Thread: Too Strict?

I have my first student show next month.

A girl wrote me begging to be included even though she would only have 6 weeks to learn the choreography (it's a super simple one there are about 6 moves in the entire song). I said yes as long as she came to the extra classes I was having and made it to rehearsal. I've included her name in press for the event. I blocked entrances and exits with her included. I assigned choreographies based on her being in the show.

So, she's a no show in the extra classes.

She's a no show at the rehearsal.

A week later and no emails or phone calls from her.

Her friend, who introduced her to me came to class yesterday and said offhand "well you know she's not doing the show."

I said that I didn't know that.

Then her friend said "She said she'd just do the next one."

I said that no, she wouldn't be doing any more shows with me. She let down me as well as the other girls who were depending on her that day. I said that I didn't really feel I would be able to trust her doing another show-and why should I when there are girls who put in the time and effort and are reliable.

The girl who flaked just wrote me an email apologizing because her friend talked to her.

There is one skeleton choreography that has 3 moves in it that all of the students in the show are doing. I was thinking of offering to her as an olive branch that she could just do this song and nothing else. If she said no, I think that would really be it for me.

What do you guys think?

that is nice of you to still offer her something....I think it is wrong that she did not contact you at all..and not show up.....you did the right thing...stand your ground...she can take what you gave her or have nothing...LOL

It isnt fair when everyone else has been coming to practices and rehearsals and working hard and then one can just come and go as they please....

does she know that one song well though? you dont want her out there blundering about....LOL

I may be a bit harsh but I wouldn't bother with the olive branch. She seemed to offer her email begrudingly, isn't at all committed (OK so she may have her personal constraints to deal with but nevertheless). Things haven't become "nasty" by the sound of it. Just let sleeping dogs lie is what I would do. When the time is right for her and she needs to do it, she will. She herself said "next time" in her email.

Perhaps send a reply saying something along the lines of "sorry it didn't work out this time but I look forward to working with you again soon" in a less formal, inviting her to come to class kind of way?

Originally Posted by shimmygoddess

you dont want her out there blundering about....LOL

Exactly. The others have probably worked hard for this. She may let them all down.

Is she a newbie to performing? It seems so. In the history of my troupe (nine years) very few of the members have ever flaked on a performance or rehearsal without good reason. I would extend the olive branch to her since she seems to be unaware of the ramifications of not showing up for rehearsals. At the same time, I'm sure you will make her very aware of the consequences of not attending future rehearsals (whatever you decide these consequences to be).

Do you have a troupe contract in effect? Asking your performers to sign a yearly or sessional troupe contract/set of guidelines, however you want to word it, would ensure that everyone is on the same wavelength regarding this and other matters. I haven't had a contract for my troupe in a long while and am in the midst of updating one now, as I recognize the wisdom of having a mutual agreement in place.


Good luck!

Khalida

So this other choreography is for this show? I wouldn't let her do it, since it isn't fair to those who have already put in the time.

Performance is a privilege, not a right. I would let her participate in the next show. If she continues to not show, though, I don't think I'd let her in the third show

I agree to let sleeping dogs lie. she sounds flaky from your description ... it's probably just how she lives her life, and that she bit off more than she can chew.

If she isn't ready to do the choreo that was planned on, I'd imagine that slotting her into an alternate one won't be a success either. Are you using that as a chance for her to 'redeem' herself? If so, maybe reassess the message you're sending and why you feel it needs to be sent. In any case, I doubt it's anything personal on her part beyond a behavior pattern she is used to carrying out.

Heck no. She's done. She was irresponsible even after you were extra accomodating to her (I have an automatic cut off date for sign ups - if you don't register by that date, you are not in my show. Period.) Including her will only make your rules look arbitrary and unenforceable to your other students.

Members of my student troupe have to sign an agreement that states that if they agree to perform at an event, and do not follow through (except in case of an emergency, of course), they will be asked to leave the troupe permanently. I am ITA with indigostars, "performance is a privilege, not a right".

