The earlier the better. The first booked event in an evening sets the schedule for subsequently booked events. Remember your package price includes prep and travel time, a half hour grace period, the performance, and photo ops afterwards. Samira will be at your event an hour to an hour and a half.

Bollywood special song requests require a month to prepare. Belly dance song requests require 2 weeks.

Samira sometimes does have time for last minute gigs. Please ask. Text or call. 410-977-7978

A belly dance show is usually between 20-25 minutes. A Bollywood show is usually just under 20 minutes, with an option for Samira to stay and social dance for one song.
Your rate includes more than just the performance, of course. Built into each show minimum rate is a half hour grace period, plus photo-op time afterwards, as so many people want photos to share and post.

Between arriving early enough to change, waiting for show time, the show, photo ops afterwards, plus changing time before leaving, Samira will likely be at your event longer than an hour already.
Most events are very happy with one typical length show.
If you truly want an hours worth of dance entertainment, then you purchase two shows. There will be about 20 minutes break in between for in order to hydrate and change costumes before a second dazzling show.

Minimum rates are $375 for belly dance and $400 for Bollywood dance.

If this is a wedding or gala event, we have options. A performance is completely appropriate:
- During a cocktail reception
- To lead people from cocktails to the reception (if the spaces are close)
- At the beginning of the reception
- With the zeffa (wedding processional) and continuing immediately after
- During or after the meal
- Right before cake cutting
… you get the picture.
Samira’s time books quickly and all other events that evening will be booked around the first scheduled event. Your best chance to have the performance when you envision it ,is to book early.

The general guideline for house parties is to schedule the dance performance within two hours of the party start time.

Absolutely! It is a joy to celebrate multiple cultures with dance and music. Samira has a large music repertoire and is also happy to add more in just for your event, as long as she has enough lead-time to prepare.

Samira loves to get creative! Call or text and share your theme or concept.

Event bookings have half an hour grace time padded in, but not more than that. Samira often books two or three events in an evening, and has a schedule to keep. You are paying for a performance within a time slot.
If you feel you may need extra time, ask about “wait time fees,” as Samira is happy to accommodate your needs.

Samira is happy to! She knows wonderful professionals who have the same rates , and can coordinate and make all the arrangements.

Yes, indeed.
You pay for flights, land transportation, and accommodations while at the destination.
Samira will research flights and times and make her own travel booking, and book the room in her own name. She will invoice you for that and make the reservations after you make that payment. Those expenses are your deposit for the destination wedding belly dance or Bollywood performance.
Destination events require a contract.

Tipping is both appreciated and culturally appropriate. Tipping during the show is always family friendly. It’s common to also tip afterwards, or with payment.

Yes. Samira is licensed and insured. Numbers available upon request.

We can do a full contract. If that is what you prefer Samira is happy to prepare one. Some events will require a contract and deposit.
For most smaller events Samira take notes during the call and emails you the summary of all the same details that would go into a contract. You’ll provide any details she asks for at that time and confirm the booking. That’s when you’ll go in her calendar. It’s an easy process that doesn’t take much time, and assures us that we are on the same page.

That depends. For most events she does not need a deposit.
If you prefer to make a deposit, just let Samira know, and she will draw up a contract as well. Samira will let you know if she requires a contract.

Please pay directly after the show.
For weddings and this is often done by a relative, loved one or event coordinator so the bride and groom can simply enjoy time with their guests.

Samira always need:
Date, time and location of event

Type of event

Start time of event

Desired show time

Cultural expectations

Colors of event (if any)

Contact name and mobile number

Tell Samira if her performance is a surprise

DJ name and contact or sound equipment information, if there is no DJ

Dance performance environment. Is it a ballroom, outdoors, is there a dance floor, etc.

Samira sometimes need:

Guest of honor(s) name(s)

Photo/video name and contact

Event planner name and contact

Parking details

Samira will need a safe space to finish changing and to leave her things while performing.
For belly dance please have small space on a table, or a chair near the dance area, for her to place my props on. If there is a DJ booth, often there is already space there.
If you don’t have a DJ or your own speakers, let Samira know. She can bring speakers for a small house space. There is a $35 fee for that.