Thread: Restaurant jobs

I was in a student recital last Sunday in a local restaurant that has ME dancers weekly. My teacher mentioned to me in passing that she told the owner of the restaurant that I would be great as a substitute dancer.

I had never considered the option of me dancing in restaurants before. All the best local dancers had restaurant gigs. And I know that some of these wonderful dancers rely on their dance income heavily. I have a full time job, and I am just dancing to have a great time and make lots of friends. I'll dance at haflas, students’ things, and nursing homes, nothing major. I had never thought of a substitute restaurant dancer. Plus I didn't think I was at THAT level as a dancer. But I have a pretty reputable teacher saying go for it.
But if it would give me more experience and better my dancing maybe it would be worth while.

Obviously I would be sticking to local rates (NOT UNDERCUTTING).

IF (only if) I were to peruse this, what are something I might want to consider?
Are substitute dancers a good thing? I wouldn't be taking anyone's regular gig would I? I know nothing about this!
..c::

I only want to do good in this community, and I always consider the art form and the other local dancers before I do anything. I don't want to make anyone mad or step on anyone's toes. I value the friendships I have made in this community much more that any amount of $$!

Maybe I am being paranoid.......

I'm not sure if I will do it or not, but I do think it might be an option for me. I never said anything else to my teacher about it (or to the restaurant).

hmmmmm........

Subbing is perfect to start out! If a dancer gets sick or can't make it because of other obligations you'll be called to see if you can fill in for her. You won't be dancing regularly, just as needed. And you certainly won't be stepping on anyone's toes if they called and asked you to sub in.

I think it would be a good idea if you think you might enjoy making some money out of dancing, if you're comfortable in front of crowds, etc. If you have a good relationship with your teacher I'd talk to her, or you can talk directly to the dancer who made that comment. Just to see what it'd involve.

My personal experience as a newer restaurant dancer: I started out dancing w/members of my troupe and graduated into working once or twice a month as a soloist. I realized I liked the regular opportunity to perform because I need to have that hanging over my head as a motive to practice. I also liked getting paid; it gave me an excuse to buy more costumes (I get paid and I need to use two costumes each time I perform; people wouldn't want to see the same costume over & over)! I'd say give it a shot and if it's not for you, then stop. You probably won't be under any contract that obligates you to continue dancing!

Subs are good! Everyone is always looking for a sub, be it for performing or teaching.

If you feel like you are ready, go for it. Don't let the fact that you don't need the money as much deter you. While it is very nice of you to be concerened for the other dancers, as long as you are not actively trying to take away their existing jobs, you aren't doing anything wrong!

Aaa! Safiyah beat me to it. ..l;, What she said. ..g.:

Everything said above!

Plus... there's no other experience quite like preparing and performing your own full restaurant set -- for better or for worse.

You've done everything right, the pieces are all in place, if your teacher and the restaurant owner think you're ready, then you're ready!

Not everyone loves restaurant dancing, and you may discover that it's just not your thing. If so, you can always say so and go back to the dance expressions that ARE fun for you. So it's not a committment, or an irrevocable decision.

Yay, Carey!!

Subbing is a great way to start out. If you know the scheduling dancer at a venue, I recommend talking to her about it. Some venues are great for starting professionals, others only look for more seasoned pros, but the scheduler will be able to give you the necessary info.

I am one of those wacky types that likes restaurant dancing; dirty feet, changing in bathrooms and all!!

Edited to add, if you don't know the scheduling dancer, ask other dancers who it is and talk to her first before agreeing to anything!!

Oh, also go to a few shows at the restaurant if you haven't already. It'll give you an idea to the vibe of the place, what'll work and what won't. For example, there's a place where all Arabs hang out and they'll like classical, soulful music much more than another place, which is full of 18 year old American kids who want music that sounds "exciting" and don't know who Om Kathoum is. Some venues work fine with tribal fusion, some won't...etc. So not all places will be a match for your particular style.

One thing to check before you sub in, and this is a BIGGIE.

Make sure the owners will pay you THE SAME RATE AS THE HOUSE DANCER.

You might want to communicate this with the house dancer prior to scheduling anything with the owner, but it is critical, so as not to get gypped or inadvertantly make enemies, to be on the same page with pay. Otherwise, the owner might try to slip away with a primo "discount," alienating the house dancer and not getting you the compensation you deserve.

When I was a demi-pro, my teacher arranged on a few occasions for me and a friend of mine to fill in for the house dancer at a Greek nightclub. The pay was crappy at $75 a night, but I just accepted this to be the standard. It wasn't until soon thereafter that I learned that the rate was $150, and the owner was getting TWO sets for the price of the house dancer's one set .p:: .

