Unexpected. Creative. Unforgettable.
Unexpected. Creative. Unforgettable.
Make your event memorable with an appearance from the Bay Area's premier Middle Eastern Dance group. We know from experience that they'll be talking about it for years afterwards. From stage choreography to ambiance and mingling through a crowd, Khamsin are consummate professionals.
Khamsin has experience on the big stage and in small clubs and parties. Rest assured that we will bring you the best show in the available space.
We are happy to tailor our performance to suit your needs and budget. We can perform for 10 minutes or 2 hours - whatever you have in mind, we're happy to work with you!
All of our performances are kid friendly and fun for all ages. Bellydancers and children make instant friends.
So you'd like to hire a bellydancer...
So you'd like to hire a bellydancer...
A. Depending on your preference, music can range from classical Arabic to modern pop. Sandra's music collection also includes Bollywood hits and contemporary Turkish and Persian favorites - even some Klezmer belllydance music.
A. Yes, the belly dance show is family friendly. Children often love to dance, too!
A. A typical show is between 30-45 minutes. The dancers may use finger cymbals, swords, veils, and candles. When appropriate, the show may include audience participation, for example, the guest of honor may be asked to belly dance.
A. Yes. Unless the host has requested otherwise, the dancer will gladly accept tips. Tips may be tucked into the dancer's belt, or thrown above her head as a "money shower".
A. It is always better to book the show sooner than later. If you are flexible about the time that the show begins, last minute shows can often be worked in. However, Saturday nights during the holidays and during wedding season (May - September) tend to book out completely.
A. People often ask if we can dance to their favorite songs or to their music choices. While Khamsin ishappy to incorporate some selections for any specific event, the performance goes smoother and is more engaging for the audience if the dancers knows the performance music well. Khamsin can provide music in the form of a CD, MP3 Player, or memory stickand the venue should provide the sound system (louder is better). The performers normally stay out of sight until the music has begun playing. Live Persian or Arabic musicians can be arranged upon request.
A. Since this is such a common situation we always assume at least SOMEONE doesn't know about the bellydancers. Khamsin never leaves any details to give anything away on voicemail messages and we happy to wait outside the venue and have someone sneak us inside through the garage or service entrance.
A. Your not really paying for the 20 to 45 minutes that I'll be dancing at your event. You're paying for the 20 years of practice and experience that our group brings. Decades of dance classes, costumes, workouts and competitions all help to build a great performance artist, but they can also be very expensive. If an artist can afford to work full time in their field instead of needing a second job, the quality of art presented increases dramaticly. Don't think of it as payingby the minute. Think of it as supporting the arts in your community.
A. Khamsin is based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Shows outside of Northern California will need to be booked in advance but can easiiy be accommodated. The client pays the nightly booking fee, plus travel and lodging expenses.
A. Performance DVD's are available for agents and overseas venues considering entering into a performance contract.
A. We are happy to recommend local retailers where you can put together a wonderful classic bellydance outfit for an affordable price. But our professional costumes are designed for us by a designer in Istanbul who makes each one to our specifications. Each costume is hand beaded and designed and is unique and never to be duplicated. They are not for lending.