Frequently Asked Questions:
Can my children watch?
Yes! My performances are family friendly and safe for all types of events.
What occasion is best for a belly dancer?
Since this dance is family friendly, it is a perfect fit for all types of events including corporate functions, banquets, office parties, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, baby showers, wedding showers, house warming parties, bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, quinceaneras, coming of age ceremonies, welcome home parties, holiday parties, award ceremonies, fund raisers, grand openings, proms, family reunions, sorority events, renaissance fairs, and more.
How far in advance should I book a performance?
I book up quickly so it is requested that you book 3-4 weeks in advance of your party. Occasionally, I do have last minute openings and may be able to appear at your party. Please contact me with questions. If I am unable to dance for your event, I have a large network of dancers that I would be happy to connect you with.
Is there any type of events you do not do?
I traditionally do not perform for “all male” events. Sometimes, there are exceptions. Contact me to discuss in detail.
How do you determine your price?
There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into the fee you pay. I would like to break down my expenses for you so you understand what you are getting for the price.
- On average, 5 - 15 hours will be spent practicing for your event (This is the minimum amount of time)
- On average, 1 - 2 hours will be spent finding and burning music for your event
- The costume I will wear is worth $300 - $800 in value. Each costume is handmade in Egypt.
- On average, 1 - 3 hours will be spent mending and securing my costume for your event.
- On average, 1 - 2 hours will be spent preparing my make-up and hair for your event.
- On average, 4 - 15 hours spent preparing the contract, working with you to plan the perfect event, driving to the event, meeting with you at the event and preparing to go on stage, pictures, waiting to receive payment, driving home, cleaning my costume, and filing my earnings with the State of Virginia.
At a minimum, I will spend a total of 12 hours preparing for your event and I have not even performed! This also does not include the years and countless hours spent in workshops and classes to study this dance. Classes cost $15-30/hour and workshops $50-500 each. This is an on-going expense because education never ends.
As you can see, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes. This is a business and I manage every aspect of it as a business. I pay taxes on my earning and am registered as a business in Loudoun County and the State of Virginia.
I found another dancer for less, why?
I value my art. I have invested a lot of time and money into mastering this art form and I place a value on it. Please remember that you get what you pay for. Selecting a dancer that is charging less than other dancers may save you some cash but you have no idea what you have purchased.
Will she have a professional costume?
Will she be prepared and on time?
Will she be respectful and not embarrass your family?
Will she provide the services you agreed to?
Will she ask for more money once the performance is over?
Is she a registered business and will she pay taxes on her earnings?
My rates are equal to other “professional” dancers in the Northern Virginia area. If someone quotes you less, please know that she may not be professional. When hiring a dancer – ANY DANCER – be sure to ask the dancer questions about her experience, training, and business registration.
Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
I am a professional performer and often have several performances booked on one day. I have guidelines listed in my contract which request that events start and end on time so I can get to my next performance. Please click here to view my contract in its entirety.
Is it ok to tip?
Tips are accepted and welcomed by Ravena. If guests choose to tip, they may do so by throwing bills in the air above my head (money shower), respectfully placing them in my costume (I will indicate an appropriate place, and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated), or handing them to me after the show. Please note that money shower tips should be collected after the performance has ended and turned over to the performer. All tips collected belong to me and are not deducted from the final fee.
What kind of music do you use?
I generally use Arabic dance music, and this can range from Classical to Modern to Pop styles. If you have any special requests for certain songs or styles, please let me know. Performances can be customized for your event.
What if I need more than one belly dancer?
Hire a group of beautiful, talented and professional belly dancers! I collaborate with other professional dancers to provide performances for large venues.
What kind of payment accepted?
I prefer a 50% deposit 14 days before the event and the remaining amount prior or immediately following the performance. Though cash is preferred, personal checks are also accepted (made payable to Ravena Designs). Paypal and Credit Card payments are also accepted if you pay in advance. A 3.5% fee applies to payments made via PayPal or Credit Card and will be added to the final fee.
