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Wow, it's horrible that in this day and age people are still caught up on the color of one's skin and not their abilities. Word travels and those managers should know that their establishments will loose business if they keep that practice up. Sorry that happened to you.

What color are you supposed to be? Does that mean if the dancer was arabic, then they wouldn't hire her either? IMO it doesn't matter what color you are.

it breaks my heart and turns my stomach every time i hear of another incidence of this nature.

The hiring of entertainers is specifically exempted from ethnic / weight / handicap protections. So, unfortunately, the owner is well within his rights - at least in the USA.

It's so odd that no matter who we are we aren't sufficient for some fool.

yeah it is unfortunate, because there are so many really good dancers and many more who get looked over for this manner. I just wanted to let dancers know that it is hurtful and be careful not to say to another "it's just work" it goes beyond that. We all look different dance different and have our own abilities. I am blessed to have danced in alot of places, but this happens and makes you want to quit. I AM sure that others have been turned away for their weight, height, and features that we are just born with. All of this has nothing to do with dancing!!

that's the same in belgium, but has its valid reasons. for example, it is forbidden in belgium to state that you want a female or male employee. so it has to say "nurse (M/F)" "cleaning lady (M/F)", "Bartender (M/F), "Mechanic (M/F)", etc in allll advertisements for jobs... except for the entertainment industry. the main reason for that is the theatre world. if for your play needs a male actor in his forties, cause, well, that's the character in the play, you are allowed to advertise as such... gender/race/handicpas might be part of the job discription.

but i never realised that it made blatant discrimination/racism in other cases, like this one here, legal.

off to check laws and regulations

Originally Posted by mlowsley

The hiring of entertainers is specifically exempted from ethnic / weight / handicap protections. So, unfortunately, the owner is well within his rights - at least in the USA.

Ok, I dont mean to sound overly harsh on this and yes, it sucks that the attitudes are out there like this....however...this being said, the club owners are not looking to hire a performer to be an ambassadress of belly dance nor are they going to look past an appearance to find the beauty within, heck most of them dont even care if you can dance as long as you meet some image they have in their heads of who or even what may bring in business.
Clubs and restaurants are NOT the places to perform if you dont have a hard shell, especially ones that are run by most ME owners.In this circumstance, the best thing to do is tell them you will be there to perform and you do expect to be paid. This sounds rude but say this " I will be there to dance, my fee is (whatever) and if you dont like what I do, no problem, dont hire me back" This simple sentance has worked very very well for me and I always gotten a return gig.

My heart hurts when I read stories like this. This is why I prefer to stay out of the restaurant/nightclub biz with the exception of one-time events and parties. So many politics tied up in appearance and, often, they get ugly, whether it's about ethnicity, age, weight, or whatever.

I do understand that we're working in the Image Business, with aesthetic demands to meet and often picky clientele to please. It is also true that, more often than not, we are living decor, "moving wallpaper," to be exact. Club owners have no obligation to champion our cause of inner beauty, female empowerment, or a drama-free model of doing business.

But at the same time, I also don't think this is an excuse for complacence. I'm not sure what the solution to this problem may be, because the root of it is quite complex, but I sure as hell do not bend over backwards to give restaurants, clubs and bellydance teachers with this sort of ugly, backwards attitude my business, my services, or my referrals. *shrug*

I think there is a bit of a difference between wanting a dancer who is attractive and well turned out, and specifying her ethnicity. The former could be quite reasonable, the latter is racism.

Originally Posted by Kash13

I think there is a bit of a difference between wanting a dancer who is attractive and well turned out, and specifying her ethnicity. The former could be quite reasonable, the latter is racism.

Yes. Exactly.

Even specifications of "she's gotta be 'ethnic' looking" make me very, very uncomfortable. Still implies that one must have a certain skin/hair/eye color to "do it right."

Why do you not "out" this club so that those who are disgusted by the management's policies can boycott it?

Originally Posted by ssipes

Why do you not "out" this club so that those who are disgusted by the management's policies can boycott it?

Yes. I was gonna add this to my reply, but you beat me to it...

I think your community needs to know. Hell, I want to know, so that if I'm ever passing through your neighborhood for whatever reason, I can make sure to take my business elsewhere. I'd rather party at a politically neutral venue than one owned by racist asshats who probably wouldn't know good dancing (or good taste) if it kicked them in the butt.

I thought hard and still thinking about naming the place. I prob. will but I hate when dancers name each other when criticizing, so I dont know. The main problem I have is don't call and say that. It the point of the owner calling and saying that not a dancer walking in. That's why I see it so wrong. I love the restaurants and clubs I won't quit, but it doesn't help when we turn the other cheek. Just like a regular job or business you are alreadly there and they make these comments to you, and the other employees look the other way, not right!!

Thanks everybody for commenting it shows that some of you know, and are very supportive, it feels good

Originally Posted by ssipes

Why do you not "out" this club so that those who are disgusted by the management's policies can boycott it?

