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Saturday, April 30th, 2016
Spring is here! and with it comes a welcome rush of gig requests for bridal showers, birthdays and summer weddings. I love talking with new and repeat clients about planning their special events and details to make the show perfect.
Working as a New York City Bellydancer full time for many years, I have performed at events across every corner of the tri-state area and beyond, These range from intimate family parties to the most extravagant weddings, galas and concerts.
Bellydance, in the form of a solo show, duet act or more lavish group show can be a perfect addition to add spirited entertainment to almost any type of event. A good belly dance entertainer elevates the atmosphere of a party with joyful energy, music, glamour and all around good vibes!
When inquiring with potential entertainers, there are several factors to consider. Often understandably, pricing is a primary consideration for many clients and the fee is one of the first questions to come up. You might encounter what seems to be a wide range of rates and on the surface it may not be clear what sets one dancer apart from another…
So, what should you look for when hiring a dancer?
-All pro dancers have beautiful photos in abundance, but I encourage you to look at video. Most dancers have video on their websites as well as recent live performance clips on the Facebook or Instagram pages. Also look for reviews and testimonials. Remember, you are hiring a dancer who you is to keep your guests engaged throughout her performance.
– Does she answer your questions about the show confidently and does she ask you details about your event? An experienced professional will ask you first about the type of event, venue and what you have envisioned and will then offer suggestions based what she knows works from her experience.
– Does she take a deposit and offer contract? Often dancers will only require an email confirmation for small parties, but a contract is almost always needed for larger events. A deposit is almost always necessary. Deposits and contracts are an assurance for both parties. A professional dancer will only cancel a booked show if absolutely necessary and if she must do so, she will take take the time to find you an equally talented replacement and never leave you hanging!
In short, do a bit of research when hiring your entertainment and don’t be swayed by bargain pricing or the flashiest promo. A dancer who cares about providing great service will be happy to talk to you about what she does.
How much does it cost to hire a bellydancer?
The typical rate for a solo bellydance set in the New York area starts at $325-$400 plus travel fees depending on the location. We perform everywhere from intimate family parties to opulent weddings and corporate events and a single show is 15-25 minutes in length. Now, if you are thinking in terms of a hourly rate, that can definitely sound high!
But before you look for the cheaper option, consider that there is a lot that goes into that ‘simple’ 20 minute show and the quality of your experience can vary widely.
So what are the factors that go into creating a great show? And how do they contribute to the final rate? What should you look for when hiring a dancer?
Here are some things to consider.
While restaurant gigs are often routine and can be in and out the door in 30 minutes, a dancer typically spends several hours preparing for any show at a private event. This includes taking time to talk to the client about the event details, discussing special costume or prop requests for the show and what will work best at the venue. Also, arranging logistics of music and timing or any possible ‘surprise’ element of the show. She will then create a custom playlist, talk separately with the DJ or venue if necessary, and have backup music sources.
On the day of a performance a minimum of a couple of hours is set aside for makeup, hair and seeing that costume, props, music and accessories are all in order.
Photo by Brave Heart Photography
Once she’s ready, the dancer has to travel to your event. Depending on the type of event, she will plan to arrive 15-30 minutes before showtime. Enough travel time must also be allotted to allow for traffic or any other normal delays.
Of course dancers will book multiple gigs on one night when possible, but more often that not, time and travel constraints limit the bookings we are able to take.
I have seen dancers who undercharge and overbook, rushing in late and stressed, making other performers or vendors behind schedule in the process. I’ve also received countless calls from clients who hired a budget dancer who got a better offer, and left them hanging at the last minute.
Choose a dancer who values your time as well as hers.
Typically, rates for weddings or other large scale events are on the higher end. This is because formal events, even smaller ones, are usually highly scheduled with speeches, cake cutting, dances etc, a professional dancer will know to allow for some flexibility, but she must charge for her time as well.
Aside from the work that goes into preparing for each single performance, a professional belly dancer has also spent years in training and refining her craft. This includes not only her dancing, but cultural information, showmanship, costuming and presentation.
Just as with any other artist (your floral or dress designer for instance) It is those years of experience that determine quality of the end product you see, not just the time spent on the day of the event.
