Becoming Rich and Famous

Every one knows that becoming a belly dancer full time or part time, is not about becoming famous or rich. You will be lucky if you can pay your rent on time. This is an art form and like any other art form you must have regular work, and constant work. So unless you are in excellent shape, and can handle running from one gig to the next you can forget about doing it for a living. I have performed at least five shows in one night after teaching a class for an hour and a half. The next day my thighs would be trembling from my complicated and long drum solos. Because that is my thing. Drum solos and performing with the sword are my favorite.

Then you have famous belly dancers who have made it, like fifi Abdo, Souher Zaki, Dina, Nadia Gamal and that is just to name a few. These are names of just a few dancers that I personally look up to.

However you can be famous and not even know it. I mean famous in the belly dance community. You see there are dancers that all of us dancers look up to and give them the credit they deserve. We talk about them and praise them, and wish one day we can be as good as they are.

This art form is not about getting rich, in fact all of the money that you make goes right back into it. The majority of dancers end up spending twice as much money as they make. Most professional costumes are $600. and more
Private lessons can range from $60. an hour and more.
Regular classes on a regular basis could run you $200. a month or more.
If you are taking two classes a week at $20.-$25. per class every week, well this adds up,
you do the math.
I have not included veils in which you would want all colors for different costumes. Silk veils can cost up to $70. Coin belts which become addictive to buy. Don't forget the sword, cane, baledi dress, and wings.

If you want a candalabra that is going to cost you more that $100. Remember that you have to take a cab home if you are dancing after midnight and you don't drive. After all you don't want to be in the train with gobs of make up a heavy suit case and a sword. I have not even included the DVD's, and CD's. Whew now that I got all of that out of my system I feel so relieved.

Most dancers are, or can become obsessive with this art, by taking numerous workshops that can be very pricey, and end up spending an enormous amount of money on just about everything. How do I know this I am one! I am obsessed O.K. I admit it, while I am kicking and screaming. I LOVE DANCING!!!!!!!! I LOVE PERFORMING!!!!!!!
I feel so lucky that I am doing what I love for a living. My primary goal is to just perform, teach and be happy.