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Natium is the phonetic spelling for a term that
means dance in southern India (spelled Natyam). The word is pronounced
Nah-Tee-Umm.
Natium World Dance performs various world fusion belly dance styles,
along with spellbinding fire performances using an array of props.
Natium consists of several trained dancers, as well as insured fire
arts performers and fire safety personnel.
To book Natium World Dance for performances contact
K-Lee at kahleabellydancer@gmail.com or at 480 234 5271
Date, time and length of performance requested
A typical bellydance show will last about 20 to 30 minutes. However,
it is possible to book a show to last two or even three sets. It
is also possible to book multiple dancers in one show or spread
out throughout the event. This is actually rather common in Natium
World Dance due to the number of dancers we can provide. We can
also provide meet and greet periods (popular with family events
where children are present) and time for keepsake photos to be taken
by guests.
We can provide fire performances in many situations, with our highly
trained, skilled, insured and safe fire dancers. Kids love this!
Keep in mind that professional performers often book several shows
in one night. It is appropriate to compensate the dancer(s) for
time that they are not able to book another gig. Therefore, it makes
sense that many dancers will bill according to the length of time
at an event, not just the length of time on the dance floor.
It is important to make sure you are ready for the performance at
the agreed time so that the dancer(s) can adhere to there strict
performance roster. If you start the dancer late, often she will
still need to leave at the agreed upon time to make her other engagements.
Also keep in mind, when hiring dancers, you are paying for years
of dance training, professional attitude, expensive costumes, extensive
choreography and practice, music, make up and hair preparation,
driving time, gas, mileage and basic business operating expenses.
If you just want a pretty girl in a skimpy costume, wiggling out
of a cake, you will want to shop elsewhere. All of these factors
are considered when a dancer checks her calendar. Most often, you
get what you pay for.
Professional, trained and ethical dancer are generally not available
last minute. Many professional dancers require advance notice to
perform, as many of us have regular performances, weekly and some
of us travel to perform, outside of our hometown to other states
and sometimes, even, other countries. Most dancers are booked months
in advance. Occasionally we can accommodate the last minute request.
Location of performance and type of event
Again, a professional dancer will need to consider drive time, distance
of travel, and gas usage to get to and from the venue. A dancer
will also want to know what type of performance she is dancing at
so that she can outline an appropriate performance line up that
will be cohesive to your event. We have performed at various types
of engagements from bachelorette parties to Red Hat Society events,
from private parties to public restaurant shows, at corporate events,
birthday parties, retirement parties, grand openings of businesses,
cultural events, and many more. We DO NOT perform at bachelor parties
but can arrange to do bachelorette parties where a bellydance lesson
is offered to the bride and her guests and then a bellydance performance
is given to them as well.
Is a sound system provided?
Many clients think a portable stereo or “boombox” is
adequate, however, with a crowd of guests and with professional
dancers using finger cymbals, the music on a “boombox”
or portable stereo can be lost. For larger events a PA system is
recommended, provided by the host(ess). At small, intimate gathering,
sometimes a home stereo is sufficient.
How much space is available for the dancer(s),
what type of surface will she/they be performing on and how many
guests are expected?
Often times a dancer will want to know what space she is working
with so as to insure ample room for multiple dancers, for use of
props like veils or swords. She will also need to know what type
of surface you want her to dance on. The difference from a grassy
knoll at an outdoor wedding and a hardwood floor in a room with
ceiling fans can make a big difference in a dancer’s planning.
Also, whether a dancer is indoors or outdoors will weigh on the
type of show she chooses to perform. Elements like wind or bright
sun can affect a dancers performance and she will want to consider
these elements when planning. She will also be interested to know
the size of the crowd she is performing for to plan adequately.
Is a performance requested or a lesson and
performance combined, for the party?
Your professional dancer will want to know if she is providing a
short lesson to guests, a performance only or the two combined.
Prices are reflected in your choice. Performers may also include
a period to pull your guests up to the dance floor to dance with
them. This is a great way to get guests out of their seats to join
in on the fun. Guests should only dance with the dancer, if invited
to do so. Also, guests are asked to do so respectfully and not to
touch the dancer(s). Any inappropriate touching or harassment will
result in the dancer(s) leaving the premises right away with no
refunds offered to the host of the event. Keep your guests in check.
