Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Check list when hiring a Bellydancer/Entertainer

Hiring a bellydancer is not a easy task, believe me...firstly because there are so many out there, everyone with a beautiful website and great pictures, so who would you choose?


Secondly, who guarantees you that the person you are hiring looks the same as their photo?


Thirdly, how do you know if she is a good dancer/entertainer?


This is a quick list of things you should look at when hiring a bellydancer: (this would be a check list for all bellydancers as well)


1) Video footage:
 Every professional bellydancer should have AT LEAST one video to showcase their work...if the bellydancer you are hiring doesn't have one on her website, I would definitely ask her to send you a link!


2) Photo gallery:
I have had so many people asking me before "are you really the same person from the photos on your website?". Many customers have hired bellydancers that looked so glamourous and gorgeous in the pictures and when they arrive at the party they look completely different...


For this reason it is always good to have a studio photo gallery as well performances photos where the customers can see the REAL you!


3) Costume
The way bellydancers present themselves is very important, the combination of a good costume, accessories and make up, makes all the difference! Sometimes you don't need to have the most expensive costumes, but the way you combine these three elements can make you look classy and elegant.


4) Entertainment V's Dancing skill
Not all entertainers are good dancers and vice versa. In my opinion, if you hire a professional you are looking for the whole package right?


5) Years of experience
We all know that older wines taste better. Check the dancer's experience. How long has she being dancing? What are the highlights in her career or prestigious events at which she has danced?  I have seen many dancers as well with not that many years of experience but deliver a great show...so this is not the most important item in your check list, but definitely something to consider.


6) Music
Make sure you let her know your music choice, don't expect the bellydancer to guess your nationality or which music you enjoy. If you are Lebanese, Turkish, Egyptian or Greek, or you want an arabic mix, you need to be clear about your preferences if you know what you want.


7) Watch her performance live
Normally a dancer will list her regular jobs on her website, so before you hire her you can always go and watch her live performance. If she doesn't have a regular show every week you need then to come back to number 1 and ask her for her video footage.


Now that you have a quick list to look at when hiring a professional bellydancer, I hope you enjoy her performance and have a great event! Nothing worse than getting frustrated and disappointed with what should be the highlight of the night! :-)




Danielle Lopes Bellydancer

Friday, May 04, 2012

Male Bellydancers

I haven't been writing here for a long time, but this week I was looking around some blogs and facebook pages and I have to say that one particular page caught my eyes. One of the bellydance community on facebook posted this album with male bellydancers and I was shocked when I saw some of the comments!!! I couldn't believe in what I was reading, some really disrespectful comments. Something like "male bellydancers are DISGUSTING!". 


To start with, I think DISGUSTING is someone that don't respect other people and their preferences! I have been dancing for 15 years and I don't need to have all these years behind my back to know that everyone is free to do and act how they feel and like...I don't agree when people say that  bellydance is for woman...bellydance is an form of art therefore is for everyone doesn't matter their gender!!! I know so many beautiful male bellydancers, here in Australia for instance, Jamil and Shiva are the most talented and amazing dancers! 


Do male dancers have to be at home, unhappy and hiding their passion because society told that men are not allowed to bellydance?????? Come on people, let's respect each other...it's fine if you don't like it, but don't come in public and make some nasty comments.


To all male bellydancers out there - keep dancing, smiling, touching people's heart! I have a big admiration for you all! 


Love and Peace
Danielle
Jamil

Shiva

Tarik Sultan


Tito Seif

Yamil from Argentina




Thursday, May 03, 2012

Sydney Middle Eastern Dance Festival


Looking forward to the 23rd Sydney Middle Eastern Dance Festival, the biggest bellydance event in Australia. ATTAR troupe have been working hard to put a nice choreo together to perform there this Friday 4 May. Hope to see you all there!


Sydney Middle Eastern Dance Festival

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

Attar Troupe

Hey gorgeous ladies!!!!

Finally we created our facebook page!!! You can keep updated with up coming events and what is happening in the bellydance world :-)

We recently received this nice photo from musicians in Cuba - how cute!!! Thanks for all your support <3