Thread: Nervous About Striking Out on Own

OK, so here's the thing. I decided a while back that I would like to try to get my own restaurant gig. I was dancing occasionally with a troupe and dancing at restaurants, but I haven't been to class in a while and I stopped dancing at restaurants because the prices being paid just weren't enough for me. I've just lost enthusiasm for the troupe thing (not always sure I am being given the whole truth), and I would like to get what I consider to be a fair price for a restaurant show. I know there are restaurants that pay fairly around here. I just wasn't getting a fair wage under the dance company's direction.

I have considered inquiring into another local dance group that does demand fair wages, but I don't know if that is something I should consider or not. I like the comraderie (sp?) of groups, but I also feel weird about leaving my group for another one (possible bad feelings), and about joining a small group as the "new person."

I haven't danced out in a couple months and I really miss it. I have the dance experience, skill level and responsibility to handle a venue on my own, just not the experience with the business side of things.

So, I have made up some business cards and some backup info for prospective restaurants, but I am nervous about actually contacting the venues. I don't know if I am nervous about being the contact person, being the only one dancing there, or being "disowned" by my dance teacher when she finds out that I have gotten a job on my own and thereby losing the social network that I enjoy.

So, any advice on how to strike out? How I should go about it? I am guessing stopping by in person at the restaurant is better than mailing info? I've never handled this kind of thing before.

Also, should I consider this group in town that asks for fair wages and has more of a collaborative group dynamic?

Thanks!

Why not do both? I offer my services privately as well as with the troupe. If the troupe is performing, and someone asks me for contact info - I direct them to my troupe leader. If it was a gig attained on my own, then I keep it separate unless gig leads conflict with my schedule, in which case - I offer the opportunity to troupe members in turn.

As for how to go about it? I've gotten several gigs by simply mailing out a brochure with references to my website. Currently, I'm working towards putting together a promotional DVD but that takes a while, and I want a good representation of different dance styles to put onto it. If you're not so good at this, then it may be worthwhile to hire someone to do it for you.

Originally Posted by shimmyshake

...or being "disowned" by my dance teacher when she finds out that I have gotten a job on my own and thereby losing the social network that I enjoy...

How about telling her yourself so that it's a positive thing that you can control, rather than a negative thing that you become nervous about?

You can explain what you're doing and that you want to branch out into more solo work (doesn't stop you from still working with her and with the troupe, if that's what you want to do). You can tell her that you want to feel you're taking greater control and initiative as to your dance career. If she offers you advice, as your teacher, well it's up to you, but you can accept it gracefully and then either act upon it, or do exactly what you were going to do anyway...

"..or being "disowned" by my dance teacher when she finds out that I have gotten a job on my own and thereby losing the social network that I enjoy..."

why would you be disowned, or, more importantly, why would you keep this step from her? do you feel she won't be supportive? do you think she'll tell you 'you're not ready' ? your teacher, if she is successfully and gainfully dancing out, and a respected member of the community is EXACTLY where you need to go for this advice! from the little things like 'wear a coverup between sets' to big things like, 'how to put together a contract, or negotiate a wage'. if she's not able, there are other avenues, oh, like bhuz :p, but i'm sure there are forums in your area (we've got good ones in baltimore), there's shira.net, samira's page, zhagareet magazine, morocco's got great links, so you're not 'alone'.....it IS intimidating contacting venues on your own, but you are presenting YOURSELF, and who better to put that forward? you won't lose your 'circle' by spreading your wings, unless those people are threatened by your new independence...true community will be supportive, so i think you'll still maintain the camaraderie by those who want you to succeed

the hardest part, aside from educating yourself, is deciding on a wage, and STICKING to your guns! avoid undercutting, so become aware of the area rates, and if they don't want to pay, BE PREPARED TO WALK AWAY.....little things like making sure your costumes are quality items (can get expensive), in good repair, full performance make-up expertly applied, good accessories, excellent deportment, and the best accessory ever? CONFIDENCE! be prepared to INVEST! costumes, accessories need to be well fitting, selected carefully, cuz as one friend told me, "to make money, it needs to LOOK like money!" and it's SO true, better to have 3 good egyptian designer deals than 6 el-cheapos....good photos, good website, business cards, appearance in interview, the whole nine!

it's work, and can have it's drawbacks, but if you're ready, it can be a blast!, just remember to keep enjoying it, cuz when it starts to feel like 'work', it's time to stop.......

I like all the advice above.

You mentioned that you like being part of a group, so you'll want to be very careful how you go out on your own. I'm sure you've thought about this, but if you approach venues that already have dancers & take nights away from them, you could wind up burning bridges with your current group AND alienating every other group in town!