If a stripper is what you are looking for, then a bellydancer is
NOT what you want to hire.
Payment details & what will it cost?
Bellydancer's are affordable and generally not more expensive than
any other hired performer at events, like a clown, a musician, or
a Disc Jockey. Remember, you want a skilled, quality dancer/troupe
with expertise in the entertainment business.
Professional dancers will require a 50% deposit to hold the date
for your event. In the event you cancel the dancer’s performance
or the event, the dancer retains this deposit. Most professional
dancers will also require the final 50% prior to her dancing at
your event. Be prepared with payment prior to her performance. Payment
to Natium World Dance can be made by way of cash, personal check,
money order, credit card or Paypal. Dates are not held until payments
have cleared. An additional $25 fee is added for any returned or
unpaid payments.
Is the location of the performance safe
and will there be a safe place for the dancer(s) to store props
and personal items?
Dancers will want to feel safe at your event. Will there be safe
and well lit areas to park and for the dancer(s) to make entrance
to the event? Will the dancer be able to store and secure her personal
items and dance props away from guests and will she be guaranteed
their secure storage?
How did you hear of NATIUM World Dance?
Due to so many modern day scams, a professional dancer will want
to know specifically how you learned of them. Also, if a previous
client referred you, we often like to extend our thanks to those
who refer us.
Payment and gratuity to the dancer(s)
Payment and tipping vary greatly from event to event. Many things
are considered when bidding a performance opportunity. Tipping by
guests is not required, but is often customary. It is a way of showing
your appreciation for the dancer’s hard work, if you enjoyed
the show. Dancers do not accept tips in the brassier or cleavage
area and some are even averse to any body tipping. The most complimentary
and tasteful form of tipping is for the tipping person to walk up
to the dancer cautiously (you don’t want to rush up on her
mid-performance!) and hold several dollars in your hand. The tipper
will then hold the bills over her head and let them fall over her,
in essence, showering her with “compliments”. Again,
this is not required, but some dancers may vary the pay scale if
they know guests will or will not be tipping.
So what do I get out of this?
For dance shows, we will arrive at your event fully costumed in
dazzling tribal or traditional wear, and we can perform exciting
routines dancing with props such as Spanish or Chinese Fans, silky
veils, finger cymbals, flying skirts, real swords, etc. We take
care in choosing high-energy music selections as well as some spellbinding
music choices.
Audience instruction and participation can also be included for
a nominal fee.
We also can offer an amazing treat of light and fire with our skilled
fire performers.
We have even been known to dress up as pirates for one event during
which Pirates of the Caribbean was all the rage among our younger
audiences.
Bellydance is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. It is both
eye catching and great entertainment, appropriate for folks of all
ages and events of all types. Your guests will be entertained and
it is a fabulous way to kick off your occasion or celebration. Bellydancing
IS family-appropriate and any professional dancer will insure her
act is tasteful and appropriate whether your four year old is watching,
or your grandmother.
SCHEDULE
A dancer plays finger cymbals to accompany
her dance |
Musicians drum out world beats |
Dancers use skirts for extra flair |
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Heidi
Heidi
has been belly dancing since early 2005 and enjoys tribal fusion
over any other types she has dabbled in. She relishes being
able to step outside of her skin when dressing up, slapping
on some sparkly bindi face jewels, adorning her hair with ornaments,
and moving freely. "I become a different person when I dance,"
says Heidi of her time on stage, "and I like it. I love the
way I can feel so empowered just by dancing around a fire or
for an audience." Photography, art, creative writing and long
drives are some of Heidi's spare time interests. Her future
hopes include further exploring performing arts, world travels
and "figuring out what I want to be when I grow up". We encourage
her to do that as long as her mom doesn't catch her dancing
in the rain in her underwear again, as she did once when Heidi
was twelve, leading mom to offer "the talk" as if Heidi's little
rain dance meant far more than it did! |
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Seraphina
Sarah began
dancing in early 2005. She continues to dance for fun, exercise,
and to express herself artistically. She enjoys the sisterhood,
positive self-image, and a general good feeling dancing gives
her. Sarah also enjoys a holistic lifestyle and is a vegetarian.
She works as a massage therapist and loves animals. When Sarah
is feeling crafty, she likes to paint and sew, and when she
needs to cut loose, she can be found having fun with friends.