If you are not consistent with her regardinng your rules then you would not only be showing favoritism you could also insult the others that are actually following your gudelines. For me, it would also impact how I view the Instructor's credibility. 'So the rules are the rules - sometimes?'. Too wishy-washy for me to want to support via class fees and time invested. The fact that she was not decent enough to tell you herself - not a person that has earned the right to be offered any of my olive branches.

I'm a student that sometimes performs. I'm with everyone else here. There is no reason for you to offer the olive branch. Since this is your first student show you will be setting the "real" rules with your actions. Right now, the show is ready to go with students that have been at rehersal and talking to you. Go with it and have a great show!

All of my students are newbies. This is everyone's first performance. So I guess I feel I wasn't clear as I should've been. I didn't think that I needed to say "If you flake, you're gone." But I didn't say that, so that's what I felt the need to offer her a 2nd chance.

I will obviously be VERY clear from now on.

The other choreography is a skeleton choreography (any slow move, any shimmy, any slow move). All of the students who perform in the show will be dancing it. There is one girl who is just dancing that piece because she feels too intimidated by the other choreos. She's done this song with me in class, so I know she can handle it.

Originally Posted by laura 2

Members of my student troupe have to sign an agreement that states that if they agree to perform at an event, and do not follow through (except in case of an emergency, of course), they will be asked to leave the troupe permanently. I am ITA with indigostars, "performance is a privilege, not a right".

How do you bring this up? Do you have them sign something for every show?

Originally Posted by khalida777

Do you have a troupe contract in effect? Asking your performers to sign a yearly or sessional troupe contract/set of guidelines, however you want to word it, would ensure that everyone is on the same wavelength regarding this and other matters. I haven't had a contract for my troupe in a long while and am in the midst of updating one now, as I recognize the wisdom of having a mutual agreement in place.

Good luck!

Khalida

I would love to see an example contract.

The problem with a lot of my students is that being in Seoul, they are transient. Maybe here for a year, maybe 2, maybe only a few weeks or months. Perhaps a show by show commitment would work best.

I am a student and I wouldn't expect to be in the show at that point. She obviously is ok with not being in it. I would offer her any thing else for this one. Watch to see how she is in class with her attendance and what not and maybe give her a shot at the next show. Her attitude towards this one is less then acceptable to offer her the olive branch.

Originally Posted by eshe

I have my first student show next month...
...I was thinking of offering to her as an olive branch that she could just do this song and nothing else. If she said no, I think that would really be it for me.

What do you guys think?

First of all, I know this was an instant response, but IMO telling her friend that "she won't be doing any more shows with me" was a poor move. I know the girl that flaked was irresponsible, but the fallout should have been between you and her (not her friend). You're the professional, so you get held to a higher standard.

And for all you know, the friend is a troublemaker or just stuck her foot in it...the girl might have been planning to show up for the show if the leak hadn't been made (and gotten back to her). Or (even more likely) the girl might have assumed that since she hadn't come to the extra classes and rehearsal (the condition agreed upon), that you had already counted her out - no special notice necessary.

I really think this is just miscommunication (or lack of communication) at work.

If you would feel OK about the student being in this show, and if you are 100% positive she can handle the mini-choreography, call her and see if she would like to do it. If you aren't OK with it, then don't invite her. It should be a dance/participation opportunity...not a "redeem yourself" thing. I don't know why a "no" would mean "that would really be it" for you...why do you feel that way?

I recommend that for future shows, you have a "final commit date" that you tell students about repeatedly, in advance - that you will want a yes or no from them at that time. This should be after you are well into the choreography, if possible.

I'd invite the student back for future classes (because I am pretty sure that if you keep teaching beginner students, some variant of this situation will happen again someday!), but politely make it clear that if she opts out of a performance in the future, she really needs to let you know in advance, so you can plan.

These are students, not troupe members. IMO, there's a difference.

Originally Posted by eshe

Perhaps a show by show commitment would work best.

