Tipping:
Many dancers accept tips for their dancing. Some dancers do not accept tips, since sometimes in the United States it is associated with stripping. In the Middle East, tipping is one way that people show their appreciation for the dancer.

Acceptable ways to tip a dancer:
Hold out your money and wait for the dancer to come over to you. Then you have some choices. Take nonverbal cues from the dancer as to her tipping preferences. Some options when tipping a dancer would include:
1. Hand her the money while she is dancing and she will tuck it into her armband or costume.
2. Shower the money over her. (this is how it's done in many parts of the Middle East).
3. Tuck the money into her belt (stick to the sides of the belt, stay away from the front. Note: Deserae prefers NOT to take tips in her costume).
4. Tuck the money in the strap of her top. (In the strap only!)

Unacceptable ways to tip a dancer:
1. Rolling up a bill and trying to put it in the dancer's cleavage.
2. Unnecessarily putting hands too deep when tipping on her belt.
3. Tipping too close to the front or back of the belt.
5. If the dancer doesn't want to accept body tips it is rude to take the tip back. Remember tips are to show appreciation, not a chance for you to cop a feel.
6. Please be careful when tipping on the dancers belt or the straps on her top, bellydance costumes can cost more than $1,000 a piece.

Things you should do while watching a bellydance performance:
1. Clap along with the music. Toe tapping and drumming on tables is also acceptable, and indicates that you are enjoying the performance!
2. Look at the dancer. The dancer is interpreting the music with her body, it is ok to watch.
3. Smile when the dancer looks your way.
4. Show your appreciation by yelling things like "opah", "aiwa" or even "wooooooo!" Whistling is also acceptable.
5. Tip the dancer (see tipping etiquette)
6. You may get up to dance with the dancer if she asks or gestures, inviting you to get up and dance. (You don't have to, but it will be fun if you do!)

Things not to do while watching a bellydance performance:
1. Comment on the dancers "jugs," unless she is dancing with an actual jug.
2. Tip the dancer in an inappropriate manner (see tipping etiquette).
3. Scowl at the dancer when she looks your way.
4. Yell inappropriate or rude things to the dancer.
5. If you get up to dance with the dancer, it is in no way acceptable to grind on her like you're in a dance club. Please do not touch the dancer while you are dancing with her.
6. If you get up to dance, it is rude to take over the whole show. Instead, take the dancer’s lead and follow her. It is especially rude to take over the show if you are also a belly dancer. Sit back down after a while, and give others a chance to participate.
You absolutely must understand that bellydance is NOT a form of striptease nor is it similar in any way to striptease. So, the dancer will at no time be removing any of her clothing. Bellydance was originally a dance performed by women FOR women. The bellydancer is not a harem girl or seductress there to seduce your husband, boyfriend or anyone else. Relax and enjoy the dance. Bellydancers have regular lives too. Many have husbands and children who are sometimes at their shows.

This information is also found here.