Yemaya - Oriental Dance Artist

Frequently Asked Questions

	What should I expect in a Belly Dance Performance? In a solo performance Yemaya will dance to a full routine of Belly dance music. She will enter to an Medium to fast tempo song using zills (finger cymbals), then she will dance a slow piece, usually incorporating veil, wings or fan veils, then a fast drum solo into a finale piece. The finale section will usually include some audience participation such as getting the guest of honor up to dance with her.
	How long is a performance? A typical solo performance lasts from 20 – 30 minutes
	What type of music will she use, and how should it be played? Yemaya will customize her music to fit your specific event, She has a vast range of Belly Dance music including, Classical Egyptian, modern Arabic pop, Saiidi (Upper Egyptian Folk music), remixes, Greek, Turkish and Persian music. She will bring the custom cd to your event. Please have a stereo or sound system that will play burned C.D.’s. Boom boxes only as a LAST resort please. Finger Cymbals are loud and require a good sound system to be heard over them.
What if we want more than one dancer? Yemaya can provide multiple dancers for your event. The dancers can either do separate solos performances or dance together. Is Belly Dance appropriate for children? Absolutely!! Belly Dance is a beautiful art that takes years of training to learn. Yemaya’s performances are always family friendly. Although some Belly Dance movements may be described as sensual or exotic (meaning from a far away land), they are NEVER intended to be sexual or seductive. Belly Dance IS NOT stripping. No bachelor party inquires please. What about tipping? Yes, tipping is accepted unless the host requests otherwise. Tipping the belly dancer is a sign of appreciation and respect. The tipping in general will take place during the final piece of the performance when the dancer dances through and interacts with the audience. You may place the bills in the sides of the dancers belt or give her a “money shower” – bills tossed in the air over the dancers head. A tip basket can be a good option if the event is more conservative. Tipping is always appreciated – never expected. What type of area does the dancer need to do a show? Yemaya is accustomed to dancing in many different environments from small living rooms to large theatrical stages. Having a clean and clear “stage area” of at least 15 sq feet is ideal, but we can make anything work. Yemaya can dance on most types of flooring however if you intend the show to be outdoors please specify so proper foot wear can be worn. Yemaya can not dance on gravel or grass. Yemaya will also need a room to dress in with a mirror.
	How far in advanced should we book a show? The sooner the better, Holidays, wedding season, and weekends can sometimes book months in advanced, However if you are slightly flexible with time, last minute shows can many times be worked in. Wil Yemaya travel for performances? YES!! Yemaya loves to travel and is available for shows out of town and internationally. Of course travel expenses will be included in the fee. (International events will require a contract.) What are all of the options for a Belly Dance performance? • Standard Show – a 20 – 30 minute solo performance usually incorporating, zills, veil, wings or fan veils and some audience participation • Standard Show and Lesson - a Standard Show then a short group lesson (45 minutes – 1hr) the perfect choice for young girl’s birthdays or baclorette parties!! • Multiple Sets – Yemaya can dance different sets throughout the evening, using different costumes, props and music each set – sets can be anywhere from 5 to 25 minutes • Multiple Dancers – The more the merrier – You can opt to have separate solo performances with different dancers – or have the dancers dance TOGETHER!! Group performances can last anywhere from 5 minutes to one hour. For group performances please book as far in advance as possible. • Fees- Prices vary and will be determined at the time of hire.

What should I expect in a Belly Dance Performance?

In a solo performance Yemaya will dance to a full routine of Belly dance music. She will enter to an Medium to fast tempo song using zills (finger cymbals), then she will dance a slow piece, usually incorporating veil, wings or fan veils, then a fast drum solo into a finale piece. The finale section will usually include some audience participation such as getting the guest of honor up to dance with her.

How long is a performance?

A typical solo performance lasts from 20 – 30 minutes

What type of music will she use, and how should it be played?

Yemaya will customize her music to fit your specific event, She has a vast range of Belly Dance music including, Classical Egyptian, modern Arabic pop, Saiidi (Upper Egyptian Folk music), remixes, Greek, Turkish and Persian music. She will bring the custom cd to your event. Please have a stereo or sound system that will play burned C.D.’s. Boom boxes only as a LAST resort please. Finger Cymbals are loud and require a good sound system to be heard over them.

What if we want more than one dancer?

Yemaya can provide multiple dancers for your event. The dancers can either do separate solos performances or dance together.

Is Belly Dance appropriate for children?

Absolutely!! Belly Dance is a beautiful art that takes years of training to learn. Yemaya’s performances are always family friendly. Although some Belly Dance movements may be described as sensual or exotic (meaning from a far away land), they are NEVER intended to be sexual or seductive. Belly Dance IS NOT stripping. No bachelor party inquires please.

What about tipping?

Yes, tipping is accepted unless the host requests otherwise. Tipping the belly dancer is a sign of appreciation and respect. The tipping in general will take place during the final piece of the performance when the dancer dances through and interacts with the audience. You may place the bills in the sides of the dancers belt or give her a “money shower” – bills tossed in the air over the dancers head. A tip basket can be a good option if the event is more conservative. Tipping is always appreciated – never expected.

What type of area does the dancer need to do a show?

Yemaya is accustomed to dancing in many different environments from small living rooms to large theatrical stages. Having a clean and clear “stage area” of at least 15 sq feet is ideal, but we can make anything work. Yemaya can dance on most types of flooring however if you intend the show to be outdoors please specify so proper foot wear can be worn. Yemaya can not dance on gravel or grass. Yemaya will also need a room to dress in with a mirror.

How far in advanced should we book a show?

The sooner the better, Holidays, wedding season, and weekends can sometimes book months in advanced, However if you are slightly flexible with time, last minute shows can many times be worked in.

Wil Yemaya travel for performances?

YES!! Yemaya loves to travel and is available for shows out of town and internationally. Of course travel expenses will be included in the fee. (International events will require a contract.)

What are all of the options for a Belly Dance performance?

• Standard Show – a 20 – 30 minute solo performance usually incorporating, zills, veil, wings or fan veils and some audience participation

• Standard Show and Lesson - a Standard Show then a short group lesson (45 minutes – 1hr) the perfect choice for young girl’s birthdays or baclorette parties!!

• Multiple Sets – Yemaya can dance different sets throughout the evening, using different costumes, props and music each set – sets can be anywhere from 5 to 25 minutes

• Multiple Dancers – The more the merrier – You can opt to have separate solo performances with different dancers – or have the dancers dance TOGETHER!! Group performances can last anywhere from 5 minutes to one hour. For group performances please book as far in advance as possible.

• Fees- Prices vary and will be determined at the time of hire.