Services & Questions
Born to Belly Dance can provide the following services for your event:
* Solo belly dancer/snake charmer
* Male and female duo
*Female duo
* Troupe of dancers
* Live snake
*Fire dancers
* Live drummers
* Live band
*Camels
* Catering - need scrumptious, authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, but don't know where to start? We can arrange the best quality food and beverage for your event
Download the menu here
* Got a special request? Contact Sophia
Born to Belly Dance is available for:
* Film/Television/Advertising
* Roving performances
* Product launches
* Exhibitions
* Festivals
* Christmas parties/corporate functions
* Weddings
* Christenings
* Birthdays
*Hen's parties
*Corporate team building
* Dance tuition/workshops
* Have a unique request? Contact Sophia
Contact Sophia
to discuss your event requirements:
Sophia is based in Sydney, Australia but is available for interstate and international performances.
M: +61 412 431 677
E: sophia@borntobellydance.com.au
Click the 'Quote' tab to submit a booking request
Click the 'Bio' tab to see Sophia's regular performance venues and past performances
Sophia
born to belly dance
Common Questions
1. Is Sophia your real name?
Yes, Sophia was Christened at birth with this name. Her name is not Sophie. Please note, there is another belly dancer in Sydney called Sophie so make sure you have the right dancer!
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2. What does a show entail?
This varies depending on the client's needs but a standard show is approximately 15 - 20 minutes in length and consists of:
* Veil or isis wings entrance
* Audience participation
* Saiidi (cane dance) - only performed if room permits. Safety is paramount and this will not be done if there is the potential to cause someone harm
* Sword
* Drum solo
Back to top
3. What does audience participation entail?
This is purely for fun and there is nothing to be frightened about! There are times throughout the performance where Sophia will invite certain people to dance in the performance space with her. Sophia will usually offer the bride, groom, birthday person, etc. to dance first and then may select other audience members at random to join her.
Sophia does not attempt to embarrass the audience member, she just gets them up for a quick dance, teaches them a few moves and allows them to show off their grooves! This is fun for other audience members to watch and creates a great atmosphere at the event - not to mention some great snap shots and something to talk about later on!
It is preferred that a guest does not decline the offer to dance as it slows down the show, but Sophia will respect the wishes of anyone who truly does not wish to dance. Sometimes, though it's best to just get up, let go of any inhibitions and enjoy yourself!
Back to top
4. Can I request a costume colour?
Yes you can, but please be aware that your request may not always be met due to previous events, costume alterations, etc.
Back to top
5. How much do you charge?
Prices vary. There is no possible way to give an exact figure as the quote given is specially designed for the client based on their event needs, event location, event date and event time. Contact Sophia or fill out the quote form for a specific quote (click the 'Quote' tab). There is no obligation to go ahead with the booking. Sophia will simply provide you with a quote and you can decide whether or not you would like to go ahead.
Back to top
6. How do you determine your fee structure?
This is the single most common question people ask. People do not understand how entertainers work out the price that gets quoted to the client. The price you pay not only reflects the quality of performance. As with any business, their are overheads that need to be covered and passed on to the client. People are often not aware of just how much it costs to be in this profession. Below is a list of expenses that a good and professional dancer needs to cover:
a) Transport
As this is a 'mobile' business, vehicle costs such as fuel, tolls and maintenance are taken into consideration. It is important to remember that dancers have multiple venues to attend on any given day. Therefore there is a lot of driving involved, which requires lots of fuel and increases kilometers on the car, resulting in more servicing.
b) Costumes
As with a 'regular' job, one would purchase a good quality outfit to present themselves a certain way. It is the same with dance costumes. Professional dance costumes are very expensive. The average cost of one costume is approximately $1200 as they are hand sewn, heavily crystalised and imported from Egypt. The need for multiple costumes is a requisite due to vigorous movement and wear and tear - the costumes become easily worn very quickly. Not to mention professional dance shoes which cost approximately $250 for one pair.
Professional costumes are the difference between hiring a professional dancer and hiring a dancer who may have the skill but their grooming may not be up to par.
c) Props
Props are very expensive and are required in different colours and styles.
