Snake arms

These involve moving the arm joints in smooths succession from the shoulder to elbow and wrist, with a wave or snake-like effect.

Soheir Zaki hip drop

This is the movement of one hip at a time up to down, with emphasis on the downward motion. The hips move in succession, one at a time and the dancer stands on tiptoes.

Travelling steps

Travelling steps are steps that allow the dancer to move around the dance floor.

Further Terminology

You can also learn about:

Arabic terms used in belly dance.
Dance terminology for dance research.

Valeria

Hi – I’m Dr Valeria Lo Iacono and I am a dance researcher with a PhD in dance as a form of living heritage. I also teach belly dance and love to travel to discover new dances around the world. I have worked also as an academic and in the UK and in Korea. Thank you for visiting my site.

US Belly Dance Rates by Region — Samira Shuruk

Here it is, the famous Rates Page!

Please read and understand professional rate practices for belly dance before going by this list.

It will help you make the best of it. International rates are on a separate page here.
Samira endeavors to update this page whenever she learns of new rates. Please contact Samira for updates in your area.
Join in the conversation on all things Biz of Belly Dance on Facebook. Be sure to answer membership questions to get in.

**Support establishments that pay fairly and treat dancers with respect. Bring your friends, go watch a show, etc.
**Help guide and support each other in typical rate practices. Remember that these rates are merely a guideline – advanced dancers can earn more than newbies as a result of their experience, however new dancer should NOT use this as an excuse to charge lower than a reasonable professional level minimum, which is what we have listed here. More experienced dancers can start new gigs and do party gigs at higher than “standard,” and this creates a supportive and collaborative community that feels more welcome to newer dancers.
** Rates sometimes also vary with time of show, with late night venues/after dinner shows or shisha club venues having higher rates. Dancers who are driving farther often incorporate a travel fee into their rate.
**A few restaurant owners do not always tell the truth about what they are paying other dancers. They will often try to get the lowest price possible – as does any business, and know that not all negotiators use honest tactics. Be fair, but also do not undervalue yourself. Communicate with other dancers and support each other.
**If a venue doesn’t pay you, or gives you the run around- Remember you are a professional and deserve to be treated as such. Also let other dancers know this is happening. Communication with others is key in developing a support network.
**Clearly communicate and negotiate with a venue and/or band about both pay and tips. Is there costume tipping allowed? How are floor tips distributed? How are you paid if there are few clients in the establishment? Remember to do this BEFORE you work- so tip and pay methods are understood clearly by all parties. Take notes in your meeting with the owner. You’ll have it in writing! You may need it! Also let owners know that private parties pay different, including when they have a private party room in their establishment. Holiday rates are double.
**Know the other standards in your region. Most of the US has followed a 20-25 minute show standard for quite some time. The rate for this is generally the “minimum” rate, so any show UP TO 25 minutes receives fair compensation for all the dancer’s time. Some have 15 minute sets. If you don't know, ask your mentor or other respected pro in the area. Do not “split one show into two.” This would be two separate sets/shows with appropriate rates.
**If you are a teacher and want to create an opportunity for your students to perform, it’s unethical to take away a gig opportunity from another professional dancer. Create something OTHER than a “Student Night” at a restaurant or club on a busy night.
If you organize a student night at a restaurant or club on non-busy night or in the afternoon– you are allowing your students the excitement of performing at a real venue, insuring there is plenty of room for their friends, family and supporters AND supporting the restaurants that hire professional dancers for their busier nights. You are creating a win-win situation! Haflas/student performances can also be held at community centers, retirement homes, daytime/non-busy nights at shisha lounges, coffee houses, after workshops, in your studio etc. They can be fund raisers for a cause, or for scholarships for your school. There are SO many positive opportunities you can create for your students, that also demonstrate support of the professionals in the area.

If you or your students can’t get and/or keep a gig at or above the typical local rate, chances are you are not yet ready to perform for the general public as a professional.