I will always feel a little guilty about this accidental undercut, in the back of my mind....but my instructor should have stuck up for getting us a fair rate, or told the club owner "too bad, so sad."

Now, I will definitely make sure to do my homework.

Good luck!

Lisa

OMG it amazes me. Our going rate is $50-65 a night, for 2 sets :( sorry, carry on.

Part of our high rate comes from the fact that everything out here is comparatively expensive, from gas to housing to everything in between.

All of the dancers before my "generation" worked very hard to ensure a quality rate for everybody....sucks, though, because there are people here who will dance for half of the going rate. And you know what happens from there.

$50-65 for two sets? I don't even think I'd consider leaving my house on a Friday night, for that rate. That could reflect more on my laziness and my passion for quiet nights with a bottle of pinot grigio, than anything else ,s::

Originally Posted by Safiyah

Subbing is perfect to start out! If a dancer gets sick or can't make it because of other obligations you'll be called to see if you can fill in for her. You won't be dancing regularly, just as needed. And you certainly won't be stepping on anyone's toes if they called and asked you to sub in.

I think it would be a good idea if you think you might enjoy making some money out of dancing, if you're comfortable in front of crowds, etc. If you have a good relationship with your teacher I'd talk to her, or you can talk directly to the dancer who made that comment. Just to see what it'd involve.

My personal experience as a newer restaurant dancer: I started out dancing w/members of my troupe and graduated into working once or twice a month as a soloist. I realized I liked the regular opportunity to perform because I need to have that hanging over my head as a motive to practice. I also liked getting paid; it gave me an excuse to buy more costumes (I get paid and I need to use two costumes each time I perform; people wouldn't want to see the same costume over & over)! I'd say give it a shot and if it's not for you, then stop. You probably won't be under any contract that obligates you to continue dancing!

Actually, it was my teacher who made the comment.
Love an excuse to buy more costumes

Originally Posted by danielabellydance

Subs are good! Everyone is always looking for a sub, be it for performing or teaching.

If you feel like you are ready, go for it. Don't let the fact that you don't need the money as much deter you. While it is very nice of you to be concerened for the other dancers, as long as you are not actively trying to take away their existing jobs, you aren't doing anything wrong!

Oh! Don't get me worng, I do need the money! I just value the friendships I have with other dancers over the money.

I think it all sounds pretty good.

I'm going to talk to my teacher next Monday and see about it. She used to be a dancers at the restraunt years back so she knows the owner, and probably knows who does the scheduling.

Thanks everyone!

yes to all the above.

i highly suggest wearing shoes for a restaurant gig.
make sure to communicate with the house dancers first to make sure everything is above board.

reliable subs are so important! we need more honest subs to keep the undercutters away ;)

good luck! it should be a lot of fun.

Originally Posted by CareyDances

Oh! Don't get me worng, I do need the money! I just value the friendships I have with other dancers over the money.

I think it all sounds pretty good.

I'm going to talk to my teacher next Monday and see about it. She used to be a dancers at the restraunt years back so she knows the owner, and probably knows who does the scheduling.

Thanks everyone!

Hey Carey, If you were in Artie's show, the owners wife does the scheduling and pay is $80/per 20 minute show.

Originally Posted by Safiyah

OMG it amazes me. Our going rate is $50-65 a night, for 2 sets :( sorry, carry on.

Yeah in my area it's $85 for 3 sets. Of course, cost of living is different here too.

Hey Samira! OK, $80 per 20 minute show...... I think I need to head to your web site and check out local rates. I don't remember what it is.
I won't do it if it is not up with what other places pay.

I'll have to talk to Artie on monday before I do anything. Make sure she says I am ready for this (double check my double check!).

Shoes! Good point! Thanks!

That's interesting, because I thought it was $75 per 20 minute show.
Hmmmm.....
guess rates went up and no one told me. Fortunately, I'm not there anymore after April.

I say go for it, but definitely talk to the house dancer to make sure you know the house rate. Even if what you charge is the going rate for your area, charging less than the regular dancers make is still undercutting, and it would be a shame to do that by accident. They can also give you tips on how to please the owners and crowd (one place in this area only wants the dancer to wear full skirts), if they're having any trouble with the owners, etc. (One place I was asked to dance was actually looking for scabs to undermine the house dancer while she was trying to negotiate a pay raise.)

All that said, long as you have the blessing of your teacher and the owner and are charging the same as the regular dancers, go for it!!!

