I thought it would be nice to help explain how dancers vary.
Student Belly Dancers
These are student dancers. It's anybody taking bellydance classes (daily, weekly, monthly, private lessons or taking workshops.) They can range from beginners to advanced student dancers. They love learning bellydancing and some wish to become professional bellydancers some day.
Hobbyist Belly Dancers
These are dancers who take classes or perform bellydance shows as a hobby. They are not concentrated on making a financial profit, but perform for the sake of performing. They usually perform at Hafla's, family/friend events, or venues with their peers. Hobby dancers can also be dedicated students who just love taking classes but are not very interested in going any further than that.
Transitional Dancer / students or hobbiest transitioning to professional
These are bellydancers in that transition state of going from advanced student or hobbyist to professional bellydancers. These dancers are learning the concepts of business, teaching, performance and the art of entertainment as a professional bellydancer. This transitional state takes time, it can range from weeks to years. It depends how much the dancer gets mentored by other professional dancers.
Part-time Professional Bellydancers
These are professional bellydancers who either dance or teach or both on a part-time basis. These dancers balance day jobs or sometime several jobs while maintaining a side professional bellydance career.
Full-Time Professional BellyDancers
These are dancers who don't have day jobs and make belly dancing a full time career. These dancers usually balance out a number of bellydance business responsibilities including, dancing at private & public venues, marketing, teaching classes/workshops/private lessons, networking, selling merchandise and other concentrated bellydance business.