That all leaves little time for her favorite pastime-sleeping!
Hey, we Natium girls believe in lots of beauty rest! Sarah soaks
up knowledge wherever she can and is especially interested in
the rights of animals, gays, women-specifically, and basic human
rights. She continues her studies in massage techniques/modalities
and natural lifestyles. Her main goals in life are to be happy,
to manage her own successful massage business, and to continue
to pursue a life in dance. |
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Rachel
Rachel, nicknamed Rx Your Prescription for Fire, has been involved
in poi, bollywood dance and classical Indian dance studies since
2003 and hopes to add bellydance and ATS to her list of accomplishments.
In addition Rachel has student taught classes for her mentor,
Samantha of Domba, on occasion. Rachel now sets her mind to
becoming the best performer she can be, not only for the love
of these performing arts, but also for the obsession of dressing
up in the costumes. "Im an exhibitionist and I love to dance..I
also love to dress up in the beautiful costumes which actually
feel more like my real clothes and my business clothes feel
like costumes." says Rachel. She says about her choice to be
in Natium, "I'm in Natium because the girls in the group are
really great to work with and hang out and have fun with. Also,
in joining this group I will be able to grow as a performer
under the direction of K-Lee." When she isn't loving life on
stage or behind flaming fire balls, Rachel works in corporate
hell, just like the Dilbert comics. She hopes to someday travel
to learn more about the cultures where these arts are based.
In what little spare time she has she enjoys going to rock concerts,
outdoor festivals, spending time lounging in the pool with a
good drink, hanging out with friends, and making various crafts.
And don't forget about shopping! Meet Rachel and get your prescription
for fire! "Share Fire" |
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Danielle
Danielle, one
of NATIUM'S talented fire performers has been spinning poi since
2004, and hopes to create visually appealing moves and choreography
with poi. "I like to find the moves that look exciting and beautiful
to an audience rather than trying to do the most difficult trick.
I would also like to become proficient with fire staff," says
Danielle about some of her future endeavors. Currently she is
learning more about belly dance and tribal fusion and hopes
to incorporate both in her fire performances. Danielle enjoys
performing with NATIUM because it offers her an exciting outlet
for energy that might otherwise be used in less constructive
ways. Other areas she likes to dedicate her energy to is scuba
diving, traveling and writing. Her secret desire is to become
a novelist. Maybe she could write about her exotic travels to
New Orleans, Taos, Jamaica, Cozumel, Cancun, Belize, Honduras
and Hawaii. Danielle works by day, as a self proclaimed "computer
geek" and by night sheds that nerdy exterior for sexy, sizzling
fire dancing. |
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Tasya
Janice has been
belly dancing for more years than she cares to admit. She started
out as a traditional Middle Eastern dancer, but was drawn to
the sisterhood and confidence she found in American Tribal Style.
When she is dancing she feels as though she becomes a totally
different person-someone strong, confident and feminine! As
a wife and the mother of two sons, she also really appreciates
some "girl time", as well as the chance to dress up in fancy
costumes; why should the kids have all the fun? She is also
a firm believer in the "use it or lose it" school of staying
physically and mentally fit. Her husband loves the idea that
he can show interest and support of his wife's activities by
spending loads of time at belly dance shows--what a lucky guy!
Natium is blessed to have this newest addition to the tribe.
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Raisa
Crystal has been
belly dancing since 1998, starting out the way so many "living
room dancers" do, teaching herself at home. Now she enjoys a
seat on platform three of Natium's performance company, shared
with other talented up and coming dancers. Crystal sticks with
belly dance, even when her budget is skimpy, because she loves
the way it makes her feel, both spiritually and physically.
Long suffering from a nasty back injury, her doctors suggested
she begin an exercise routine. Like others who hate working
out in gyms, Crystal found a love for the exercise-involved
in belly dance, as well as how it improved her self image and
made her feel beautiful. When she isn't dancing, she may be
enjoying a good movie, sewing a new costume, hiking and taking
in nature, working with animals or cooking a yummy meal. Some
unique history on Crystal is that she not only worked as a zookeeper,
but used to hand rear baby vultures, from egg to flight. Her
future dreams include kicking this back injury's ass, working
with animals again, and with bird rehabilitation organizations.