Expenses add up in the pursuit of any art form. Most of us are passionate about what we do and a healthy portion of our income is invested back into our work (Tax season is a stark reminder!)
Some of our largest investments are:
– Costuming: Professional bellydance costumes range from $600-$1000 and up. Performing in them causes wear and tear and they must be regularly repaired, rotated and updated.
– Props: Swords, Candle Trays, Wings, Veils etc., are also costly for high quality items.
– Continued training: A dancer of any discipline will always continue her dance training through classes, workshops and practice. In addition to this, Fitness training and physical care are an absolute must to keep us in good shape and avoid injury.
Other expenditures include music, shoes, stage makeup, accessories and car/transportation
In addition to these dance related costs, we are also freelance business people which means, like any business, our prices must also pay for: websites, advertising, promotional photos, videos and other materials. We also spend countless ‘unpaid hours’ on the phone or computer doing admin work. And, of course, since this is our job, it must pay for our living expenses as well.
So, I’ve explained her that a professional dancer’s rate is determined by what she needs to pay for her time and expenses and make a living in the process. But I know that what really matters to you is the value she can bring to your event.
Keep in mind that entertainment is not the place to cut corners! Guests may forget your place settings tomorrow, but they will remember a spectacular performer who had the room up dancing for years to come. A performer who invests in herself and charges accordingly will deliver an unforgettable show on the day of your event.
See you on the dance floor!
Mariyah is an NYC based professional dancer, committed to authenticity, innovation and exhilaration in the performance and teaching of bellydance.She entertains at joyous occasions throughout New York, New Jersey, Long Island, Connecticutt and beyond. To learn more, or to inquire about booking for performances, workshops or classes,visit www.bellydancernewyork.com,join the mailing list, or find her on Facebook
To find out more about booking a beautiful Bellydance show for your event Call/Text 347-743-6545 Email Mariyah@EasternDancer.com or use our Contact form
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Tags: affordable belly dancer, belly dancer price, belly dancer rates
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SHE: Voices of Women Heard and Unheard
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2015
I’ll be joining the Dalia Carella Dance Collective once again this Fall and I’m very excited for this production!
I’ll be presenting a new solo work as well as a new Entelechy Dance duet with Layla Isis, AND appearing a in a classic piece of DCDC rep!
This show features an incredible lineup of women artists and will culmintate in Dalia’s new work telling the astounding life story of her Grandmother.
Please take moment to check out our <a href=”https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1193247802/she-voices-of-women-heard-and-unheard”>kickstarter</a> campaign and donate what you can. It is only with support that projects like these are possible!<a href=”https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1193247802/she-voices-of-women-heard-and-unheard”>https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1193247802/she-voices-of-women-heard-and-unheard</a>
OCTOBER 22-25, 2015
Triskelion Arts, Muriel Schulman Theater, 106 Calyer Street, Brooklyn, NY
http://www.triskelionarts.org/
Artistic Director: Dalia Carella
Performers: Diego Aleixo, Irina Akulenko, Dalia Carella, Goussy Celestin, Ramzi El-Edlibi, Diane Hutchinson, Layla Isis, Beth Kucharczyk, Mariyah, Nahoko Sugiyama, Stephanie Vartanian, Autumn Ward
“SHE” is a dance theater show in two parts that evokes the female voice, heard and unheard. Curated by internationally renowned Dalia Carella, Artistic Director of the NYC-based Dalia Carella Dance Collective (DCDC), “She” is a powerful representation of the myriad aspects of womanhood.
The first part will feature some of the finest New York City World Dance Artists that will depict feminine archetypes: matriarchs, femme fatales, and goddesses, as well as explore modern day female values.
The second part will be DCDC’s 2015 NYC premiere of “The Abduction of Genoveffa”. This multidisciplinary docudrama tells the story of Dalia’s grandmother, Genoveffa, who at sixteen years old was abducted, forced to marry her abductor and leave Italy for America. The core of this presentation will focus on how her destiny changed forever in that one despairing night. This passionate dance piece will lead you on a tumultuous journey from her survival through bitterness and loss, to her will to triumph with motherhood and family.
