Thread: In retrospect ... restaurants

If you could turn back time and imagine that you're dealing with the restaurant world for the first time, but with the knowledge you now have, what sort of ground rules would you state 'up front' with the restaurant(s) that you deal with, what would they be ? I am interested in getting the perspectives of dancers, and rota organisers/head dancer.

1. get paid before you dance so you can get to the next gig on time.

2. wear shoes!

3. portable hand held fan with extra batteries. dressing rooms in/next to kitchens are hot and humid

4. reserved parking spot or valet for dancers at very busy clubs.

5. always have someone walk you to your car. even if it means tipping a bus boy to "help you with your bags"

6. backup cds if no live band or just in case something happens to the band

7. extra costume if multiple gigs

8. piece of yoga mat [a cut square] for a clean space if dressing area is less than desirable

there's more, but i'm tired

1. never become too friendly with the owners or clients - don't believe the "we are family" bull****
My husband and I became friends with a restaurant owner plus family and they now still owe us thousands of euros. STUPID

2. get paid the same night preferably in advance

3. always be the boss of your own show

4. don't accept other unknown surprise dancers the same night

5. make sure that you will get proper space to dance and make sure they will arrange lightning during your show.

6. Use cd if life music is bad. If the band can't play then don't use them, they will seriously ruin your show.

7. Tips are for you only. If you play with a band you can give them a percentage.

8. don't accept invitations from clients at their table. If clients want to hire you they can come to you and ask your businesscard.
9. towels
10. bring safety pins
11. perfume or oils
12. make-up
13. don't allow children dancing on stage, it is also dangerous, waiters should take them off until you are finished or until you will make your round through the restaurant
14. Sometimes restaurant owners say that you can only dance at their restaurant and not at other spots: never agree to this, as they can and will easily replace you as well.

There is more.....

The first thing I thought of was to remember that it's just a job. Keeping it in that perspective makes everything else easier. 15 years ago, it was all important to be able to dance somewhere. I didn't make any bad choices, but I sure put too much energy into it.

Make sure you are paid in CASH ONLY no exceptions. no checks, can bounce, post dated, and money may not be deposited in their account right away. And can lead to lots of hassles of "owing" you next week etc.
And collect before you dance.
ditto on what Sabrina and Amira said.


Alrana

Good question - few things for my sanity if I was just starting in restaurants again.

1. Remember it is just a job and you are just an employee. (The "like family" speech usually means they can't pay you this week.)

2. Don't take it personally if you are replaced by another dancer or by no dancer at all. Restaurants have a high turnover and many owners like to rotate dancers regularly.

3. Be willing to walk away. Always.

4. The "dressing room" is almost always somewhere you would never choose to be. Be ready for any eventuality.

5. Contract/Rules for owner: Payment up front; clean/private place to change; music system provided; Dancer is a performer *only* please do not ask for or expect anything else.

6. Note to self - you are signing away your weekend...all of them. Be willing to stop when you feel like you need time for yourself.

Do not undercut.

Once the excitement of getting a restaurant job fades away and you realize that it's actually hard work, you will never get paid more. Ever.
Forget about it - even if they tell you "we will pay you more later".
Restaurant owners are like farmers... One year it rains to much, next year it rains too little, the potatoes are to small, the potaoes are too big... They always find a reason to complain and not pay more.

Be friendly with the staff, don't play the diva. You might need their help sometimes...

MEISSOUN

These are all really good points - particularly regarding signing your weekend away, and the 'like family' speech. Also the undercutting point. Please keep them coming !

Originally Posted by mehndidancer

Make sure you are paid in CASH ONLY no exceptions. no checks, can bounce, post dated, and money may not be deposited in their account right away. And can lead to lots of hassles of "owing" you next week etc.
And collect before you dance.
ditto on what Sabrina and Amira said.


Alrana

I have never come across a restaurant willing to pay in cash. They need proof of the business expense for tax purposes. If the IRS sees too much going on with cash transactions it raises a red flag.

Originally Posted by stardancer

I have never come across a restaurant willing to pay in cash. They need proof of the business expense for tax purposes. If the IRS sees too much going on with cash transactions it raises a red flag.

I get paid in cash 95% of the time....it's a simple matter to give them a receipt.

~~Kimahri

I have also only gotten paid cash...

~Vary your music. It's good to have some older, classic music-and some new. You want things that both younger and older audiences will like.

~Cater your music and costumes a bit to the restaurant you are dancing in. Find a couple of Greek tunes to put into your set, for instance, if dancing at a Greek restaurant. Wear some Egyptian costumes if your boss is Egyptian. This might seem obvious...but many dancers don't do this, and the restaurant owner where I dance now has actually commented on this. I found out in advance what he likes, and I reflected that in my show. It always helps to do what styles the boss likes! ..g.:

~The portable fans. The office/dressing room where I currently change is next to the kitchen, with little airflow. HOT. I bought a personal battery operated fan, that has a little rope to go around your neck. I use this to help dry the sweat between sets on my face and body, before I touch up my hair/makeup.

~Bring a stocked bag: deodorant, makeup for touchups, bottle of water, portable fan, small handtowel (for sweat) and things of this nature.

You are asking about negotiated points to prepare ahead of time, yes? I didn't see anyone mention these:

1. Determine the number and length of shows you will do each night, as well as start times, so you don't get stuck waiting around all night for parties to arrive.

2. Make sure there is a private changing area with a door that has a lock.

3. Any food/drink offered is a bonus and does not come from your pay.

and, as a few people mentioned:

4. Unless dealing with a live band, all tips are yours. Arrange for one of the waitstaff to go back and pick up bills on the floor (though you may want to tip him/her a few bucks for the help).

5. Someone needs to walk you out to your car at the end of the night.