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Aradia
Aradia began her journey into bellydance in
Atlanta Georgia and upon
arriving in Arizona in 1998, pursued it under the guidance
of Morgiana,
Samia, Yasmina, Teessa, and Azita. Aradia spent time dancing
with Egyptian Cartouche and Aretias Warrior Women. She then
danced professionally in some local area restaurants."
My experience has been mostly the traditional style of dance,
but I have always been curious about Tribal Style Bellydance.
Now with Natium, I am loving every minute of the sisterhood
and friendship in this group. The dance takes me to such wonderful
places where I can be me and feel free. I have grown so much
and have learned so much about myself through this art."
Aradia is also a Licensed Massage Therapist as well as an
AFAA Certified Fitness Trainer and Instructor where she specializes
in women's health and wellness. She teaches bellydance for
fitness lovesto see her students grow into beautiful goddesses.
Spare time finds Aradia cooking, reading, biking and enjoying
the outdoors. She also dabbles in crafty, creative projects.
Aradia has a fondenss for reptiles too, as she owns 6 snakes!
Natium's snake charmer for sure, this one.
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Hazin |
Kahlea :
Director, Natium World Dance &
Performance Collective
K-Lee began belly dancing in 1999 with Yasmina,
her first instructor.  With a lot of patience from her early instructors,
Yasmina, Samia and Jazille, K-Lee finally bolstered the courage
to move out of beginning level belly dance classes, after only two
years. "I was such a huge chicken and a big dork. I would come to
class in skirts pulled up to my ears, big frumpy t-shirts and fumble
my way through grace. I even slipped on my veil one class, and fell
to the floor!" Upon enrolling in classes with long-time friend Jazille,
of Domba, K-Lee felt like she had come home. "American Tribal Style
was this amazing, group-oriented, improvisational dance that let
you both improv what you "felt" at that moment, as well as share
in the energies of the other women you were dancing with. It was
so fun to bond with other women, gain new friends, and become a
dancer instead of an awkward student."
 After
some time in classes with Domba K-Lee auditioned for Bedouin Tribe
and danced with them for 3 years, as well as with Domba on occasion.
She then became a Domba Studio instructor and fell in love with
teaching. After visiting other states and taking workshops in other
types of belly dance, tribal and fusion styles, K-Lee decided her
new goal would be to learn more from a variety of sources, as well
as to become more involved in teaching. Currently K-Lee teaches
classes in West Phoenix, Central Phoenix and Tucson and plans to
someday teach in Flagstaff as well. Traveling to teach workshops
is another goal for K-Lee. The next stop on K-Lee's dance trip was
becoming director for Natium World Dance & Performance Collective.
Former dance mate, Makara- also from Bedouin Tribe- had formed a
small student group and needed a replacement. K-Lee happily accepted,
since directing her own tribe one day was in her plan.
"Directing a group and teaching, have, to date,
been the most rewarding aspects of belly dance. Wait! No, that isn't
true. I've gotten fit, cut back on smoking, become more outgoing,
gained self confidence, feel more beautiful-shoot! I can't decide…it's
ALL so rewarding!" says K-Lee of her dance experience. "But, when
you work in a group, the camaraderie, the friendships, the networking,
is all so heart strengthening. You fall in love with these women…and
there begins the love/hate relationship," she says with a mischievous
grin.
 K-Lee
hosts the website www.thegoddessgarden.net where you can shop for
belly dance treasures, and also visit Natium. She travels frequently,
selling her wares at belly dance festivals nationwide. Future plans
in her life include opening her own studio someday and settling
down from her hectic travel schedule. She also has many unique visions
and dreams for Natium, to grow by leaps and bounds in the coming
year. She would like to conclude with this: "Please support your
entire local belly dance scene. Most of us take this art form seriously
and love to see the joy it brings to others. My heart soars when
instructors, groups, and other dancers from all over can come together
in harmony, supporting one another, no matter what style, and promote
the base of our beloved art form, rather than try to split it all
up into divisions. I wish cabaret dancers and tribal dancers performed
together more often, rather than always being billed as separate
or different. We should all be members of one big DANCE family."
Alumni
Natium World Dance was blessed enough to have these
dancers perform as part of the group
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Diosa
Diosa,
another of Natium's lead dancers has been performing and teaching
belly dance for years. In 2004 she won 1st runner up in the
Belly Dancer of the Universe competition in the fusion category.