Triskelion Arts Center
Directions by train, bus or car: http://www.triskelionarts.org/directions
Video of the new Triskelion Arts Center
Hotels/Lodging
We recommend finding hotels downtown Manhattan in the Union Square or Soho area close to the L Train if you are planning to take subways/buses. If you are planning to take cabs get hotels anywhere along the L subway line or near the Williamburg Bridge or the Queens Midtown Tunnel.
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2015 Bellydance Spectacular at Drom
Tuesday, July 14th, 2015
It’s that time of year again! Infinity Bellydance is back at Drom NYC for the Summer Bellydance Spectacular!
This is one of my favorite shows all year! See bellydance presented in a beautiful intimate stage venue by some of NYC’s best with varied expression, beautiful choreographies and audience interaction.
The evening includes a full Turkish Dinner, Bellydance show and optional mini-lesson!
Featuring Infinity group numebers and solo performances by Mariyah, Sira and Layla Isis
The show is pre-sale only! Please follow this link to reserve your tickets:https://www.livingsocial.com/events/1456756-turkish-dinner-professional-belly-dance-show
Here are a few clips from past Spectaculars!
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New Video!
Sunday, September 21st, 2014
Just posted a new video montage of one of my recent performances at Drom for the Bellydance Spectacular 2014!
I will post some of the complete dances from this show soon.
I am also adding on another montage of a performance from wedding which has been on Youtube for a while, but I never shared here on the website/blog
Hope these montages give you the a bit of the feel of a bellydance show…Enjoy!
The ‘Bellydance Spectacular’ is a recurring series at Drom showcasing excellence and variety in classic bellydance by Infinity Dancers Mariyah, Sira and Layla Isis. Look for the dates of the next Spectacular coming up in January 2015!
I had a special request from the mother of the bride to create a themed performance for her daughter’s Renaissance fantasy themed wedding. Costuming, music and props were all chosen with theme in mind… 🙂
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Celebrate Spring!
Monday, March 17th, 2014
The rough winter we’ve had here in NY this year has made me especially keen on welcoming the coming spring! The official change of seasons, the vernal equinox, is almost here and with it begins, Norooz, or Persian new year.
Norooz (also spelled Naruz, Norouz, or Nowruz, meaning “new day”) marks the first day of spring and the renewal of nature! Celebrations include symbols of life, rebirth, fertility, sweetness and enlightenment.
Norooz traditions
Khouneh Tekouni or spring cleaning (literally: shaking the house)
A thorough house cleaning takes place in preparation for Norooz. This symbolizes a fresh start in the new year and also prepares the house for visits.(The twelve day celebration includes daily visits to family and friends) Flowers are purchased to decorate the home and it is customary to buy new clothes to see in the year.
Chahārshanbe Suri or fire festival
Rooted in Zoroastrian rituals celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, this celebration takes place the night before the last Wednesday of the year. Traditionally, people will build small bonfires out in the street and jump over them. Symbolically the fire is believed to burn away any fear, sickness and pain of the previous year, while simultaneously bestowing its strength and vibrancy on the jumper.
Haft-Sin
On the first day of Norooz, families gather for a feast and to exchange gifts. The table is set with the Haft-Sin, made up of seven items each beginning with the letter Sîn, (س) in Persian alphabet. The seven symbolic items call back to nature and stand for the seven angelic heralds of life-rebirth, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, patience, and beauty.
Traditional haft-sin items include:
Sabzeh – ( سبزه)-sprouts (green grass) growing in a dish, usually wheat, mung bean, or lentil – symbolize rebirth
Samanu – (سمنو)-sweet pudding made from simple wheat sprouts, transformed into a rich and sweet dish- symbolizing affluence
Senjed – (سنجد)- the sweet dried fruit of the lotus tree – symbolizing love
Sir – (سیر)- garlic – symbolizing medicine
Sib – ( سیب)- apples – symbolizing beauty and health
Somāq – (سماق)- sumac fruit – represents the color sunrise and the triumph of good over evil
Serkeh – ( سرکه) – vinegar – symbolizing age and patience
Other items you may find on a haft-sin table are:
Goldfish in a bowl – symbolizes life and the sun leaving the astral sign of Pisces
Candles- representing enlightenment and happiness
An orange floating in a bowl of water -represents the earth floating in space
Flowering hyacinth or narcissus- symbolizing the coming of spring
Coins- to represent prosperity and wealth
Mirror -symbolizes reflection on the past
Sweets
Rosewater
The first day of the new year starts off 12 days of family visits, music and dancing. On the 13th day , “Sizdeh-Bedar,” the celebration is taken outdoors, into the beauty of nature. Festivities are often accompanied by singers, musicians and performers of classical Persian dance or Middle Eastern bellydance.
