3 Kinds of Bellydancers

There are many different types of Bellydancers. The three we want to focus on today are the professional, the student and the fan. These three types of dancers are what make up the majority of bellydance audiences. They are the true supporters of Raqs Sharqi as we know it. But how do they do it?

The Professsional
Professional bellydancers work all year long on bellydance projects. They are constantly performing, teaching classes or dedicating some part of their day to this art. They can be found in the studio at least once a week with part of their annual income coming in from this dance. Professionals are usually well known dancers in some area of the world and are open to being approached about ideas and information. Favourite outifts: Bedluhs, Beladi Dresses and custom made raqs suits with matching Assayahs/Tahtibs

The Student
Student Bellydancers come and go. Some are dedicated and some just do it for fun. What we have found is that they differ from professionals in that much of their income goes “out” to Bellydance vs. comes in. While they do earn some money from bellydance they are often in a troupe, fond of performing solo pieces for restaurants on specific nights but are not necessarily in high demand. They are still in the learning process or in some cases consider themselves progressing toward becoming a professional. Favourite outfits: Troupe Wear, Bellydance Skirts and a good pair of zills. 

The Fan
The fan is one of the essential members of the bellydance world. They are always there. They go to every show. They sign up for workshops and classes just for the pure enjoyment of being around the art. They love to hang out at Bellydance retreats, take pictures with the stars and just spend time watching the performance aspect of the art. They are often students and professionals all the same; packed with knowledge on the different genres because of course they’ve seen it all and can tell you the last ten winners of the most popular festivals in their region. Sometimes the fan is just as enjoyable to spend time watching as the professional because they are the ones the professional goes to and dances with. Their energy is electric. Favourite outfits: Bellydance workout wear, Raqs Sharqi Fusion costumes, jewelry, henna and bindis.

What do you consider yourself as in the world of Bellydance? What is it that you want to be and what are the steps you are taking to get there? Share this with us! We would love to discuss!