Swords, isis wings, zills, veils, canes, etc. all cost money. If you require a snake for your event, this needs to be hired from a reptile keeper at an extra cost, too.
d) Labour
Labour refers to the actual performance and dancer's skill level. The quality of the performance and the time spent performing is reflected in the price. Sophia's dance experience is the result of years of training and attending costly workshops taught by top dancers across many dance styles. The time spent arranging music and choreographies in preparation for performances is also labour that is considered when deciding the price.
e) Time
As the saying goes, 'time is money'. Obviously the cost will be different for one 20 minute performance as opposed to an event which requires the dancer to be there over the course of the evening (eg. four hours). Don't forget, public holidays and major event days such as New Years Eve will most likely be dearer than regular days of the year.
f) Miscellaneous
Music - good music is hard to come by but can make the difference between a successful event and a boring event. It is also very expensive, especially when so much needs to be purchased in order to find great performance songs. Sophia scours the globe for good, atmospheric music which will make the event memorable and enjoyable for guests. This has to be purchased across many cultures and many music styles to ensure music will be available for any client request
Website - domain name registration, web hosting and the time spent building the website is costly
Make-up - an important part of grooming and 'looking the part', cosmetics are a costly necessity
Public liability insurance - this is costly but necessary as a dancer to protect the client and the entertainer should anything happen
Back to top
7. If the price is a little much for my budget, can I still book a dancer?
Yes, of course. You can request another dancer who may be less experienced (ie. a student) or who may be able to offer a cheaper rate depending on their circumstances based on your event details- location, time, etc.
Back to top
8. Is belly dance suitable for families?
Absolutely! A belly dancer is NOT to be confused with an 'exotic dancer' who simply dresses as a belly dancer. Sophia always conducts herself in a professional, family oriented manner. Kids make the show! They love to join in when it's time for audience participation and they are always in awe of the colourful costumes and atmosphere created by the performance
Back to top
9. What does the dancer need from the client?
* A good quality sound system - please check this for clear and loud sound quality before your event
* A decent sized dance space
* The type of location the event will be held, ie. hotel function room, restaurant, house, etc.
* Where will parking be available and at what cost?
* Will there be changing facilities?
Back to top
10. What happens when Sophia is unable to attend the event?
In the event that Sophia cannot attend the function when she has been booked in, she will book another dancer and inform you of the change. This will only happen in unforeseen circumstances. Similarly, if you are requesting a booking and Sophia is unavailable for your event, she can attempt to find you another dancer
Back to top
11. Do you have modest costuming available?
Yes. If the audience is more conservative, traditional attire or modest cabaret costuming can be worn. Please advise at time of booking
Back to top
Yes, Sophia was Christened at birth with this name. Her name is not Sophie. Please note, there is another belly dancer in Sydney called Sophie so make sure you have the right dancer!
Back to top
2. What does a show entail?
This varies depending on the client's needs but a standard show is approximately 15 - 20 minutes in length and consists of:
* Veil or isis wings entrance
* Audience participation
* Saiidi (cane dance) - only performed if room permits. Safety is paramount and this will not be done if there is the potential to cause someone harm
* Sword
* Drum solo
Back to top
3. What does audience participation entail?
This is purely for fun and there is nothing to be frightened about! There are times throughout the performance where Sophia will invite certain people to dance in the performance space with her. Sophia will usually offer the bride, groom, birthday person, etc. to dance first and then may select other audience members at random to join her.
Sophia does not attempt to embarrass the audience member, she just gets them up for a quick dance, teaches them a few moves and allows them to show off their grooves! This is fun for other audience members to watch and creates a great atmosphere at the event - not to mention some great snap shots and something to talk about later on!
It is preferred that a guest does not decline the offer to dance as it slows down the show, but Sophia will respect the wishes of anyone who truly does not wish to dance. Sometimes, though it's best to just get up, let go of any inhibitions and enjoy yourself!
Back to top
4. Can I request a costume colour?
Yes you can, but please be aware that your request may not always be met due to previous events, costume alterations, etc.
Back to top
5. How much do you charge?
Prices vary. There is no possible way to give an exact figure as the quote given is specially designed for the client based on their event needs, event location, event date and event time. Contact Sophia or fill out the quote form for a specific quote (click the 'Quote' tab). There is no obligation to go ahead with the booking. Sophia will simply provide you with a quote and you can decide whether or not you would like to go ahead.