Learn more about the celebration of Norooz here
Mariyah is an NYC based professional dancer, committed to authenticity, innovation and exhilaration in the performance and teaching of bellydance.
To learn more, or to inquire about booking for performances, workshops or classes,visit www.bellydancernewyork.com,join the mailing list, or find her on Facebook For group performance information visit Infinity Bellydance
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Infinity Bellydance on the Dr.Oz Show
Wednesday, October 9th, 2013
Infinity Bellydancers Mariyah, Sira and Layla Isis found ourselves on the Dr.Oz show a couple of weeks ago, being asked to dance a bit and discuss the benefits of ….Argan oil.
Since this was a health and beauty segment the producers wanted three lovely ladies to discuss the oil’s various benefits and I suppose they thought it would be extra fun and colorful if those lovely ladies happened to be bellydancers!
…..Bellydancers? Argan Oil? Why not? So Sawft!
Fortunately, the three of us really do use argan oil, so we had something to say! We had a great time on the show! Here are few pics from the day.
To book Infinity Bellydance for performances and special events, visit us at www.bellydancernewyork.com/infinity
Also be sure to visit and Like Infinity Bellydance on Facebook!
Mariyah is an NYC based professional bellydancer. To learn more, or to inquire about booking for performances, workshops or classes, visit www.bellydancernewyork.com, join the mailing list, or find her on Facebook For group performance information visit Infinity Bellydance
Tags: argan oil, beauty, belly dance, belly dancer, belly dancing, dr.oz, entertainment, infinity, nyc, specialty, TV
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Hiring a Belly Dancer for your Wedding? – Mariyah- Sublime Bellydance NYC
Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013
Traditionally a part of the festivities at many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean weddings, Belly dance is quickly becoming a popular wedding entertainment idea for everyone, and for good reason! Many brides looking for unique wedding reception ideas are finding Belly dance to be a great option! Glamourous, interactive and joyous, A good bellydancer or bellydance group will present a performance with elegance, artistry, fun and the same attention to detail that you have put into planning the other beautiful elements of your reception.
Here are few ideas for incorporating Belly dance entertainment into your wedding reception!
Reception entertainment
This is by far the most popular option for most wedding performances. A show by a solo dancer or a bellydance group at the end of dinner is a great way to provide entertainment as well as energy and motivation to get your guests up for the dancing and party portion of the evening. A show would typically begin with a couple of performance pieces, choreographed in the case of a group, followed by the dancer or dancers bringing guests onto the floor to dance with special attention paid to the bride and groom. Of course, every party is different but the floor is often filled by the end of the show! Another option for timing is to have the show at the before dinner, right after the bridal entrance. Both can work very well depending on the schedule of your reception. Shows such as these usually range in length from 10 minutes to 30 minutes depending on how much audience participation you want and expect your guests to be up for. A show on the shortest end would probably only have time for a brief dance with the bride and groom while a longer show would work best for a reception with large number of guests who you expect to enthusiastically crowd the floor!
Bridal Entrance
Bellydance can be unique and beautiful option for a bridal entrance! Here the focus is very much on setting the stage for the entrance of bridal party and not so focused on the dancers’ show. After a quick but spectacular entrance in a swirl of veils or wings or flickering candles, the dancers will create a frame for the entrance of the bridal party. Often they will then lead the bride and groom across the hall to their table or onto the floor for the first dance. You could also opt for the traditional Zeffa ( Arabic wedding procession with musicians and dancers) or your own unique take on it. Abridal entrance with belly dancers can be customized to each event and couple. The entrance can often be paired with a formal performance either immediately following or later in the evening.