**Do yourself and the art form a favor and PLEASE find a quality teacher or mentor to help guide you. There are lots of performing opportunities appropriate for a developing professional or hobbyist.
**Having students perform in environments where the general public may think they are professional is doing a disservice to the dance. Our art form will never be seen as professional if we do not uphold professional standards and high quality.
**Support other teachers and event promoters. Also do your best to not schedule your events over someone else’s.
**Remember the difference between a Diva and a Professional. Be a professional.
**Follow a strong Code of Conduct and support other dancers who do the same.
**Be ethical!
**Speak positively about other dancers, speak positively about the dance. Educate yourself to the best of your abilities, so you can present the dance and cultures of the dance in its best possible light and help to dispel myths.

Did you get through all that?
Having the above background information will help you understand how the standard rates list work.
Thanks for taking the time to read it and thanks for caring enough about the dance to support positive and ethical business practices.

Samira Shuruk

Alabama

No rates reported

Alaska

No rates reported

Arizona

Phoenix, AZ:

**Classes: $10-$15 per hour class **Privates class: $30-$50 per hour **Private Party: starting at $125-175 and up **Restaurants: soloist $50-75 per set, duo: $75 and up per set, troupes: $50 per set up to $300 for two 30 minute sets

Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas and Arkansas River Valley: **BELLYGRAM – 10 minute performance $100-150 **BACHELORETTE PARTY/GIRLS NIGHT OUT – Short performance with 30 minute mini-lesson $175-200

**RESTAURANTS – 1 set $75 minimum, 2 sets $125 minimum (1 set = 15 minutes) **Troupe rates per 15 minute set: **PARTIAL TROUPE (2-3 dancers) $150-175

**FULL TROUPE (4+ dancers) $250 minimum **FULL SHOW (30-40 minute performance) $300 minimum

**CLASSES $10-15/hour (per person)**PRIVATE LESSONS $35/hr

California

San Francisco and San Jose, CA:

** Private parties $275 mini show- $350 and up standard **Weddings start at $350 ** Restaurants $100-175 for 1 show. (these rates have improved several times since this page started due to online discussions and community support. Yay!)

Los Angeles, and Orange County, CA:

**Belly grams (10 minute show) starting at $175. Private Parties (20 min) starting at $2225- $375, Wedding with zeffa (short zeffa set plus one set) $400+ Additional shows at same event starting at $150 (depending on wait time)

**Group Classes $10 – $20 **Private Lessons $50 – $75

**Restaurant work: $45 – $90* Some restaurants pay hourly wages plus tips

Southern California desert communities, CA:
**Private Parties: ranging from $125 and up. $175 and up is common with longer travel times. **Group classes: $35-50 for 4 **Restaurant work: $50-$85 per show

**Mini show (15 minutes) $200, **Classic show (20 plus audience participation) $250 and up, **Party Performance (20 min) plus lesson (30 min) $350 ** Restaurant Rates- one show $75, two shows $100. These are pro dancers outside of the major undercutting school.

SanDiego and surrounding areas: with undercutting running rampant, unfortunately. Dancers: Quality dancers stick to quality rates that support their business.

**Parties $150 AND UP (close by), $175-$200 and up for out in the county

**Bellygram (10 min) $150-$175**weddings $275 and up for belly dance show OR zeffa $325 and up for both **regular restaurants $80-120 and up for 1 show **Shisha clubs and late night venues $120 and up for one show **New dinner venues should start at $100 or higher. New late night start at $130 and up **classes $10/12 registered or $13-$15 drop in. **private classes $40-$60

Colorado

Boulder/Denver, CO:

**$150-$250 plus travel etc per show for Denver/Boulder (1/2 hour) – restaurants $65 for one/$85 for two

Connecticut

**Restaurants- $100 minimum/20 min show. **Parties: $225-$300 for 20-30 minute show **regular class rates $20 drop in, $15 for 10 or more. **Troupe rates $450 for duet 30 minute. ** Hen party $250-$300 plus.

