Frequently Asked Questions: Performances 1. How much does a performance by Sylvana cost? You can make your event truly memorable with a performance by a live dancer at a very reasonable rate.  The normal rate for a party / event performance is $125 / event in the local Winston-Salem area, and slightly more for travel outside of Forsyth County.   Please contact Sylvana early if you would like to hire more than one dancer or a musician is well.  This area is blessed with many talented dancers and students of dance, and Sylvana would be happy to arrange for their participation in the event.  Rates will be negotiated depending on the request. 2.  What if I would like a dancer(s) to perform at an event for a non-profit / charitable organization? Consistent with her goal of bringing this wonderful art form and beautiful music to more people in the US, Sylvana does do quite a few charity or volunteer event.  Please feel free to contact her for more information on availability of her or her troupe at sylvana@1001dance.com. 3. What does a show include? It depends on the length of the show and what the client's wishes are; typically, private functions generally include all of the following: a. Intro with veil b. Pop song d. Drum solo e. Finale / audience participation * * In particular, at parties celebrating personal milestones or events, Sylvana likes to get the guest(s) of honor involved in the dancing.  Be prepared to tie on a hip scarf and learn how to shimmy if it is your birthday ;). 4. Can I get a drummer to come to my event as well? Fortunately for her (and you!), Sylvana has developed relationships with several local musicians (including Omid Aghamaleki) and would be happy to arrange for them to perform as well for an additional fee.  In fact, the addition of live music can often transform an event with its energy and spontaneity! 5. I don't know much about bellydance, but I think it sounds cool. Will I still have fun watching a show? What about my parents/kids/friends - is bellydance "family friendly" enough for everybody? Absolutely!  In the Middle East, dancing is common and is done by women and men of all ages, shapes, and sizes.  Similarly, in the US, our goal is to make both enjoying a show and/or taking your first bellydance class accessible to ANYONE.  Sylvana’s performance style is suitable for all ages (so no need to worry about her embarrassing you or your friends.) 6. What do you need to perform? a. Clean, dry dance surface clear of food, liquids, etc. b. Private dressing area (restroom will suffice). c. Access to restroom and running water. d. Complete directions for and map to performance location. e. Name and phone number of contact person, if different than person booking the event. f. Payment, in full (Cash or check), at time of arrival g. A sound system* * Not necessary, but preferred.  Oftentimes the host has better access to a good sound system than Sylvana can provide at this time. 7. Is tipping okay? Absolutely, as long as it's done in a respectful way, although one of the best ways to show appreciation for a dancer is to make some noise during her performance!  It is not uncommon, however, to tip a dancer in her beaded belt or bra strap (*carefully* :) ). 8. Will you perform for my bachelor party/kegger/fraternity party? Middle-Eastern dance is dance art that its practitioners in the United States are working very hard to preserve and respect, and performing at such a function is incongruous with those goals.   9. Do you teach? Of course!  Sylvana has found the study and participation in bellydance culture to be personally transformative, and she is committed to exposing others to such a rewarding experience.  She offers both Beginner and Intermediate classes, as well as individual tutoring.  You can also hire her for your party or event to give an “Introduction to Bellydance” experience.  This can be a lot of fun for reunions, birthdays, or “Girl’s Night Outs”.  Go to her Classes page for more information on her class schedule. See also Frequently Asked Questions - Classes. Sylvana is available to perform for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, housewarming events, end-of-year parties, holiday celebrations, commitment ceremonies, showers and anything else you can think of!