#performance fees

Bellydancers are struggling artists.  Like most dancers of all genres we put a lot of hard work, time and investments into what we do.  Yet, bellydance as a whole is one of the few professions that is making less now than 10-20 years ago.  A great article that exemplifies this fact can be found here: http://www.casbahdance.org/PRICEUP.htm

Being a pro performer or instructor is a lot of work.  Speaking from experience, it's also very stressful.  When you think about everything involved in our art it's not so hard to realize why we charge what we do for lessons and/or performances.  The average pro has to take into account the following expenses:

Costuming (which can range from $300-3000 per costume!  For example, a Rajasthani silver belt similar to Zoe Jake's runs $950!)

Music (for classes, performances and sometimes students)

Make-Up

Accessories (jewelry, belts, hair pieces, etc...All of these items are essential in Tribal style.)

Props (where applicable)

Advertising (computers, business cards, printing costs for flyers/newsletters, photography and more)

Travel Expenses (gas, accommodations where applicable, wear and tear on vehicles)

Not to mention the amount spent on YEARS of training!  And the travel to and from workshops, classes and private lessons.

From a personal perspective: My work includes choosing music for upcoming performances, editing my own music, sewing/repairing costumes for said performance, drilling movements to keep my technique sharp and fresh, working with my venue/client to advertise.  All while planning the week's lesson for my class, choosing music to fit the lessons, working on class choreography, answering emails, updating network sites and my website, meetings with my student's troupe, choreographing for the troupe and the list goes on.  It's a long, hard process and most of the time there is little profit.  But when it's what you live for you have no qualms.