Delaware

**Lower Delaware: Restaurant rates: $85-100 for a 20 minute show.

District of Columbia

Washington DC and Baltimore, MD greater metro areas:

** Parties $350-$450 per 20-25 min show. Experienced dancers start their rate at $375 and up. ** Restaurants currently pay $150-$250 per show up to 20 or 25 minutes. New venues should be started at a minimum of $185 per dinner time show and $225 for after 10pm. **After dinner venues and late night pay more. Dancers may also charge a travel fee ** We have several venues paying $175-$250 for one 20 minute show. **Most experienced performers are charging $375 or more for a party and $400 or more for weddings. Most new dancers are quoting $350 or more at first. ** Dancers with farther to drive (over an hour) for venue, or one time events often incorporate a travel fee into their rate.

If it’s been more than 2 years since your venue or party rates have been raised… it’s time to address that for the sake of your business. Double or more New Years and major holidays. More for mileage.

**Troupe rates. A troupe is 3 or more dancers: Professional troupe rates: $200+ per dancer per 20 minute show. **Weddings often pay $1500-$3000 for a show. Really large troupes may go for $175 per dancer. Not below.

Florida

North Florida:

**Restaurants 2-3 15 minute sets, $50 and up per set.

Miami, Florida:

** $175 to $300 for private parties for 15-30 minute show ** $100-$125 plus tips for restaurant gigs, 2 or 3 sets (plus a meal at some restaurants!) ** $40-$60 Private lesson ** $10-$15 regular group classes

Tampa, FL:

**Restaurants: minimum $75 per set, usually 2 set minimum **Private Parties: starting at $125 **Classes: $12 per 90 minutes **Private classes: $45-50 per hour plus any studio fees

Melbourne, FL:

** $125 -350 private party, 15-20 min. show ** $75-$100 restaurant 2-3 15 minutes sets ** $10-$15 One hour group, classes ** $25-50 Private classes, 1 hour

Orlando, FL:

**Party $300 and more for up to a 25 min show. Most shows 20-25 min. No split shows. Party with fire add $100-$200 minimum to Party rates **Regular venue $125 for up to 25 minutes. Most are 20-25 minutes. No split shows. *New venues start at $150 for any show up to 25 minutes. *Regular venues transitioning from split shows start at $100 per show. One show equals anything up to 25 minutes. **private lessons $40/hr

Georgia

Atlanta GA rates:

**Large, popular restaurants: $120-150 for one 20 minute show **small, rural restaurants: $100 and up **Private Parties: starting at $200/15min – $300/30min **classes: $12 **private classes: $40/hour (this is for Atlanta, Decatur, Kenesaw (sp), Alpharetta and Marietta areas)

Hawaii

Hawaii, specifically Oahu. The average rate is $200 for a basic 20 minute set with one professional dancer.

Idaho

**Boise: $175 “Belly Gram,” $200 and up for a 20-35 minute 5 part show, $275 and up for longer shows with mini lesson, and $150 each additional dancer. Add extra for travel.

Illinois

Chicago:**Base performance rates (thus add on mileage):Belly Gram – (10 – 15 min) $175. Though I have been told not to leave the house for 200. Shimmy Party(10min performance + 30 min lesson) $300. Classic Bellydance Routine(25-45 minutes) $300-$400.

Weddings $400 and up. Instruction $125 per instructional hour.Restaurants with CD: $125 plus all tips for one set $175-200 plus all tips for two ** Restaurants with band: $150 and up for one set (no tips), two sets: $200-25-. Nicer places may pay $250-400 for two sets.

St Louis, MO and southern Illinois:

**15-min show at a private party = min $150, 15-min weekly show at a restaurant = minimum $75 1 hour private lesson = $25-$35

Indiana

**Restaurants: $100 minimum for one show up to 25 minutes. $185 for two 15 minute sets with very short break, $250 for 3 15 minute sets with very short breaks. Dancers always keep the tips.

**Party Gigs: minimum $175 (depending on event) per 15 - 20 minute show. Average gig with one 20-30 mins show $250+tips and gas money, hotel if necessary.

Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa:

** $75 and up for one 15-20 minute restaurant show, $125 and up for two sets of that length in the same night (very short break)** $50 for a one-hour private lesson ** Group classes: if someone pays for a series of multiple classes (say, 6-8 week session)

classes are $8-$10 per one-hour class, but drop-in onesy-twosy rate lies in the $12.50-$15.00 range.