Yes, this would work very well. When a new dancer joins your troupe you could ask her/him to sign a contract/charter/agreement in which a "show by show commitment" would be outlined in detail re your requirements concerning rehearsals, troupe morale, costuming, performance standards, etc., as well as the consequences for not meeting those requirements.

Once I've tweaked our troupe guidelines I'd be delighted to PM you a copy :)


Khalida

I have a show by show committment letter that every performer needs to sign. Here's what it says (if I remember correctly, I got many of these requirement from Shira when I asked about a committment letter for students before my first show three years ago!):

Daniela’s Student Showcase
April 26, 2008

Performer Commitment

Requirements to be a participant in Daniela’s Student Showcase:
• Attend no fewer than 75% of the rehearsals and classes (in which your routine is being taught) leading up to the show. (list of specific rehearsal dates to follow – please note that some rehearsals are MANDATORY* for all participants)
• Learn the choreography so well you can get up and do it all by yourself.
• Practice at least 30 minutes per week outside of class/rehearsal time.
• Have your costume 100% complete and ready to wear no later than April 12, 2008.
• You must put on full make-up for the performance.
• Before and after performing, you must wear a cover-up, such as a robe, a full-length coat, a caftan, a loose-fitting full-length dress, etc. to cover your costume.
• On the night of the performance, you MUST be in costume, with your make-up finished, at the location of the show at 5:00. There will be a full show run-through prior to the actual show. The show is scheduled to begin at 7:30.
• Arrive promptly to all scheduled practices, classes, dress rehearsals and show.
• Check email regularly for important announcements
• If you are planning on performing solo, you MUST be ready to perform the solo for Daniela no later than April 12, 2008. If you do not have your solo fully choreographed (no improv) by this date, it will NOT be part of the show. No exceptions!
*Mandatory rehearsals: Saturday, April 19, Evening – Dress Rehearsal (exact time and location TBA), Saturday, April 26, 5:00 – Dress Rehearsal prior to show.

Please know that Daniela reserves the right to prohibit any student from performing in the actual show if she feels that said student has not come to enough rehearsals and/or is not properly prepared for the performance.

Please read these requirements carefully. Choosing to participate in the Student Showcase is a COMMITMENT!!! Please DO NOT sign up if you are not prepared to abide by these requirements. You can still come to all classes without having to participate in the show. ONLY sign up to perform if you are willing and ABLE to come to class AND practices outside of class.

After reading and understanding the above requirements, please fill out and return the bottom portion of this form to Daniela NO LATER THAN Friday, February 15, 2008. If you have any questions or concerns, email Daniela (danielabellydance@yahoo.com) or call Daniela (347-782-3616).

And then there is a tear-off portion that they sign and hand in.

I agree with da Sage. I dislike when teachers discuss students with other students (even when those students are friends, and even when one passes along a message from the other).

I also agree with the others in that you do not need to allow this person to perform in the show. If you feel you were a bit hasty, then you could reply to the apology and say so, offering her the opportunity to come to classes and be in future shows (if she attends and rehearses).

Originally Posted by da Sage

First of all, I know this was an instant response, but IMO telling her friend that "she won't be doing any more shows with me" was a poor move. I know the girl that flaked was irresponsible, but the fallout should have been between you and her (not her friend). You're the professional, so you get held to a higher standard.

These are students, not troupe members. IMO, there's a difference.

I totally agree with both.

I didn't go into it above but as soon as it was out of my mouth I told the student that things were between me and this other student and I didn't want to discuss it with her (the other student) further.

I don't have an official troupe (and won't for a few years at least). I've only been in the country for 6 months, and teaching here for 4 months. I will probably be in Seoul for 2 years or so and then return to Canada. I've been in Asia for 5 years now.

My student shows in Japan were made of Japanese students. They were always reliable, always practiced, always organized their own costumes and I never had a problem like this with them.

