(Printed in the Auarter 4/2005 issue of The Belly Dancer Magazine)
PERFORMING ORIENTAL DANCE AT WEDDINGS
By" Princess Farhana
At some point in your career you will probably hired to dance at a wedding. A gig like any other? A piece of (wedding) cake? Not so fast, doll! A wedding is a major stepping stone in life, and may result in a display of nerves from not only the bride and groom and assorted family members, but even the wedding planner, caterer or deejay that hired you. Weddings are notorious for running late, and this can be compounded by bridal party photo-ops, traffic on the way to the reception, a hired band playing longer than they were supposed to, or even slow food service. The fact that it's a private family celebration will also add elements of chaos in the form of kids running around, people drinking too much, lengthy toasts, amorous ushers, maybe even a fight! Prepare yourself and be ready with your own Plan B (or even C or D) just in case!
Once I was hired by a member of the wedding party to perform at Armenian nuptials in Hollywood. When the bride found out there was going to be a belly dancer (oh, the horror!) she locked herself in the bathroom crying hysterically. Sheepishly, the apologetic man paid me… to leave!
Like I said, be prepared for anything! If the bride or groom is hiring you, designate a contact person who will meet and pay you. The bride or groom may think they will be able to handle these duties at the event, but trust me, they won't! Whether it's a casual wedding or a big gala , here are some things to think about:
1) LOCATION: Get the address, directions, parking information, and an on-site contact number or a cell-phone number for someone in charge. Bring shoes you can dance in as well as a cover-up. Determine if there is somewhere safe you can leave your belongings while you're onstage.
2) PERFORMANCE TIME AND PAYMENT: Set your performance time exactly. You don't want to think you're going on at 9:00PM and then wait around until midnight. Confirm the time- and your fee- a week or two before the event; re-confirm a day or two before. Be a bit flexible, but by ten or fifteen minutes, not three hours! If it's getting late, pleasantly but firmly say you have another show, and "it's now or never". You and the client should mutually agree to the length of the performance. Negotiate payment BEFORE you accept the show, and it never hurts to have a contract and a deposit.
3) COSTUMING/MUSIC/SHOW: Are you dancing to your own CD, or a live band? What is the sound system like? There is nothing worse than music that is too low, especially if you're in a big hall. Some wedding parties may not want you to wear a revealing costume; they may prefer something more covered up. Do they want a full show, or a only zeffah, or bridal procession? Though it might not be acceptable to dance around tables in a club, at weddings, it's usually fine, it ramps up the energy. Don't actively solicit tips. During your gig negotiations, it's perfectly acceptable to ask if it's a tipping situation, then you can simply adjust your price if it's not. Look over your performance space; you may be dodging floral arrangements, balloons, electrical cables and large video cameras mounted on tripods.
4) THE ZEFFAH: At Arabic weddings, you might be asked to do a zeffah, instead of-or in addition to your regular show. This is a traditional Egyptian wedding processional. The zeffah dancer's duty is to lead the bride and groom out for their first appearance as man and wife. Zeffah means"procession with noise" and is usually done with multiple dancers, though it may be only you. There are many CD's available with traditional zeffah songs. When the couple's names are announced and the music starts, enter with the bride and groom following and lead them around the dance floor a few times. Plant the couple in the center, and dance around them, encouraging them to kiss, hold hands, or dance together. Lead them to their chairs, seat them and have the dancers pose for a photo-op. Raks Shamadan (a dance involving a lit candelabras balanced on the heads) is an Egyptian wedding tradition, dating back pre-electricity days, and part of the zeffah, but not absolutely necessary. If you've never done Shamadan before, a wedding is NOT the place to try it out!
Shamadan
Get prior permission from the venue to use candles on your shamadan....many places won't allow this due to fire insurance. If you can't use real candles, use battery operated candles (available at party supply stores) but bear in mind that they are much heavier than real ones. Check doorways for clearance, have matches or a lighter on hand, steer clear of draperies, and don't light up until you're just about to perform. Avoid ceiling air-conditioning ducts. They will blow your candles out and spray melted wax all over your hair…there is no such thing as "dripless" candles once they're on your head, and you're moving!
These tips will help you in booking a wedding performance-so, have great show, and don't forget to say "marhaba!" to the happy couple.
Contact Princess Farhana (323) 460-4890
Email: pgehman@earthlink.net
WWW.PRINCESSFARHANA.COM
