Thread: Richmond, VA April 30 - 3 Dancers

I posted an ad for the Northern VA/Washington DC area for myself and 2 friends. I got a request from Richmond. It's too far for us to travel. They want 3 dancers (though might settle for something else?)

From: Corinne Mole <cmole@bfgcom.com>
Subject: Bellydancers for your party
Date: Thursday, April 22, 2010, 11:40 AM

Relevant portions of the communication below:
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We would need all 3 of you together. Let me know your schedule and if you can think of anyone who would be better for the job, please let me know!

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Hi! Would you be available to do a show at an event in Richmond, VA on April 30th. We would pay $300-$400 for you to dance 3 times during the show from 6pm-10pm.

Thanks!

Corinne Mole

i put it up on the yahoo group so the VA ladies can check it out

yahoo group? what yahoo group!? Hook me up.

the dcprodancers yahoo group you need to message the moderator to be added to it

Ok...I'm a total idiot when it comes to computers. I didn't find it by searching in yahoogroups. How do I email the moderator?

sent u a PM

isnt that little low for 3 shows and 3 dancer? is that the going rate in VA?

Originally Posted by turkishdancer

isnt that little low for 3 shows and 3 dancer? is that the going rate in VA?

I believe the going/agreed upon rate is not less than $100/dancer/show for any new gigs - at least that's what I heard somewhere.

That said, it's not mine, it's just a request I got from someone, which is not local to me. Since I'm not local to Richmond, and I am not travelling there nor are the two girls I dance with most often,...I just told her I would pass it on and see what happened.

If someone local to her, and who can take the gig (location/availability) wants to clue her in to the right ballpark, that is their option.

I just figured I wasn't going to start haggling over price just to tell her sorry, we're 2 hours away and won't travel.

Originally Posted by ZivaSelina

I believe the going/agreed upon rate is not less than $100/dancer/show for any new gigs - at least that's what I heard somewhere.

Hi Ziva, It sounds like maybe someone was confused. New regular gigs (meaning weekly, such as at a restaurant) in this area (DC and northern VA metro area) should aim for $100 or more for a 20 minute show (1 dancer).
Party gigs in this area start between $200 and $250 per dancer/per 20 minute show. More experienced dancers will charge more.
These links might help:
Rates Article
Belly Dancer Rates

Turkish dancer, yes, that rate is low for the region. $300 (plus tips in addition) for a 20-25 minute show is common- one dancer.

I'm sorta new at this - thanks for clarifying. (I didn't know there was a difference between different kinds of venues)

edit: For the record "agreed upon" - I meant "bellydancers agreed" not anything to do with the requester. The figure the requester came up with was totally independent of any input from me.

Just curious, but do dancers in Richmond actually manage to get DC area rates?

Originally Posted by ceydahazine

Just curious, but do dancers in Richmond actually manage to get DC area rates?

Yes! For private parties. But the demand is not as high as DC.

Fionna,
Richmond VA

Originally Posted by Fionna

Yes! For private parties. But the demand is not as high as DC.
Fionna,
Richmond VA

Thanks for posting this Fionna. This is also what Nimeera says. She and I have had long discussions about the rates in Northern VA and it's different areas.