FAQs

Please scroll down for Desna's FAQs for teaching and performance.

Desna's Student FAQs are on a separate page.

Information about Desna's regular weekly classes is on the classes page.

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Teaching FAQs

~ Do you teach in schools / youth groups?
Yes - Desna has several years teaching in these situations - please contact her if you would like more information about her experience. These tend to be beginner workshops aimed at young people / community groups that have never done any middle eastern dance previously. Descriptions of some of Desna's 'ready-to-go' workshops are on the workshops page.

If you have specific ideas of what you would like your class/group to get out of a workshop, or would like a workshop tailored to your group's exact needs, Desna would be delighted to discuss this with you.

~ Do you do workshops for other bellydancers or at bellydance events?
Yes, Desna also teaches more specialised workshops for groups that have previous experience of bellydance, e.g., shimmy, choreographies, beginner/improver veil, beginner/improver stick dance.

~ Do you have a CRB check?
Yes, Desna has an Enhanced Disclosure - please let her know if you need her to bring a copy with her.

~ What do you need to know in advance of a workshop?
In order to make the booking, Desna will initially need to know:Your name and contact details (address, phone, email); venue name and location; date, time and topic of workshop, and approximate number of people attending. Desna will also need to know the size of the teaching space, whether any students have special needs; whether you are able to provide a CD player or speakers for an MP3 player, or whether she should bring her own.

~ How do I pay?
Desna will require a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total cost of the workshop to secure the agreed time and date in her schedule. You can either send a cheque (please consider cheque clearance times!) or postal order; deposit into Desna's bank account via bill payment; or via Paypal if you would prefer to pay by card - you don't need to be registered with Paypal to use this service. The remainder of monies owed can be paid on the day in cash, postal order or cheque, or several days prior to performance via bank deposit or Paypal. Desna will always provide you with an invoice.

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Performance FAQs

~ How long is a performance?
If you have chosen from one of Desna's performance packages then the length of performance will already have been specified. However, if none of those options suit your requirements, Desna is happy to discuss alternatives, e.g., a longer set, or multiple shorter sets during an event. Please contact Desna to discuss!

~ What does a performance include?
Typically a set will include an entrance song with veil and a pop song for getting people up to dance. Other than that Desna is happy to discuss other elements that you may like to see. Possibilities include: drum solo, baladi or sa'idi song, dance with Isis Wings, dance with sagat (finger cymbals), dance with assaya (stick).

~ Can it be a surprise?
Yes, of course! Desna is often hired as a surprise for the guest of honour at birthday / retirement parties. Make sure you let her know in advance that her performance will be a surprise, and that the venue are also aware. Please note: Desna is not prepared to 'embarass' guests of honour by doing anything demeaning to herself or them.

~ What do you need to know when I book an event?
In order to make the booking, Desna will initially need to know:Your name and contact details (address, phone, email); venue name and location; date and time of performance and the type of event, and approximate number of people attending. You will be asked to complete an information sheet as part of your agreement with Desna before the performance takes place which will ask for additional information.

~ Is tipping okay?
Provided it is done respectfully, tipping is much appreciated - but never expected! Suggestions for tipping: tuck notes into the side of Desna's belt or under a shoulder strap. Alternatively, Desna can bring a suitable container for tips to be collected in.

~ What about music?
Desna will bring music on a burned CD. You will need to ensure that your sound system (CD player, amplifier, speakers) is able to play burned CDs. Desna typically uses Arabic / Turkish dance music, including classics and pop. She is happy to incorporate special requests for music where possible.

~ What sort of costume do you wear?
Desna generally wears a two-piece costume consisting of bra and belt with skirt. However, she understands that some audiences may prefer a costume that is less revealing, and she can arrange to wear a dance dress or galabeya for these events. Some of Desna's costumes can be seen on the gallery page.

~ How do I pay?
Desna will require a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total cost of the performance to secure the agreed time and date in her schedule. You can either send a cheque (please consider cheque clearance times!) or postal order; deposit into Desna's bank account via bill payment; or via Paypal if you would prefer to pay by card - you don't need to be registered with Paypal to use this service. The remainder of monies owed can be paid on the day in cash, postal order or cheque, or several days prior to performance via bank deposit or Paypal. Desna will always provide you with an invoice.