Kansas

No rates reported

Kentucky

Louisville and Lexington, KY:

*Parties (10 min belly grams): starting at $225+, **full shows $275 and up**wedding or other gala $400 and up for up to 30 min show* party lesson : $175, **Party lesson plus mini show $350, **Classes: $12– $15 **Private Lessons: $45 – $60/hr. **Restaurants: $75-100/ set.

Louisiana

New Orleans Metro area including Gulfport MS:

**Parties: Bellygram (one song): $120, Standard show (3 songs): $250, Standard show with fire apparatus: $350 minimum, Standard show with 2 dancers: $450

Wedding/Corporate Party (one dancer with standard show): $500

** Regular venues: Venue with weekly dancing. One show any length up to 2-25 minutes $100 minimum. Multi-shows- (one dancer onsite for two hours with four 3-song sets within the time frame): $225, Venue with bi-weekly dancing: $200, Venue with monthly dancing with a signed 6 month contract: $225

Maine

**Bellygram 10-15 minutes $150-$175

Ladies nights: $175-$250 per hour

Restaurants/ongoing: $200 per dancer for 3 sets in 2 hours, no costume change – 2 shows no costume change $160

New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine:

Maryland

Washington DC and Baltimore, MD greater metro areas:

** Parties $350-$450 per 20-25 min show. Experienced dancers start their rate at $375 and up. ** Restaurants currently $150-$250 per show up to 20 or 25 minutes. New venues should be started at a minimum of $185 per dinner time show and $225 for after 10pm. **After dinner venues and late night pay more. Dancers may also charge a travel fee ** We have several venues paying $175-$250 for one 20 minute show. **Most experienced performers are charging $375 or more for a party and $400 or more for weddings. Most new dancers are quoting $350 or more at first. ** Dancers with farther to drive (over an hour) for venue, or one time events often incorporate a travel fee into their rate.

Massachussets

Boston MA:

**Belly gram 15 – 20 minutes starts at $150, Standard show: $200 and up, 45 minute lesson + performance starts at $300, Restaurant rates, better restaurants $75 per 20 min – 30 min set. Last minute gigs $300 and up.

Michigan

Southeast Michigan, Detroit Metro area:

Nightclub show $110 and up **wedding dinner show (30 min w CD) $250 **zeffa $200 **weddng show with zeffa $300-$350 and up, **regular party $275 and up

Minnesota

Updated Aug. 2016 –

There is a dancer organizatio in Minneapolis that sets minimum wage guidelines. Those guidelines are:

**Restaurants and clubs with ongoing, regularly scheduled dancing: $75 for one show $90 for 2, $110 for 3 .

**$30 charge if performance is cancelled after the dancer has arrived **Restaurant one-time event generally should charge private party rate. **Minimums set for private parties and weddings, but dancers may charge more ** private party: Minimum $175 and up for 1 show any length up to 30 min or private party lesson up to 60 min (extra fees for extra time, performances, distance, excessive wait time, or other conditions) **wedding performance $225 minimum; add minimum $50 if performance includes zaffa with dancer plus a show later in the evening. More for specialties etc **classes $12-$16 for 1.5 hr class $15-$18 for 2 hr classes (drop ins–many programs offer package deals.)

Mississippi

Jackson, Mississippi:

**Basic Bellygram: (2 songs/ less than 10 min) $100 in Metro Jackson area **Bellygram – 20 minute/ up to 3 dancers $300 **Classes: $15 for a drop in **Private lesson: $40/hour **There are currently no restaurants that pay dancers in $$ (ouch!)

Gulfport MS (and New Orleans metro area:

**Parties: Bellygram (one song): $120, Standard show (3 songs): $250, Standard show with fire apparatus: $350, Standard show with 2 dancers: $450

Wedding/Corporate Party (one dancer with standard show): $500

** Regular venue: Venue with weekly dancing (one dancer onsite for two hours with four 3-song sets within the time frame): $120, Venue with bi-weekly dancing: $175, Venue with monthly dancing with a signed 6 month contract: $200

Missouri

St Louis, MO and southern Illinois:

**15-min show at a private party = min $150-175, 15-min show at a restaurant = min $100, 1 hour private lesson = $50 and up.

