Restaurant Etiquette
...What to do when going out to enjoy a Belly Dance performance...Information for the Belly Dance student (& general audience as well)...

Well, until you recently signed up for a Belly Dance class you probably knew very little about the world of Belly Dance. Going to see a Belly Dancer for the 1st time or the 100th time can be very exciting but also foreign and a little scary. To make sure you fully enjoy your evening be sure to first make a reservation with the restaurant you want to visit. Arrive early for your reservation and be sure to eat plenty of good food and maybe have a little wine too! During the Belly Dance performance enjoy yourself...clap, break plates (if permitted), get up & dance (if you go to the right restaurants you may even get a shot of Ouzo for your efforts!) and don't forget to tip the Belly Dancer. You may think that as a student you are exempt from this little custom, but quite the opposite, it is up to you to set an example as many North Americans do not understand the very old tradition of showing your appreciation for a dancer with money. The tradition varies slightly throughout the world, but in North America it is most common to tip the Belly Dancer with five or ten dollars in her belt (twenty if you have had too much to drink - more wine?!). Most importantly however, HAVE FUN, that is what Belly Dance is all about!!!

Tascheleia