Cocktail hour
Another way to bring bellydance to your wedding is to offer entertainment during the cocktail hour. Since guests are just gathering during this time, cocktail hour performances are also often less of a formal show and more a way to create atmosphere and greet guests as they arrive to the event.
Dance party
Occasionally brides ask that the dancer or dancers arrive a bit later after dinner and cake, once the dance party is in full swing, In this case also, the dancers would provide less of formal show and the focus would be on bringing and extra splash of color, energy and excitement to the dance floor
Whatever you decide, remember that hiring the right entertainment is important and will create lasting memories of the reception for your guests. Be sure to research potential performers, watch Video, read Reviews and know that a budget performer is not a better choice!
For more information about shows and what goes into a bellydancer’s rate, check out www.bellydancernewyork.com/hire and https://bellydancernewyork.com/2016/04/hiring-a-bellydancer-about-rates/
Contact Mariyah today to discuss creating the perfect entertainment for your wedding!
call 347-743-6545 or Email Mariyah@EasternDancer.com
Mariyah is an NYC based professional bellydancer. To learn more, or to inquire about booking for performances, workshops or classes, visit www.bellydancernewyork.com, join the mailing list, or find her on Facebook For group performance information visit Infinity Bellydance
Tags: Arabic music, belly dance, belly dance at weddings, belly dancer, belly dancing, entertainment, glamour, party, performance, specialty, theme, turkish, unique wedding entertainment ideas, weddings
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Entelechy: A New Dance Venture
Saturday, July 13th, 2013
If you follow me on Facebook or if you have noted any events posted here on my website, you’ve probably heard me talking quite a bit about “Entelechy” lately. That would be because “Entelechy”, the theatrical collaboration of myself and my dance partner Layla Isis will have its inaugural show in just a few days at Drom in NYC!
Though I try to incorporate different aspects of my dance life here on my site, these pages are most devoted to strictly bellydance and specifically to the glamorous entertainment realm that I am most often hired for. But Entelechy and our show “The Siren Revival” is the labor of love right now, all encompassing for these weeks and as such, all that is really going on on this site at the moment!
I, of course, urge you to come and see our show on the 21st of July. If you can’t make it, or if you can, please visit us on Facebook, say hello, “Like” and take a look at what our Entelechy project is all about.
Entelechy is the essence which completes matter, the soul or intelligent energy of living things. Layla Isis and Mariyah co-founded Entelechy Dance NYC in 2012 based on a shared artistic frequency that aims to express the elements of spirit, humor, and myth through theatrical dance.
Entelechy Dance presents: The Siren Revival
Featuring Entelechy (Layla Isis and Mariyah) with special guests Dalia Carella, Darshan, Kristina Melike, Sira, and Tava.
With the stylings of jazz-age apparitions, mystical priestesses, vintage muses, and slapstick parodies, Entelechy delivers a delightfully divergent bellydance revel!
Doors open for dinner and drinks at 6:30pm
Show starts at at 7:30pm
Tickets $15 advance/$20 at the door
To purchase tickets visit: http://www.ticketfly.com/event/282835
Table reservations 212-777-1157
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Birthday Party
Saturday, July 13th, 2013
Some pics from Farid’s suprise birthday party on June 28th 2013. I danced for Farid’s brother’s wedding back in October 2010 and it stands out as one of my most memorable and fun wedding performances. This family was just as warm, appreciative and fun-loving as I remembered.
Tags: Arabic music, belly dancer, belly dancing, nyc, party, performance
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Bellydance Bridal Shower June 2013
Saturday, July 13th, 2013
I performed at this lovely bridal shower in Manhattan for Ariel on June 30th 2013. What a warm,fun and enthusiastic group of ladies this was!
The bride-to-be’s mother and I planned on a short performance followed by a mini- lesson to encourage everyone to get up and dance, but this group didn’t need much in the way of encouraging. Once I invited them to join me everyone was up and dancing for the rest of the set! Her are a few pics from the event.
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