Bellydancing and Restaurant Etiquette Part 1 – The Courteous Customer
Those who decide to take their dance from the performance stage to restaurants can enjoy dancing for a smaller, intimate crowd, enjoy the experience of being able to interact with their audience. Many restaurants enjoy having the live entertainment for their dining customers. But there are a few things about etiquette that both the performing dancer & customers should be aware of. Part 1 of this 2 part series will address the customer.
As a customer at a restaurant in which live bellydancing is part of the ambiance, many don’t know what is proper and/or acceptable in regards to enjoying this entertainment. Dancers will usually dance to a three song set (an entrance piece, a main performance piece and then an exit piece). The dancer will make their way around the dining area, usually stopping near tables of diners. What I have noticed at times is a dancer approaching a table and upon her approach, table patrons ignoring the dancer…not even looking at her to at least acknowledge that she is there. To me this is extremely rude and can be an uncomfortable experience for the dancer.
Etiquette note: Simple gestures such as an acknowledging nod and/or smile to the dancer is appreciated when she is dancing at or near your table. Remember…a little goes a long way.
Next let me address tipping. Many restaurants who have live bellydancing entertainment may not necessarily advertise such so unknowing diners may not even know that live entertainment is going to be in the restaurant. It is not uncommon to go out to dinner with no cash on hand, making the situation of tipping an awkward one…especially if you have nothing to tip with! I have seen a table of diners show appreciation for a dancer but come time for her to make her (tip) rounds on her final/exit song they have nothing to give her. On this particular occasion, one of the customers at the table actually ran to a nearby store to get some change to give to the performer.
At another live performance at a live restaurant/lounge/bar setting, one intoxicated spectator decided that he wanted to place his tip in the bosom of the performer. I was appalled that he seemed to taunt the dancer by extending the money towards her (near her cleavage) then withdraw his hand. This little “game” became clear to the dancer who simply turned away to continue her rounds. Her actions were very professional to me…she simply did not take the “bait” and play upon his perverted antics.
Etiquette note: NEVER place a tip in the front/cleavage of the dancers costume. Usually, the dancer will indicate where to put the tip. Most commonly, the straps of the bra (shoulder, back, side) and the hips (sides, back) are the best spots. Also, DO NOT put the money in your mouth or cat call a dancer. These are very disrespectful gestures.
While many dancers love the dance just to dance in local & national festivals, community events and Hafla’s, there are dancers who actually supplement their incomes by performing for money. Know that sincere compliments and a respectful audience can be just as rewarding as any monetary compensation.
As a customer at a restaurant in which live bellydancing is part of the ambiance, many don’t know what is proper and/or acceptable in regards to enjoying this entertainment. Dancers will usually dance to a three song set (an entrance piece, a main performance piece and then an exit piece). The dancer will make their way around the dining area, usually stopping near tables of diners. What I have noticed at times is a dancer approaching a table and upon her approach, table patrons ignoring the dancer…not even looking at her to at least acknowledge that she is there. To me this is extremely rude and can be an uncomfortable experience for the dancer.
Etiquette note: Simple gestures such as an acknowledging nod and/or smile to the dancer is appreciated when she is dancing at or near your table. Remember…a little goes a long way.
Next let me address tipping. Many restaurants who have live bellydancing entertainment may not necessarily advertise such so unknowing diners may not even know that live entertainment is going to be in the restaurant. It is not uncommon to go out to dinner with no cash on hand, making the situation of tipping an awkward one…especially if you have nothing to tip with! I have seen a table of diners show appreciation for a dancer but come time for her to make her (tip) rounds on her final/exit song they have nothing to give her. On this particular occasion, one of the customers at the table actually ran to a nearby store to get some change to give to the performer.
At another live performance at a live restaurant/lounge/bar setting, one intoxicated spectator decided that he wanted to place his tip in the bosom of the performer. I was appalled that he seemed to taunt the dancer by extending the money towards her (near her cleavage) then withdraw his hand. This little “game” became clear to the dancer who simply turned away to continue her rounds. Her actions were very professional to me…she simply did not take the “bait” and play upon his perverted antics.
Etiquette note: NEVER place a tip in the front/cleavage of the dancers costume. Usually, the dancer will indicate where to put the tip. Most commonly, the straps of the bra (shoulder, back, side) and the hips (sides, back) are the best spots. Also, DO NOT put the money in your mouth or cat call a dancer. These are very disrespectful gestures.
While many dancers love the dance just to dance in local & national festivals, community events and Hafla’s, there are dancers who actually supplement their incomes by performing for money. Know that sincere compliments and a respectful audience can be just as rewarding as any monetary compensation.
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