How do I pay?
Afra can take personal cheques, company cheques (cheques must be accompanied by a cheque guarantee card) and payments via PayPal. A 50% deposit is required no later than 2 weeks prior to your event, the balance to be paid on Afra's arrival at the venue. If your event is cancelled with more than 3 days notice Afra will return your deposit in full. Cancellations closer to the event will forfeit the deposit. Should Afra be unable to fulfil the engagement she will refund your deposit and endeavour to find a replacement dancer for your event. Please note that Afra will only cancel her appearance at your event due to grave illness or a major family emergency.
What do you need to know when I call to book an event?
When contacting Afra to book a performance, please have the following information ready:
- Address and telephone number of the performance venue.
- Approximate dimensions of dance area / stage. (The bigger the area, the better the performance.)
- What the dance floor is made of.
- Who the audience will be, and an approximate headcount of how many people will be attending.
- What the event is (birthday party? wedding?)
- If there is a special guest at the event.
- What sort of music system will be available.
What if I want more than one dancer or live music?
With appropriate notice Afra is more than happy to facilitate live music and additional dancers for your event. Fees negotiated on a case by case basis.
What about tipping?
Tipping is encouraged, as long as it is done in a respectful manner. Afra is a professional dance artist who has numerous expenses, such as costumes, petrol and car maintenance. ;-D She respectfully asks for tips be handed to her during or after her show, rather than placed in her costume.
Do you travel to events on your own?
No, Afra always travels with an assistant to help with changing costumes and music.
What can you expect Afra's performance to consist of? Afra will make an exciting entrance to lively upbeat music and dance to her opening song. The music will change and Afra do a slower number with one or more large veils. Following this will be further lively and upbeat song where Afra may dance with a prop like a cane or sword. This will be followed by an exciting drum solo after which Afra will (depending on your requirements) either dance a brief reprise of her opening number or dance to a further lively song during which she will encourage willing members of the audience to have a go at dancing themselves. At the end of this song Afra will take a bow and leave. Afra may also play finger cymbals during part of her performance.
If you have booked Afra for two sets she will usually make the focus of the second an exciting & dramatic prop like single or double swords. If your venue allows she can also offer the candelabra dance or candle tray, both of which use lit candles. Other options include dancing on glasses, Wings of Isis (subject to space) and cane. As with the previous set Afra will finish off with a lively number where she will encourage willing participants to have a go at dancing. At the end of this song Afra will take a bow and leave. Afra will need a minimum of 20 minutes between each set to allow for costume changing etc.
Afra's traditional Egyptian Oriental shows are highly popular with Arab audiences, particularly for weddings and other speical occasions. These performances include classic Cairo style oriental, with a folkloric and/or baladi segment. At an event recently an Egyptian guest said 'you've made me cry! You dance just like an Egyptian - it was like going home to Cairo for the night - thank you so much!"
Afra can build her performance set around your personal requirements. Please don't hesitate to ask if you have something particular in mind. Afra also performs more cutting edge/dance theatre/experimental numbers in a variety of styles. These works are Middle Eastern Dance inspired but are not what would normally be labeled belly dancing. If you would like something a little different for your event, please contact Afra to discuss what type of numbers she can offer.
More information here
There are a few things that Afra doesn't permit or do as part of her performances.
Please do not ask Afra to remove any items of her clothing such as the top of her costume. Afra is a family-friendly dancer.
Afra encourages audience participation during parts of her performance, but inappropriate touching or degrading & derogatory comments are not permitted. Such behaviour may cause Afra to shorten her set and/or leave your event.
Afra does not take bookings as a stripper, neither does she perform at stag nights, batchelour parties or any male-only events.
What will Afra require when she performs at your event?
Private and clean area to get changed
A clean, dry dance area that is free from any obstructions
Access to a cloakroom and running water
Accurate map and directions to the venue
What time you expect Afra to perform.
An opportunity to discuss her music requirements with your DJ or person responsible for playing her CDs.
Contact telephone number for someone at the venue during your event.
Payment in full upon arrival
At least 2 days notice when booking for your event.
Note: Afra accepts that events do not always run to plan and she is often happy to start a little later. However, should you need her to wait for more than 1 hour an additional fee may be required. Afra cannot always guarantee to stay for longer than 1 hour if she has other engagements booked for the same evening. This is particularly true on Friday and Saturday nights.
Still have questions? ;-D Email Afra to discuss your event in more detail - afra@afraalkahira.com
©Afra Al-Kahira