Montana

No rates reported

Nebraska

**Classes - $10-$15 per class, sometimes lower when bought in sessions/class passes**Private lessons - $50-$100/hour, sometimes acceptable to offer for 2-3 students for private choreography**Restaurant - $75-$150 for two 15 minute sets for one dancer, for professional troupes $200-plus, generally $50-$75 minimum per dancer for the evening (2 sets).**Wedding performances - similar to restaurant, but slightly more, typically $100-$200 for one dancer (one set plus 10 minutes open dance or pictures with bridal party), $100 per dancer minimum for Pro troupe.**Bellygram/Birthday Party performance (informal, in-home) - $75-$100 per dancer for one 15 minute performance.

Nevada

No rates reported

New Hampshire

**Bellygram 10-15 minutes $125-$150, Standard Show 15-20 minutes $200 – $350 plus travel, Deluxe Show two 15 minute sets $300-$325, Add a 30 minute lesson $50 or more, Add a 60 minute lesson $100, ladies nights: $125-$250 per hour **Restaurants/ongoing: 15-20 minute show $100. Two sets with costume change, $160. Troupe Rates $75-$125 per dancer **classes $10-$15/hr

New Jersey

New York City and surrounding metro area (Northern New Jersey):

** Parties $275-$400 for one 20 min show ** Restaurants $100-200. New venues should be started at $100 or more. Many are paying $150 now. Double or more New Years

**Other New Jersey rates: restaurant: $100 and up ** Private party rate: starting at $225+ for 15 minute set **Weddings etc start at $300 **Restaurant rates in southern Jersey might be different-most bistros have no liquor license

New Mexico

No rates reported

New York

**Buffalo: Parties: short, up to 15 minute performance should run $150 and up. Longer shows $225 and up. These are all soloist rates.

Venues (an ongoing gig, such as weekly ormonthly) starting at $100 per short night (two sets or three very short sets)

Classes: $9-$12 per class/per person.

Demo class for women’s party $150 and up in studio. More with travel.

weddings $225 and up per dancer for a full wedding set. (20-25 minutes) with Shamandan extra

**New York City and surrounding metro area: ** Parties $275-$400 AND UP for one 20 min show ** Restaurants $100-200. New venues should be started at $100 or more. Many are paying $150 now. Double or more New Years. More for Mileage.

**Syracuse: PARTIES:$150-$175 for a 5-15 minute show. $200 for a 20 minute show or a brief show & a 30 minute mini-lesson (hip scarves for purchase extra). REGULAR VENUES $100-$125 for a restaurant

North Carolina

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill (The Triangle):

**$250 and up for anything up to a 25 min show (additional show $200 or more each)

**15-25 min show for wedding or other large event $300 and up

**Added costs include travel outside the Triangle, last minute bookings and double for New Years.

**Restaurants – two 15 minute shows $150 and up

North Dakota

No rates reported

Ohio

Cleveland Ohio: *Restaurants regular weekly show $75 (2 sets – average 15min ea. )

Night Clubs regular weekly show $80 (1 set 15min)

**Private Parties $125-$150 and up (1 set 20min)

Columbus, OH:

**Private parties: starting at $150 and up (add $50 for fire, add for mileage etc). Weddings & formal events over $250 for one show **Restaurant rates: ranging from $60-75 for one show, $120-$135 for two shows **Group lessons: $10-15/hr/student **Private lessons: $35-45

Dayton and Cincinnati OH:

**party rate $200 and up. Regular venue rates: $45-$60 per show, 2 show minimum.

Oklahoma

Tulsa:

**$100 +tips for restaurants/hookah lounges, this is usually two 15-20 minute sets. Weddings & private parties $125-$150 for one 20 – 25 minute set.