Back to top
6. How do you determine your fee structure?
This is the single most common question people ask. People do not understand how entertainers work out the price that gets quoted to the client. The price you pay not only reflects the quality of performance. As with any business, their are overheads that need to be covered and passed on to the client. People are often not aware of just how much it costs to be in this profession. Below is a list of expenses that a good and professional dancer needs to cover:
a) Transport
As this is a 'mobile' business, vehicle costs such as fuel, tolls and maintenance are taken into consideration. It is important to remember that dancers have multiple venues to attend on any given day. Therefore there is a lot of driving involved, which requires lots of fuel and increases kilometers on the car, resulting in more servicing.
b) Costumes
As with a 'regular' job, one would purchase a good quality outfit to present themselves a certain way. It is the same with dance costumes. Professional dance costumes are very expensive. The average cost of one costume is approximately $1200 as they are hand sewn, heavily crystalised and imported from Egypt. The need for multiple costumes is a requisite due to vigorous movement and wear and tear - the costumes become easily worn very quickly. Not to mention professional dance shoes which cost approximately $250 for one pair.
Professional costumes are the difference between hiring a professional dancer and hiring a dancer who may have the skill but their grooming may not be up to par.
c) Props
Props are very expensive and are required in different colours and styles.
Swords, isis wings, zills, veils, canes, etc. all cost money. If you require a snake for your event, this needs to be hired from a reptile keeper at an extra cost, too.
d) Labour
Labour refers to the actual performance and dancer's skill level. The quality of the performance and the time spent performing is reflected in the price. Sophia's dance experience is the result of years of training and attending costly workshops taught by top dancers across many dance styles. The time spent arranging music and choreographies in preparation for performances is also labour that is considered when deciding the price.
e) Time
As the saying goes, 'time is money'. Obviously the cost will be different for one 20 minute performance as opposed to an event which requires the dancer to be there over the course of the evening (eg. four hours). Don't forget, public holidays and major event days such as New Years Eve will most likely be dearer than regular days of the year.
f) Miscellaneous
Music - good music is hard to come by but can make the difference between a successful event and a boring event. It is also very expensive, especially when so much needs to be purchased in order to find great performance songs. Sophia scours the globe for good, atmospheric music which will make the event memorable and enjoyable for guests. This has to be purchased across many cultures and many music styles to ensure music will be available for any client request
Website - domain name registration, web hosting and the time spent building the website is costly
Make-up - an important part of grooming and 'looking the part', cosmetics are a costly necessity
Public liability insurance - this is costly but necessary as a dancer to protect the client and the entertainer should anything happen
Back to top
7. If the price is a little much for my budget, can I still book a dancer?
Yes, of course. You can request another dancer who may be less experienced (ie. a student) or who may be able to offer a cheaper rate depending on their circumstances based on your event details- location, time, etc.
Back to top
8. Is belly dance suitable for families?
Absolutely! A belly dancer is NOT to be confused with an 'exotic dancer' who simply dresses as a belly dancer. Sophia always conducts herself in a professional, family oriented manner. Kids make the show! They love to join in when it's time for audience participation and they are always in awe of the colourful costumes and atmosphere created by the performance
Back to top
9. What does the dancer need from the client?
* A good quality sound system - please check this for clear and loud sound quality before your event
* A decent sized dance space
* The type of location the event will be held, ie. hotel function room, restaurant, house, etc.
* Where will parking be available and at what cost?
* Will there be changing facilities?
Back to top
10. What happens when Sophia is unable to attend the event?
In the event that Sophia cannot attend the function when she has been booked in, she will book another dancer and inform you of the change. This will only happen in unforeseen circumstances. Similarly, if you are requesting a booking and Sophia is unavailable for your event, she can attempt to find you another dancer
Back to top
11. Do you have modest costuming available?
Yes. If the audience is more conservative, traditional attire or modest cabaret costuming can be worn. Please advise at time of booking
Back to top
1. Is Sophia your real name?
2. What does a show entail?
3. What does audience participation entail?
4. Can I request a costume colour?
5. How much do you charge?
6. How do you determine your fee structure?
2. What does a show entail?
3. What does audience participation entail?
4. Can I request a costume colour?
5. How much do you charge?
6. How do you determine your fee structure?
7. If the price is a little much for my budget, can I still book a dancer?
8. Is belly dancing suitable for families?
9. What does the dancer need from the client?
10. What happens when Sophia is unable to attend the event?
11. Do you have modest costuming available?
8. Is belly dancing suitable for families?
9. What does the dancer need from the client?
10. What happens when Sophia is unable to attend the event?
11. Do you have modest costuming available?
Here, Sophia will endeavour to answer common questions open and honestly to give you a better understanding of the booking process. In addition, please familiarise yourself with the booking conditions above
Site design by Sophia
ABN: 76 493 883 416
SYDNEY'S BEST!
Born to Belly Dance only provides top quality entertainers for your event!
Born to Belly Dance only provides top quality entertainers for your event!