She also spent time dancing with Ava Fleming's Black Opal Dance
Company and continues to study with masters like Leila Haddad,
Jillina, Aziza, Bert Belladine, Leyla Jouvana, Fahtiem, Suhaila
Salimpour, Rachel Brice, and others whenever she gets the chance.
Diosa is well-known in the Phoenix area for her mesmerizing
double veils dances, but is also stunning while performing with
her sword, delivering hard hitting hips in her drum solo dances,
and is most entertaining when playing off her Natium counterpart
Ziva, another lead dancer in the group. Diosa's concern for
physical safety encouraged her to obtain her ACE Personal Training
and Group Fitness Instruction Certifications, so she could properly
teach her students about muscle groups, safety, posture, and
form. Natium is proud to be one of the few groups that fuses
and welcomes various styles of dance in our performances, by
inviting both Diosa and Ziva to represent our traditional (otherwise
known as "cabaret") sect. Donning showstopping sequined and
beaded costumes, huge happy grins and providing much sass, Diosa
and Ziva bring a new dimension to Natium World Dance. |
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Ziva
Ziva, a natural on stage since a very young age, began dancing
with the usual rigamarole of ballet, jazz and tap at age four.
She was first tempted by bellydance some years ago when she
saw Helena Vlahos perform in Houston. Ziva then took classes
from Mahal and stayed with it while she dabbled in musical theatre,
as well as danced at shows for the German singer, Antonia, and
toured with her throughout out Germany. Ziva then came back
to the U.S. and her love for belly dance about 8 years ago and
has been studying, teaching and performing ever since.
Ziva loves to travel and says her favorite
place in the world to be, would be on a beach in Spain, at
sunset, drinking sangria. When she isn't belly dancing, Ziva
loves to read, cook, and attend Rugby games. She is a big
fan of Camelback RFC, and cheers on big, grunting, sweaty
men while she contemplates ways to promote world peace. When
she grows up Ziva wants to be a Pretty, Pretty, Princess or
a Rainbow. Alas, the pot of gold already belongs to her. She
is Natium's sparkly jewel.
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Alicia
Alicia is Natium's
spicy "Cubana" and has taken to belly dance like a belly dancer
to costuming, even though she only took her first steps in belly
dance in mid 2005, and says, "But I'm Cuban - I've been dancing
my whole life!" Alicia enjoys belly dance and fusion because
"It's a style of dance where one doesn't need to conform to
one rigidly defined body type. Women of all shapes and sizes
can look beautiful belly dancing. I also love the community
of a tribe." Suffering from a painful knee affliction, Alicia
also finds belly dance a style that is not too hurtful to her
knees. Alicia likes to read, attend Renaissance Faires, and
daydreams about becoming a stronger dancer so that she can someday
teach as well as become a professional belly dancer. Obsessions
include long moments at the MAC counter, drooling over MAC pigment
eye shadows (then her tribe mates drool over all of the cool
colors she wears on her eyes), but more seriously, is passionate
about social welfare and aiding those who "fall through the
cracks" of society. |
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Nailah
Nicole
began belly dancing in 1998 in Lafayette, Indiana. She performed
with a student troupe, the Oasis Dancers, a mostly "cabaret"-
style dance group. It was then she learned stick and handkerchief
dancing, and immersed herself in researching music to dance
to and costume making. After migrating to Phoenix, and a break
from dancing, she was ready to shimmy back in, and discovered
tribal belly dance. Nicole felt that this style was one she
felt more at home in. Becoming a member of Natium has formed
a sisterhood bond she has sought elsewhere, but could rarely
find. "As I become older and wiser to the more important things
in life, I realize that a sisterhood bond with a tribe is what
a woman longs for and needs to fulfill her spirit." Spare time
for Nicole is very rare, as she is not only an elementary school
art teacher, but is also going to school full time, and is an
avid kickball player and team coach. In those rare, spare time
moments of life, she likes to rock climb and camp, paint, rock
out at metal shows, play some Scrabs, and travel abroad. Nico
(as she is known among friends) is a newlywed, and has three
fluffy dogs she calls her "kids". Nicole's secret desire is
to be a big-haired rock star, but for now she will have to settle
for a decorated, belly dancer! |
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