Originally Posted by Kostana

That's interesting, because I thought it was $75 per 20 minute show.
Hmmmm.....
guess rates went up and no one told me. Fortunately, I'm not there anymore after April.

Kostana, when you have a chance give me a call, please. ..g.:

Originally Posted by SamiraShuruk

Hey Carey, If you were in Artie's show, the owners wife does the scheduling and pay is $80/per 20 minute show.

Yeah Samira, I thought it was $75 per 20 minute show too. Hmmm...

PLEASE!!!!!!!! Whatever you do.... as just about everyone has mentioned... check with the house dancer and make sure everything is on the "up and up". Everytime I dance on a regular basis at a restaurant, there are dancers that come in and solicit themselves. I don't know what they say to the restaurant owners, etc. but it is unethical, rude, and it makes me almost hate restaurant dancing altogether. It's difficult right now especially that I have three kids, lost my full-time job in February, and am relying on my dancing money to get through this difficult time. Last week while changing in the office at a restaurant, I saw a business card posted from a dancer. It said dancer and instructor ... so there is no excuse that she should know what not to do. But, I guess she doesn't care if she steps on the house dancer's toes or not. When I left the restaurant, driving home, I was feeling so sad that these things happen. Like my boyfriend says, "it's a competitive world out there and not everyone is as as you, honey". I wish that made me feel better.... but he is right. ..c::

Good luck!!!

Maryon, I agree with you 100 %!!!!
I have always had to deal with that, but the only thing to do is dance your best, always keep improving, and be confident in your abilities / your professional relationship with the owners.

There's a new restaurant that opened here this month - the owner came to me 6 months ago to hire me to be their house dancer. We agreed on everthing and I have waited until now. Now that it started, I am dancing there as we agreed, but what's funny is that belly dancers are marching up and down in there, dropping off their business cards. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with that, especially for a new place (although I would never do that), but one night - when I danced- a local belly dancer came, who is very sweet, I even talked to her, and what do I see? A compcard of her in the office (ok, whatever) and a big stack of business cards at the front desk!!! We had flyers there, my cards, the restaurant's cards, menu, dj's flyers, infro about the musicians, etc and her 50 business cards. What was she doing promoting herself? I was the one dancing, she was a costumer! I couldn't believe it. Needless to say, owners are never impressed by that, and this owner actually threw her cards away. He thought it was pretty sh**ty for her to do that. This is just not ethical. Or am I wrong?? Some days I actually question myself :)

Originally Posted by arielarielariel

Yeah Samira, I thought it was $75 per 20 minute show too. Hmmm...

Hmmm, I merely shared what I was paid when I was there. I guess she has different rates.

Hi Carey,

house dancer could sometimes be hired to a private party, so she needs a sub for her regular restaurant job, or vice versa - the restaurant patron wants a new dancer for his party...

Straight communication should be good way to keep relations ok.

GOOD LUCK !

Originally Posted by Marianna

Maryon, I agree with you 100 %!!!!
I have always had to deal with that, but the only thing to do is dance your best, always keep improving, and be confident in your abilities / your professional relationship with the owners.

There's a new restaurant that opened here this month - the owner came to me 6 months ago to hire me to be their house dancer. We agreed on everthing and I have waited until now. Now that it started, I am dancing there as we agreed, but what's funny is that belly dancers are marching up and down in there, dropping off their business cards. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with that, especially for a new place (although I would never do that), but one night - when I danced- a local belly dancer came, who is very sweet, I even talked to her, and what do I see? A compcard of her in the office (ok, whatever) and a big stack of business cards at the front desk!!! We had flyers there, my cards, the restaurant's cards, menu, dj's flyers, infro about the musicians, etc and her 50 business cards. What was she doing promoting herself? I was the one dancing, she was a costumer! I couldn't believe it. Needless to say, owners are never impressed by that, and this owner actually threw her cards away. He thought it was pretty sh**ty for her to do that. This is just not ethical. Or am I wrong?? Some days I actually question myself :)

I agree that dumping your business cards and flyers (for customers to take) in a restaurant where you are not even dancing is out of order, I'm glad the restaurant owners backed you up on this.
But it is not always easy to know how to contact the house dancer, or if there is one, so I think it is fair enough to drop in cards to the restaurant if you want to dance there. One can only hope that they would get passed on to the person in charge of scheduling dancing for them to make a decision.

Carey- Everyone hit the nail on the head. I say go for it. At least try it out and see how you feel about it, then make your final decision from there. Good Luck

And ask for more money!