I agree--unnamed sources talking about an unnamed club really doesn't help anyone.

~~Kimahri

This place sounds awful. I live somewhat close to Chicago and might be passing through one day; I wouldn't want to support a business that is so discriminating to women. I'm sorry this occured.

I'm just going to be direct and to the point here and please keep in mind this is just my opinion. I'm sure a lot of people feel differently. In an ideal world, all dancers would be able to get commercial work. Unfortunately this isn't reality. If a dancer cannot develop a skin thick enough to deal with the blatant discrimination that they will inevitably encounter, then they shouldn't be out looking for work in those venues. I have been discriminated against for being too blonde, too pale, too skinny, you name it. I get disappointed some times but hey, that's the way the entertainment industry works. I doubt performers from other performance arts get personally offended when facing discrimination at an audition. That is just how it is. I don't think it sounds awful. The owner is within his rights to decide what image he wants in his establishment and you have a right to decide to dance there or not. It is pretty simple.

While the owner is well-within his/her rights, that doesn't mean that the rest of us can't learn who it is and choose whether we wish to support such a place. As long as it isn't slander or libel, I don't think it's terrible to let a place's policy be known

Originally Posted by indigostars

While the owner is well-within his/her rights, that doesn't mean that the rest of us can't learn who it is and choose whether we wish to support such a place. As long as it isn't slander or libel, I don't think it's terrible to let a place's policy be known

Exactly. We wouldn't boycott a place just for having standards. It's just that standards of the racist and/or ethnocentric variety are a very reasonable place to draw the line.

It kind of bothers me when people shrug this all off as par for the course....issues of race come from a far uglier and more sinister place than a mere distaste for a particular hair color or body type. Not for any inability to take criticism or a lack of "thick skin:" it's just that I'd really rather not reward bigots with my business or my services.

I really think that in this day and age, it's in very poor taste to go around talking about your prejudices in casual conversation like that club owner did. Even if you really don't like people with dark skin, for Pete's sake, keep it to yourself. The rest of us don't want to hear it.

Would you choose to boycott a broadway show because they cast people to fit a certain ideal? Would you call the casting director a bigot? I don't like discrimination either but it is part of being an entertainer. Just being devils advocate, not trying to start a riot...lol. :o)

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

issues of race come from a far uglier and more sinister place than a mere distaste for a particular hair color or body type.

see that's exactly it. imo the issue is crossing the line between esthetic preference in hiring performers to blatant racism and bigotry.

there is a difference when an establishment has a policy of never hiring people of a certain race/ethnicity.,m::

Originally Posted by stardancer

Would you choose to boycott a broadway show because they cast people to fit a certain ideal? Would you call the casting director a bigot? I don't like discrimination either but it is part of being an entertainer. Just being devils advocate, not trying to start a riot...lol. :o)

If the part they were casting was specifically to be an Asian woman and they turned down a black actress who auditioned, then no.

If they were casting openly for a role and didn't specify that she had to be of a certain race - but then the director went around making a big stink that he didn't want black women auditioning for the role, and this became public knowledge - then yeah, I'd take my business elsewhere.

BD is a little more complicated, to me. Though we can all agree that there are standards to be met (and I style myself to be as Vegas-glam as they come!), and there are even certain "ethnic" looks that are preferable (I, too, used to get crap all the time for being too blonde, and even get crap for being skinny), there is no rule set in stone that one must be of a specific race or ethnicity to fit the role of BDer.

Internalized racism is faaaaaaaar more consequential to society than thinking that a BDer should make an effort with her hair and makeup, wear high-end costumes, and be physically fit. It is true that race, age, gender, sexual orientation and disability are protected under U.S. labor laws. Whether or not entertainers are technically exempt, I still think those issues require extra sensitivity and examination. They should ask themselves why dancers with dark skin (or even blonde hair!) make them uncomfortable, what they think they're risking by not hiring the "norm."

It's fine if a restaurant owner prefers a certain "color scheme," if you will, as long as they keep it to themselves. What I found so objectionable about this place, and similar stories I've heard about local establishments near me, is that the owners don't even try to be covert about their preferences. As I said before, it's just not in good taste, as it's not 1920 anymore.

I just wanted to point out that if the place comes to you and you didn't seek them out, they should not make references like that. They can choose who they want, but all of these instances occurred when I was already there and working, I do leave when it happens but the particular place made the call. I will say it is on Devon and California streets and it definetly is in the wrong place to do this to dancers because it not only refers to them but to the neighborhood and clientle surrounding it.

Originally Posted by KashaG

I will say it is on Devon and California streets and it definetly is in the wrong place to do this to dancers because it not only refers to them but to the neighborhood and clientle surrounding it.