Originally Posted by danielabellydance

I have a show by show committment letter that every performer needs to sign. Here's what it says (if I remember correctly, I got many of these requirement from Shira when I asked about a committment letter for students before my first show three years ago!):

Daniela’s Student Showcase
April 26, 2008

Performer Commitment

Requirements to be a participant in Daniela’s Student Showcase:
• Attend no fewer than 75% of the rehearsals and classes (in which your routine is being taught) leading up to the show. (list of specific rehearsal dates to follow – please note that some rehearsals are MANDATORY* for all participants)
• Learn the choreography so well you can get up and do it all by yourself.
• Practice at least 30 minutes per week outside of class/rehearsal time.
• Have your costume 100% complete and ready to wear no later than April 12, 2008.
• You must put on full make-up for the performance.
• Before and after performing, you must wear a cover-up, such as a robe, a full-length coat, a caftan, a loose-fitting full-length dress, etc. to cover your costume.
• On the night of the performance, you MUST be in costume, with your make-up finished, at the location of the show at 5:00. There will be a full show run-through prior to the actual show. The show is scheduled to begin at 7:30.
• Arrive promptly to all scheduled practices, classes, dress rehearsals and show.
• Check email regularly for important announcements
• If you are planning on performing solo, you MUST be ready to perform the solo for Daniela no later than April 12, 2008. If you do not have your solo fully choreographed (no improv) by this date, it will NOT be part of the show. No exceptions!
*Mandatory rehearsals: Saturday, April 19, Evening – Dress Rehearsal (exact time and location TBA), Saturday, April 26, 5:00 – Dress Rehearsal prior to show.

Please know that Daniela reserves the right to prohibit any student from performing in the actual show if she feels that said student has not come to enough rehearsals and/or is not properly prepared for the performance.

Please read these requirements carefully. Choosing to participate in the Student Showcase is a COMMITMENT!!! Please DO NOT sign up if you are not prepared to abide by these requirements. You can still come to all classes without having to participate in the show. ONLY sign up to perform if you are willing and ABLE to come to class AND practices outside of class.

After reading and understanding the above requirements, please fill out and return the bottom portion of this form to Daniela NO LATER THAN Friday, February 15, 2008. If you have any questions or concerns, email Daniela (danielabellydance@yahoo.com) or call Daniela (347-782-3616).

And then there is a tear-off portion that they sign and hand in.

Thank you so much for posting this. I will definitely use it for the next show.

She's said she isn't going to perform, which suggests she doesn't want the olive branch. I don't think it's unfair to leave her out of future performances, but a productive approach might be to leave her out of the next (which she assumed she could do) and then perhaps let her do a later one, but on the proviso that she signs up and starts coming to rehearsals well in advance, and is aware that she will be cut if she misses a rehearsal without giving you notice.

What you are doing seems to be the fairest to the majority and the most sensible.
However do you know why she did not appear. She may just have lost her inclination or she may be unwilling to talk about what goes on in her life. Sh$t happns , as we say and much as I dislike it, we take into our classes inviduals with all the baggage of life.
There are times when we can't wack it: we want to hide away and hibernate , we can't cope so we pull out of commitments. Then the gloom lifts, the problem fades and we would like to get on with our lives. Some people are good are picking their moments and realising you can't always pick your moment yourself. Others need to enter others' world then and there.!!

Always when we decide on our re entry or that of others,we have to consider the event. Is it the most important thing they have ever embarked upon, is it a relaxed affair with a party atmosphere or a competative situation.
it's a selfish person who doesn't consider the effect you might have on others but if you have just emerged from a crappy episode of health or other personal issues, you don't always consider the progress of others , you get like that. Thrn if an organiser can include someone on the fringe, it's best.

I tend to believe that leopards don't change their spots. I'd bet she's gonna be unreliable all the way down the line.

I do agree that in most cases people who have let you down tend to keep doing so but I also believe 100% that everyone should be given a second chance within reason. If the woman has taken the trouble to email and apologise and is still showing an interest then she should be given one last chance. She may have private reasons why she didnt show...belly dance believe it or not is not always ones priority in the midst of a crisis at home or something.

