Karima Bellydance

Friday’s performance was once again fun at Hookah Clarksville!  The crowd was still a bit small because college wasn’t back in session, but management was pleased with my performance, and the crowd seemed relaxed and like they enjoyed themselves. 

Most of Hookah’s customers are Americans, and I’ve received some questions about what to do about tipping belly dancers.  On one hand, it is the industry standard to tip belly dancers around the world, and sometimes that’s her only income.  At Hookah, there is no body tipping…meaning the tips are tossed on the floor while she’s dancing, handed to a server to hold for her, placed in her tip jar, or given to her after her performance.  In some places, it is acceptable to place a tip at the hip of her costume, or inside an arm band.   But on the other hand, American industries and exotic dancers have made tipping a belly dancer seem shady or cheap, even if it’s not a body/costume tip.   How do you feel about it?  Does tipping a belly dancer make her seem less legitimate somehow?  What are your thoughts as an American or person of Middle Eastern origins?