Oregon

No rates reported

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia: ** Parties $175-250 ** Restaurants: Currently $90-$125 for 1-4 shows in a night. New gig recommendation: $100-$150 for 1 – 2 20 minute shows minimum. The rate per show should be such that they only want / can afford 1 or 2shows.

Puerto Rico

No rates reported

Rhode Island

**Restaurant rates are around $60 for a 20 minute set. Private parties are $175-$250 for a 15-20 minute set

Group classes are $10-$12 per class with a class card, $15-$20 for drop-ins Private lessons are $40-$50 per hour

South Carolina

**Myrtle Beach area.**Classes range from $10-15 depending on the studio and length of the class. **Restaurant rates for a weekly gig run about $100 plus dancer keeps tips. **Private gigs are dependent on time, travel,etc. the average rates is $135 for 10-15 minutes.

South Dakota

No rates reported

Tennessee

No rates reported

Texas

Dallas, Fort Worth TX:

**Restaurants: $100+ per 20-25 min show **New Venues should start at a minimum of $100/20 min show. Private Party: $200-225 minimum for one set (15 min) ** $250-$300 and up for 20-30 min show. Additional show $100 and up. **Classes: $15-20 drop in, $10-15 ea with multi class card **Private class: $60+ plus studio rental fee. **Hen parties with short show $300 and up. Without short show $250 and up. **Group shows- minimum $200/dancer/hr onsite

Houston, TX:

**Restaurant (2016!): $125 per set (15-20 min), Private Party: $200 and up for one set (15-20 min), additional $25 outside Beltway 8 but still in Houston. ** $250-$300 and up for 20-30 min show. Additional show $150 and up. Troupe rates: $175 PER dancer for our private parties – though sometimes a discount for more than two dancers. Bella Donna also does a signature 2-girl show 5 nights a week in Houston. We charge $100 per dancer (so $200 total) for this show and it is 30 minutes in length.

Killeen / Fort Hood (including Harker Heights and Copperas Voce areas):

**bellygrams (10-15 min) $150 and up **Hens night (1hr lesson plus mini show) $175-$225 **weddings $250 and up **restaurants $100 and up for 2x 15-20 min shows **nightclubs one off events $175 and up for up to 20 min. Regular/repeat bookings $125 and up for 2 shows up to 20 min each. **classes $40/month or $15 drop ins **private lessons $50/hr

San Antonio: OLD RATES **Restaurant prices: $100 for two sets (+tips) **Private Parties for ONE dancer: Starting rate will be $150 for one set (10- 12 min) Not including travel fees if farther than 20 miles from residence. **Troupes start at $150 for one dancer then 100 per person is what we considered fair.**Duets: Starting at $250 for two sets (One set each dancer 10 -12 min a set)
NEW RATES, to demonstrate what happens when undercutting prevails, and standards for professionals and professionalism are not kept high.**Belly grams start at $75 and private parties at $100. Because it's so spread out down here, there now isn't a mileage factor. Several prominent dancers have moved out of the area... Kata Maya, and America Tru are gone now.There are now NO dancers getting paid to perform at restaurants, nightclubs or hookah bars. Unfortunately, the matriarch of this community has her girls dancing at several locations for FREE.
EXCITING UPDATE (2019)! Some dancers have worked very hard together. Venues are coming back, as they do, with quality dance. Private Parties $150 for one set (10- 12 min), $175.00 (20 min), $300 duet (10-15 min set each), $200 Wedding (30 min set)**Restaurant Rates $50 1 set recurring , $85 two sets recurring, $100 one time

Utah

Southwest utah:

**Parties $175 and up per 20 minute show

Vermont

New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine:

Virginia

Washington DC and Baltimore, MD greater metro areas:

Washington

Seattle, WA:

**clubs/restaurants, for 20 minute show: new gigs aiming for $100 and up. **parties:up to 15 minutes $150-175. Starting at $200 for 20 minute show **classes: $10-15 **privates: $50+

Spokane, WA:

** clubs/restaurants $70/two shows (plus tips). Classes: $12/drop in, $40/month, $50 privates.

West Virginia

For the West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky Tri-State areas:

**Parties $200-$400 per 20 minute show

** $75-$250 for 1-4 10 minute shows (rates vary according to frequency and location)

In Huntington, WV- Classes range from $7.50-$12.50 depending on venue and registration

**Private lessons $25-$50 an hour

Wisconsin

Milwaukee, WI

**BellyGram – (2 songs, apprx 10 min show) $85 and up **Full Set – (apprx 20 min show) $125 and up **Performance + Mini Lesson (2 song, 10 minute performance & 30 minutes of basic instruction) $200 for up to 20 guests **Mini-Lesson only – $50 per half hour **Restaurants (waiting for more info).

