Talking about money in the dance world, or anywhere really, can feel… awkward. For as long as I’ve been performing, pricing has often been treated like a secret code you learn only after years in the industry. Sometimes dancers are told to “wait for the inquiry” or “see what the client says first.” And clients are left guessing whether they’re being quoted fairly or whether they should be negotiating.

Negotiating a price can also feel deeply uncomfortable, like having to defend your worth, or worse, like asking for a favour instead of entering into a straightforward contract for professional services. The work we do is skilled, time-consuming, culturally rooted, and worthy of respect; the way we talk about pricing should reflect that.

I’ve never loved the old dynamic around money.

So this year, after discussing with some of the dance colleagues for whom I have a lot of respect, I decided to take a different approach and publish Duniya Studio’s rates openly. It’s not a small shift, especially in an art form where pricing is often kept behind closed doors, but it’s one I believe in deeply.

I thought it might be useful for me to share my reasoning, so here’s why…

1. Transparency is respectful

When someone reaches out to hire a Bellydancer, they’re planning something meaningful: a wedding entrance, a milestone birthday, a gala, a restaurant experience that sets the tone for the night. Clear information respects people’s time and budget; it lets them decide quickly whether we’re the right fit and what to expect.

I want our clients to have that clarity from the very start.

2. It protects the art and supports the artists

When rates are hidden, two things often happen: prices drop under pressure, and performers feel undervalued. Publishing rates helps set a standard. It signals that professional Raqs Sharqi and folkloric dance require training, rehearsal, safe working conditions, and cultural knowledge. It communicates that we take both the art and the culture seriously.

It also helps new dancers find their footing. By being open about what the going rates are in our region, we support aspiring professionals in entering the community confidently and fairly. This prevents accidental undercutting simply because someone didn’t know what was normal or appropriate. Sharing this information strengthens the whole dance ecosystem.

3. It reduces uncomfortable conversations and avoids unnecessary bargaining

Money conversations can be stressful for clients and performers alike. In many of the communities we serve, bargaining is a normal cultural expectation. While I respect that tradition, negotiating back and forth over performance prices can take a lot of time and energy for everyone involved.

Publishing our rates removes that tension. It gives clients a clear number from the start, lets them plan easily, and allows us to focus on designing a memorable show rather than negotiating. The whole booking process becomes simple, easy, and pleasant.

4. It builds trust before we even meet

Most clients book performers only once or twice in their lives. They’re not sure how the process works, what’s normal, or what to look for. Being upfront about pricing, policies, and what’s included removes the guesswork. It shows that we operate professionally and with pride in what we offer.

Trust matters, and transparency helps create it.

5. It aligns with my values

Duniya Studio was built on community, cultural respect, and honest communication. Publishing our pricing is simply an extension of those values. It lets clients know exactly what they’re paying for and why. It also lets me focus on delivering beautiful, culturally grounded, family-friendly performances without getting tangled in unclear expectations.

For some people in the industry, sharing this information openly might seem unconventional. I understand that. But for me, transparency feels like the right path; one that supports dancers, serves clients, and treats the art of Raqs Sharqi with integrity.

If you ever have questions about what goes into our pricing or how we create a performance for your event, I’m always happy to talk. Leave me a comment below to share your opinion.

At the heart of it, I want every client to feel informed, respected, and excited about bringing this beautiful dance into their celebration.