I find this annoying...it's not fair to the other places in the vicinity to be tarred with the same brush ,m::

~~Kimahri

Originally Posted by KashaG

I thought hard and still thinking about naming the place. I prob. will but I hate when dancers name each other when criticizing, so I dont know. The main problem I have is don't call and say that. It the point of the owner calling and saying that not a dancer walking in. That's why I see it so wrong. I love the restaurants and clubs I won't quit, but it doesn't help when we turn the other cheek. Just like a regular job or business you are alreadly there and they make these comments to you, and the other employees look the other way, not right!!

Thanks everybody for commenting it shows that some of you know, and are very supportive, it feels good

I understand why you might not want to out the club and I just wanted you to know that even without an outing, I'm glad you posted this.

When we think of racial profiling and racism it's usually in more dramatic terms. In the shadow of that it's easy for us to forget how much of an issue skin color still is when it comes to general ideas of beauty and how those ideas can really crush, hurt, and close people out.

I doubt the owners even think of themselves as being racists. They probably mentally lump a dancer's skin color with weight/general appearance and think of themselves as being buisnessmen who just "want to get the sort of dancer an audience wants!"

I think many restaurant owners do a disservice to customers by assuming that a certain range of looks are all the GP are interested in. I say this knowing that, because I am a foreigner in Japan, I have an easier time getting restaurant work than a Japanese dancer of similar or higher dance skills...There are doors that will open first to me because I fit the ideas of what restaurant owners think people want from a bellydancer...and those same doors will open to foreign dancers with less skills...and then, maybe, to Japanese dancers....but those who look "half" first

Originally Posted by KashaG

I Was Really Offended And Disgusted When Hearing The News From A Fellow Dancer That A Business Here In Chicago Made A Direct Comment To Her When Hiring A Bellydancer. I Was Told That An Establishment Began To Call Dancers Last Minute For Entertainment Without Knowing Who They Were Or What They Looked Like. It Should Be That None Of This Matters. Anyway, The Owner Preceded To Beg Her To Come But Wanted Her To Come Early So He Can See If She Was Accepting To His Standards. She Questioned Why, And He Began To Tell Her That He Wanted To Make Sure She Was Not overweight And Not Too Dark! He Did Not Want Anyone Who In Other Words Was Too Ethnic Looking. I Was Also Told By An Owner That I Was A Very Good Dancer But His Costumers Did Not Want To See Dark Skin. I Hope We All Know That This Exist And Owners Can Be Very Difficult But To Say This, That Is Beyond Rude And It Is Hurtful. This Business Was Also Advertised Here On Bhuz. She Basically Hung Up The Phone And Was Offended As Well. Knowing This I Hope That Dancers Would Take In Consideration That Places Like This Don't Deserve To Be In Business. The Same Night I Was Working In A Restaurant And Tried To Get Two Women Up To Dance With Me. They Were Really Shy And A Little Embarrassed. They Never Got Up To Dance But Came To Talk To Me After. They Made The Comment That "who Wants To See Two Fat Girls Dancing". I Told Them That Dancing Is Not About That And It Doesn't Matter, And That There's Nothing To Feel Uncomfortable About. They Had Been Out Before And Was Mistreated. I Know Bellydancers Can Be Very Picky And Rude, (yes We Can) And This Should Stop. I Always Say That We Should Try Not To Be Judgemental Because Others See It, And It Can Come Back To Bite. Places And People Like This Still Exist And Instead Of Seeing It As Just Work, Let's Not Support Them.
Thanks For Reading!!

Well, it ain't right. But at the same time, if the client wants pale skinned and blonde as opposed to dark haired and dusky, that's their prerogative. If you want a slim dancer instead of a curvy one, that's their choice too. It's all about personal preferences.

Originally Posted by Kimahri

I find this annoying...it's not fair to the other places in the vicinity to be tarred with the same brush ,m::

~~Kimahri

This is the location, I never referred to the other business just the one at this location. I live there, I was asked and I told. It has nothing to do with other businesses.

Originally Posted by KashaG

I thought hard and still thinking about naming the place. I prob. will but I hate when dancers name each other when criticizing, so I dont know. The main problem I have is don't call and say that. It the point of the owner calling and saying that not a dancer walking in. That's why I see it so wrong. I love the restaurants and clubs I won't quit, but it doesn't help when we turn the other cheek. Just like a regular job or business you are alreadly there and they make these comments to you, and the other employees look the other way, not right!!

Thanks everybody for commenting it shows that some of you know, and are very supportive, it feels good

Yeah, but that's why there's an HR department to go to when "off-color" remarks occur (off-color not being racial comments but generic improper statements in the work place)

I'm not familiar with the area, but there's the chance several restaurants there could conceivably host or seek out belly dancers. Even in my neck of the woods (Lakeview), there are two Middle Eastern restaurants within a block of each other. Instead of us playing guessing games and maybe guessing the wrong place, it does make more sense to simply state the name.