Northern Wi,

** Party $100 for 10-15 min show, if you add a mini lesson it’s $150, and ‘ambience’ – wandering around and interacting with the audience – is $30 per half hour.

**Party lesson (1/2 hour) is $120 for up to 30 participants. 1 hour intro lesson (also usually for parties) is $150 for up to 20.

**Workshops are flat rate $150 per hour. Alternately a $100 deposit, or then 70/30 split if the 70% goes over $100.

**Private lessons are $70per hour, $60 for Skype lessons.

Wyoming

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World Belly Dance Day May 9, the history of the holiday, beautiful pictures with congratulations

Every year the second Saturday of May is celebrated as World Belly Dance Day. Undoubtedly, this bewitching and beautiful dance deserves special attention and a separate holiday.

World Belly Dance Day May 9, history
How to dance home belly dance for beginners
Beautiful pictures with congratulations on World Belly Dance Day

The unusual and slightly funny name of the belly dance was not without reason. Performing it, the dancers make plastic body movements, focusing on the stomach. Well, the dazzling costumes of the dancers emphasize this part of the body even more.

World Belly Dance Day May 9, history

Initially, dancing was not for everyone. They had a ritual character and were performed by shamans in their rituals. Ordinary people, participating in actions, also had the right to make these movements. The abundance of customs and their accompaniment to many processes of everyday life led to an ever greater penetration of dance into everyday life. nine0003

The appearance of instrumental music has changed dance from the category of mysticism to the category of ways of entertainment or positive emotions. They danced everywhere: both after a successful hunt and to celebrate the victory and to accompany the wedding ceremony. Often dances expressed negative emotions.

It was believed that in this way one could turn to God so that he would remove the burden from the soul of the dancer. The further development of dance art took place under the influence of Islam, which passed to the territory of modern Turkey with the Seljuk and Iranian culture. During the formation of the Ottoman Empire, belly dance continued its development in Istanbul, where it acquired its final form. nine0003

When Islam became the main faith in Turkey, the canons of which forbid women to show their half-naked body to strangers, dances formed a rather unusual branch - men's dances, performed only by men. Women's belly dance acquired some modesty in outfits, which excluded a number of movements and made it more restrained.

But no matter who makes the dance moves, each of them is based on the expression of desire and passion. Therefore, it is oriental dances that are considered the most erotic, and even sexy. Modern Turkish dances have been greatly influenced by various European movements. This led to the emergence, along with traditional religious movements, of new sports and modern variations. nine0003

Historical movements can now be observed in isolated settlements rarely visited by foreigners and only at festivals and ceremonies. Tourists, as a rule, can observe only the basics of traditional dance, without the whole palette of diversity. Now, as before, oriental dances in Turkey are very popular, which gradually crosses the borders of the state and conquers more and more territories. European culture is beginning to adopt some of the features of Eastern cultures, including dances. nine0003

How to dance home belly dance for beginners

Starting position

Stand with your feet together and your arms at your sides. Then slightly bend your knees and raise your chest - this is the starting position for starting any movement in the belly dance. For smooth movements in the dance, you need to tighten the muscles of the lower abdomen and use the pelvis.

Hip lift or shimmy

Bend both knees. Then straighten your right leg to lift your right thigh up. Then lift the pelvis up to the chest, while the upper body should not be involved. The heels must not be lifted off the ground during this movement. When you "pull" up your right thigh, lower it and repeat the movement with the left. Namely, straighten your left leg and lift your left hip up. nine0003

Fast paced thigh lift

Repeat hip lift on both sides at a faster pace. Do not pause - first lift the right thigh up, and then smoothly - the left. At an accelerated pace, the hips will swing quickly from side to side - now you know how to perform the shimmy movement.