I'd tell my troupe director the truth. You probably know if she's the sort of person who might fly off the handle at the idea of your contacting the 'outside world,' but remember that you can't control her behavior. Your only responsibility is your own behavior, and I'd want to know that I behaved admirably. If your troupe director hasn't actually done anything wrong, she deserves to hear from you why you're leaving. (and if she's putting underpaid dancers in restaurants, it can't hurt for her to know that people aren't happy about it!)

If I were you, and undecided about going solo vs. joining a new group, I'd hold off on going solo for a bit and try taking classes from a few other groups in town. There must be more than one that performs regularly? I'd spend a few months being a student, getting a feel for each group (and director) and see how I felt about them. Have a little chitchat with the instructors/directors -- I'd try to let them know I'd left my current troupe but not get drawn into badmouthing the director!

One of them might approach you about taking a gig, if they know you've been dancing pro and have left your group.

Anyway, after getting to know them, it should be much easier to make decisions about whether to join one of those groups or go out on your own.

(and of course, do realize that a small, tightknit group may not be open to new dancers at all! You might get a feel for that, too, by taking some classes or privates)

My old company director was the type of person who would fly off the handle if I told her I was going off on my own, so I didn't. I told her I didn't have time to be in the company any more (which was true - it was killing me!) and that I appreciated all she taught me.

Not a lie, just not the "whole" truth. But I live in NY, where I was able to blend into the pro dance world without being noticed by my old teacher. I don't know how the scene is where you live?

Good luck!

So, is it customary that a owner ask for you to audition?

It's customary over here for an owner to meet you and discuss your skills/what they want in a performance. You could bring a cd and a costume for a short audition during the day, but not when the restaurant is open for customers.

Shimmyshake, some people say regret is worse then fear. If you look back two years from now, would you rather regret not branching out because you didn't face your fears? As for your social network: try to build your own network with other dancers in your area. Nothing special, go to workshops, talk with other dancers, find a common ground to talk about (dance!) and try to build new relationships within your community. Most friendships/other relationships change over time anyway. People change. Without branching out, you might still lose her support because of other reasons.

About joining another troupe: you say that you're tired of the troupe thing. Maybe you should take some time for yourself to find out what you want from dance and wether the troupe you'd want to join could offer it. Fair wages? There are a lot of dancers out there who can get those on their own. More gigs? True, it's harder on your own, but there is no aggrevating over 'she got a gig that I wanted'. A social network? That might be a good point, but not if you feel like 'betraying' your old troupe. Taking time off to work on yourself can provide a buffer between the new and old situation that would make it less confusing.

Thank you all for your input. :)

Any other advice from seasoned striking-out-on-one's-owners? :)

just simply study, network with experienced performers (and on bhuz, you are :p), and above all, be YOURSELF! and CONFIDENT! the rest is trial and error....don't agree to a free audition on a business night, read up on all the resources everyone's mentioned, and oh, did i say study?

one newbie had the nards to ask me, 'so how long before you felt you could hold up studying and perform?', i told her flat out, 'i STILL study, and will forever'

it helps if you find a mentor, a performer you admire and trust...and many you network will give you an expanded social circle, so....branch out!

invest in quality, costumes, make-up, cards, website, study with as many as possible and just hone your craft and NEVER show the owners, clients, whatever, that you're nervous! confidence is everything! you clearly feel you're ready, and if qualified dancers around you agree, then it's a matter of projecting that to prospective clients....

as for the social aspect, those that want you to succeed will support you, and show they are true friends, if they don't, or feel 'betrayed', well, that speaks for itself..........everyone grows wings, and many fly, your friends will wave and hopefully follow when THEY are ready

Everyone has really good advice. I will repeat what Ruta said- talk to your teacher.
Most teachers, if you are ready, will be supportive of your branching out. Good teachers will give you honest feedback as to whether or not you are ready. Jealous teachers (they exist, but not the majority) will try to hold you back. It's even better if you have multiple teachers as you can get several viewpoints.
One good way to get into the scene is to perform in any local hafla/dancer event. This gets you more solo practice, and if you are ready it's likely other dancers who are out working will notice and maybe even approach you.
You don't say your location in your profile, so I have no idea what the business is like in your area. That would help us give you better, more specific advice.
If a restaurant has a dancer doing the schedule, it's polite to contact the dancer about it. If you don't know, you can contact the manager. A nice way to word it is "If you ever need a substitute I'd be very happy to help out". That way it's clear you are not trying to take anyone's spot. Over time though someone will leave (college, kids, who knows what) and if they are happy with you as a sub then you will be asked to be on the schedule.