Thread: Give me a demo...?

This could go either in Biz forum or here I guess...

If you got an email from another dancer in your community who asked if you would "give her a demo" in using/dancing with a particular prop, how would you respond?

I was flattered but a bit surprised to find this email in my mailbox today. I don't know this dancer very well, but I do know she teaches. Ordinarily I probably wouldn't mind sharing with another dancer who was already somewhat familiar with the prop, but that isn't the case. If I were teaching a class on it, I'd invite her to come to class, but I'm not. I'm not real sure how to respond. I'd like to be a nice guy & help her out, but the business-minded part of me is saying in a snarky voice, "wouldn't that be like giving free private lessons?"

How much of a demo is she asking for? is it a 3-4 minute clip to show her students for educational purposes? Sure, why not?

Or is she looking for enough material to add this prop to her repertoire? Then suggest a private lesson or two.

I'd ask her when she'd like to schedule a private lesson.

Deborah

ps: you'd have to say this exactly as you would for anyone who'd call you and ask for a lesson on a specific topic. No hemming or hawing. Just an, "Oh, sure! How fun! I've got time for privates on Monday nights after 7:00pm. What date is best for you?"

I'd get more info, sound like she just wants to see your teaching style before committing to a full class? When she said give she might not of meant for free, I often say 'give' but don't mean let me have it free. But you should charge half price if its half the time

Originally Posted by casbahdance

I'd ask her when she'd like to schedule a private lesson.

Deborah

ps: you'd have to say this exactly as you would for anyone who'd call you and ask for a lesson on a specific topic. No hemming or hawing. Just an, "Oh, sure! How fun! I've got time for privates on Monday nights after 7:00pm. What date is best for you?"

Perfect!

I would also just assume that she's inquiring about a private lesson.


ETA: You could just ask --

"I'm not sure what you mean by a 'demo.' Are you looking for a private lesson or lessons? Or were you thinking I could just let you have a look at my [prop] for a moment next time we're at the same event?"

I would say "I am available on X Day, and my private fee is $X amount"
if she is my close friend that we dance in the same group or perform all the time, then I can show few tricks but not more than 10min perhaps.

Originally Posted by casbahdance

"Oh, sure! How fun! I've got time for privates on Monday nights after 7:00pm. What date is best for you?"

I had this happen to me last year, when one of the local restaurant dancers approached me about assaya because the restaurant wanted her to be able to do cane if private parties requested it. I used exactly the approach above, and we scheduled a 2 hour private lesson.

Thanks ladies, I replied & just asked what she meant by demo & said I could do a few lessons with her if that's what she was wanting, but also mentioned DVDs if she decides she'd rather an alternative.

Originally Posted by turkishdancer

I would say "I am available on X Day, and my private fee is amount"
if she is my close friend that we dance in the same group or perform all the time, then I can show few tricks but not more than 10min perhaps.

i called Dilek because i wanted to learn the Turkish drop i had a video but the video could not tell me if i was goin it right or not . I paid for a private class. it does not matter if it is a friend,fellow dancer,stanger i think you owe that person respect and i have no problem paying for classes . i am taking there time and there knowlege. the teacher need to be paid for that.

Originally Posted by DancingRuya

Thanks ladies, I replied & just asked what she meant by demo & said I could do a few lessons with her if that's what she was wanting, but also mentioned DVDs if she decides she'd rather an alternative.

Just wondering, how did this turn out?

hope it works out!

I would not asume anything. She might be looking to see if she'd like to add this to her skill set...or she could be looking to see how you do things...or she might be up to something...you just don't know.

I'd ask if she's looking to show this to her students. If so, you'd be glad to present a workshop for the local dance community. Why teach her for her to go back and tell everyone she knows how to use XYZ prop? Show the community where the knowledge comes from.

It's like sharing en-masse! (for a fee!)

Originally Posted by Lauren_

Just wondering, how did this turn out?

I've not heard from her.