Hip Drop

Get into the starting position with your right foot on the floor and your left foot slightly forward, about a few inches forward with your heel up. Then bend both knees and keep your chest and arms up. Then straighten your left leg, lift your left thigh and immediately lower it to the level of your right thigh. While doing this, keep your right leg bent during the movement. Next, repeat the mini-bunch at a fast pace so that it looks smooth, without pauses and breaks. nine0003

Belly

How to quickly learn belly dancing at home? Easy, the main thing is not to miss a single basic movement, including the “tummy”. Starting position - feet are on the floor, the upper body is raised, and relaxed arms are at the sides. Then slightly bend your knees and tighten the muscles of your upper abdomen, pulling them in. Then relax your stomach and tighten only the muscles of the lower abdomen. Consistently alternate, pulling in the lower, then the upper press. Repeat the movement smoothly and without pauses. nine0003

Try a breast lift

The last basic movement that will help you understand how to dance belly dance correctly. The starting position is a raised chest, arms are located at the sides, legs are together, and the feet are on the floor. Next, we pull the chest up to the end, so that the shoulder blades seem to slide along the back. Then lower your chest back down. Repeat the link at a fast pace, while alternately contracting the abdominal muscles.

Beautiful pictures with congratulations on World Belly Dance Day

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2018

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Today, there are more than 50 varieties of belly dance

© AFP 2022 / Joe Klamar The history of bellydance is shrouded in legends. One of them says that the dance was originally a ritual designed to help relieve birth pains. Women surrounded the woman in labor and made characteristic movements with their hips, believing that this helps to drive away evil spirits.

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The history of bellydance is shrouded in legends. One of them says that the dance was originally a ritual designed to help relieve birth pains. Women surrounded the woman in labor and made characteristic movements with their hips, believing that this helps to drive away evil spirits. nine0003

© AFP 2022 / Bahaa In ancient times, belly dancing was performed by men. Since women were forbidden to wear revealing outfits and speak to the public, representatives of the strong half of humanity performed at the court of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Today, the performance of bellydance by men is common in Turkey and Egypt.

3/11

In ancient times, belly dancing was performed by men. Since women were forbidden to wear revealing outfits and speak to the public, representatives of the strong half of humanity performed at the court of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Today, the performance of bellydance by men is common in Turkey and Egypt. nine0003

© REUTERS / STR New Over time, the style of dance changed: from ritual, it turned into folklore or folk. Each ethnic group that lived in the Middle East brought something of its own to it. There are hundreds of folk dances, the "progenitor" of which was bellydance.

Over time, the style of dance changed: from ritual, it turned into folklore or folk. Each ethnic group that lived in the Middle East brought something of its own to it. There are hundreds of folk dances, the "progenitor" of which was bellydance. nine0003

Anyone can learn to belly dance at an amateur level, regardless of age

6/11

An hour of class allows you to burn up to 400 calories - depending on the weight and intensity of the load

© AFP 2022 / Patrick Baz It was demonstrated by Ukrainian dancer Vita Saakova at the VIII International Festival in Yalta in 2011. The shaking lasted for more than three hours without a break. nine0003

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Guinness World Record for the longest belly dance shake. It was demonstrated by Ukrainian dancer Vita Saakova at the VIII International Festival in Yalta in 2011. The shaking lasted for more than three hours without a break.

© AFP 2022 / Manjunath KiranBellydance has many styles: Saidi folk dance, Khaliji, modern show bellydance, fitness bellydance (combination of dance and aerobic elements). The tribal style, which is characterized by smoother and slower movements compared to classical dance, has gained great popularity. nine0003

8/11

Bellydance has many styles: Saidi folk dance, Khaliji, modern show bellydance, fitness bellydance (combination of dance and aerobic elements). The tribal style, which is characterized by smoother and slower movements compared to classical dance, has gained great popularity.

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The emphasis in belly dancing is on training problematic parts of the body