I just believe people should be given another go because there could be one day when we might just be happy to be offered an olive branch ourselves.

After she emailed me she called and asked if we could talk. There was some personal trouble and she seems really, really sorry.

I made a lot of mistakes as a baby bellydancer. I'm willing to give her another shot. She's asked me if she could do both but I suggested doing the skeleton choreography only.

Thank you Daniela again. That form is awesome!!!

Originally Posted by eshe

How do you bring this up? Do you have them sign something for every show?

I think my situation is a bit different from yours, in that the only performances I arrange for students are for my student troupe. The troupe is open to anyone in my Level 2 class, and they have to sign the contract before attending their first rehearsal. I think Daniela's letter is likely a better fit if you are going to have opportunities for all of your students to perform in a recital like show.

This is my contact for the student troupe:

1. Joining Criteria

Troupe members must be current students of a) Level 2 Group class with good attendance or b) Private/Semi-Private students at Level 2 equivalent taking at least 2 lessons per month.

2. Troupe Purpose

The purpose of the Troupe is to provide students with performance opportunities in appropriate and safe venues. The sole focus of the rehearsals will be to learn choreographies (and their associated techniques) for performances.

3. Rehearsals

Rehearsals will be held at the Department of Public Works Building in Germantown. Rehearsals are weekly, except for scheduled breaks, on Sundays from 4:00pm to 5:00pm.

4. Cost

Rehearsals are at no cost to the student, as long as Galatea is able to hold rehearsals in a rent-fee space. If it becomes necessary for studio space must be rented, minimal troupe dues will be charged for each member to offset the cost.

5. Attendance

Rehearsal attendance is required on a regular basis, without excessive absences, in order to learn and polish the choreographies. If the Troupe Director feels that a member has not memorized the choreography well enough for a performance, that member will be asked to sit out of performances until it has been sufficiently learned.

6. Costuming

Costuming guidelines for performances have been designed to allow each member the freedom to choose a flattering ensemble, and at a minimal cost. For performances, each member will wear a floor-length skirt of any style, a close fitting top of any midriff or sleeve length, and a coined hip scarf. Costuming must be family friendly and appropriate for audiences of all ages. Underwear must be worn for all performances.

Con't

7. Entering the Troupe

Potential troupe members may be asked to delay entrance to the group if the current choreography is too far along for a new member to catch up. In this case, the potential member will be notified when a new choreography is to be started.

If the potential member wishes for additional instruction to catch up for a current choreography, they must arrange for paid private instruction with the director, subject to availability.

8. Performances

Most performance opportunities will be at Belly Dance specific events like haflas or shows, although some general public opportunities may arise such as community festivals or fairs. Troupe members must commit at least 3 weeks prior to a performance, to insure that tweaks to group formations and traveling steps can be planned out. Except for emergency situations, any member who commits to a performance, but does not show up on the day of, will be asked to leave the troupe.

Troupe members are responsible for providing their own transportation to performances. The Troupe Director will attempt to arrange for car pooling to events when possible.

If the Director receives monetary compensation for any troupe performance, it will be put into a troupe fund to purchase props or specific costume pieces for future choreographies. All items purchased via this fund are the property of Galatea Middle Eastern Dance.

9. Respect

Troupe members are expected to treat fellow members and the Director with courtesy and respect at all times. Within the troupe, open discussion and varying opinions are welcome, as long as the discussion remains respectful and civil. The Troupe Director, however, will be the final decision maker on all troupe-related matters.

Non-member dancers and audience members are also to be treated respectfully at performances and other events. Criticism of performers or audience members should be limited to private troupe discussions, if discussion is necessary.

10. Agreement

I have read and understand the Student Troupe guidelines above.


_______________________ _____________________________ __________
Print Name Signature Date



_________________________________________
Contact Phone Number Email Address

No problem, Eshe! Glad it helped!

Originally Posted by eshe

I will probably be in Seoul for 2 years or so and then return to Canada.

To what region of Canada will you be returning? (Inquiring minds want to know. )