Research the different styles of belly dancing and decide on your preference. Belly dancing is not just specific movements; it is artistically expressive, so you must be comfortable with what you are doing to be successful.
Enroll in a belly dancing class that will also prepare you for competition. This is a good way to network with other professional belly dancers and people who are interested in hiring dancers.
Watch as many DVD collections of belly dancers as you can, to immerse yourself in the topic and learn from their movements. Practice the movements in front of a mirror wearing a traditional costume or anything the reveals and accents your hips and midsection.
Practice working with finger symbols and other belly dancer props such as swords, veils and candles. After you have become proficient with your dance routine, you may want to add some of the more daring props, such as a snake.
Make or purchase a collection of costumes. These should include exotic and brightly colored skirts, harem pants, tops and scarves. Keep in mind that your costume is just as important as your ability to dance and adds greatly to the visual aspect of your performance. Enter belly-dancing competitions to increase your prestige and visibility.
Determine your performance rates by researching the rates of other belly dancers in the region where you live. For instance, some dancers charge $50 per 30-minute dance set as their base rate and add on charges for specialty requests such as the use of props and expenses for travel. It is important to keep in mind the economical climate of your area when you set your prices to ensure your performances are competitively priced.
Register with a nationwide entertainment-booking agency such as GigMasters.com. This will help connect you with paying clients by allowing you to upload your resume, photos and videos of your dancing abilities. Membership rates for GigMasters started at $59 as of May 2010. You can also create a website of your own to showcase your talents.