Thread: I'm Writing "The Conoisseur's Guide to Hiring a Belly Dancer"

Originally Posted by bdaddiction

So how can I get word of mouth? I wouldn't know where to begin if it wasn't for the web. Now this might not be true for dancers who live in big cities and have big reputations. But, when you live in a city where this dance is not as popular yet and still up and coming. It is hard not to have these things. I mean I seriously only found one dancer in my area that suits my needs on the internet. I am sure there are more, and hopefully I will find them eventually, once I can get out there and do my search.

Networking, networking, networking. Hook up with agencies, join your local Chamber of Commerce or local entepreneur meetup groups, reach out to compatible noncompetitors (i.e. bridal shops, wedding planners, event marketing firms, DJ's). All of the above have worked beautifully for me and for a lot of other dancers I know.

Key to joining a Chamber of Commerce or entepreneur group is that you actually have to participate and listen to other people, though - that, I'm sure you'd have no problem with

I think the focus of a guide for the GP about how to hire a belly dancer and what to look for should start with the reminder that getting the most for your hard earned money doesn't mean going for the least expensive dancer, because the money you save may cost you and your guests a professional, enjoyable, experience with a dancer who knows how to cater to your needs and who will guide you with her experience about how to make your party/event as enjoyable, entertaining, and family-friendly as possible.

And that the GP probably needs some advice about what questions to ask, how to take into consideration the fact that there are different styles of dance/performers, what references/visuals/services they can reasonably expect to get if they request them,what plans and contracts might be needed or asked of them and a short, to the point, description of what some first-time customers often think they want (like one hour sets) and why other options are better for the parties and events in general.
I'd imagine it needs to brief, with minimal adjective and adverbial spooging, so they don't lose interest.

I don't think it is wise to address bad dancers head on, just what questions to ask and what sort of answers they can expect and should receive from a professionally dancer. The questions section should be able to help them weed out less professional dancers (can I see photos of what sort of costume I can expect and what you currently look like when performing, what sort of experience do you have with X styled parties, what sort of package would you think would be suitable for X style party, do you have any references I can request? blah blah blah) in a manner that doesn't have to scream "SOME DANCERS SUCK!" because dwelling on the horrors could scare off a customer from any of us.

I also think it is unwise to put much emphasis on how a dancer markets herself in her bio...because the suckiest dancer in the world might just be a marketing genius and to cast too many aspersions on bio styles runs the risk of the GP being anxious for no good reason, distrusting things needlessly and deciding there are too many pitfalls to hiring a dancer.

This actually is how the article's been structured so far. As it's a guide for connoisseurs (la de da!), it addresses the finer points and the positives to look for. I didn't even use the word Six-Week Wonder or Suzy Nippletassels once in my actual piece, nor did I even imply either of the above. They're really not relevant to what I'm writing. But qualifications certainly are. And there are positive ways to say, "Make sure you're hiring somebody who's on top of their game and continues their studies so they can put on a quality show for you and your guests."

Somebody mentioned phrases and keywords to look for in less qualified dancers, and unfortunately, we derailed into my personal pet peeves about vague copywriting, and everybody else's pet peeves about my pet peeves.

Back to the topic at hand, I like your suggestion of dispelling what the customer thinks they might want, like a 1-hour set. That seems to be a biggie for a lot of us.

Originally Posted by _Tanya_

I don't think anyone is arguing against this point. I don't think the big city scene will ever be the same as a local town scenario. Again, and this is the last time I'll state it, my issue is posting ON A PUBLIC FORUM, tell-tale signs of an unprofessional/un-educated dancer, that have no basis in facts and NOTHING to do with reality.

If someone looking to hire a dancer googles "guide to hiring a bellydancer" and this thread pops up, and they click it and read, and get to the posts about how to spot a so-called "nippletasler" and then reflect on my site, and my friends sites, and other dancers who I don't know but who also lack what ever specifics were mentioned, then they very well may pass us over.

This is why I spoke up with my two cents. And again I'm not knocking any local scene in and state or country, it's all different. I am just simply stating, blanket statements suck. What works for you may not work for me, but I would never get on a forum and post that what was working for you now qualifies you as a "six week wonder" or un-professional.

continued

I wasn't even quoting you. Nor did I say it was about you, or what you said.

I was just giving suggestions for the OP. That is what this thread is about.

Originally Posted by ozma

I think the focus of a guide for the GP about how to hire a belly dancer and what to look for should start with the reminder that getting the most for your hard earned money doesn't mean going for the least expensive dancer, because the money you save may cost you and your guests a professional, enjoyable, experience with a dancer who knows how to cater to your needs and who will guide you with her experience about how to make your party/event as enjoyable, entertaining, and family-friendly as possible.

EXACTLY!!!! ..g.:

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

Networking, networking, networking. Hook up with agencies, join your local Chamber of Commerce or local entepreneur meetup groups, reach out to compatible noncompetitors (i.e. bridal shops, wedding planners, event marketing firms, DJ's). All of the above have worked beautifully for me and for a lot of other dancers I know.

Key to joining a Chamber of Commerce or entepreneur group is that you actually have to participate and listen to other people, though - that, I'm sure you'd have no problem with

I am sure I will get there. The whole scene is starting to get popular out here and when I do, I am sure I will find something out!

I quoted you because I wanted to make it clear that the ways that you go about hiring a dancer work for you. There is nothing wrong with anything you wrote, nor have I disagreed with you. My post was to highlight the differences in different locales. And the ire in my post was directed at people who go on public forums and make incorrect blanket statements under the guise of "assistance." I in no way meant for it to seem as if I was mad or yelling at you.

If you so feel the need to "pass me over" because I defended my strategies and the strategies of people I know that is your choice. I hope you find dancers in your area that are well suited to your wedding (congratulations btw.) I hope your local community grows and that your dance passion continues.

Originally Posted by bdaddiction

I am sure I will get there. The whole scene is starting to get popular out here and when I do, I am sure I will find something out!

That's so exciting. The great thing about a fresh new scene is that the opportunities are equally fresh and untapped. And so are the attitudes. You have a good shot at helping your peers set a positive paradigm for many future generations for dancers. What's not to love about that?

I don't know how many ME restaurants are in your town, but as always, feel free to pick my brain for suggestions on creating new possibilities in nontraditional venues. You know where to find me

Originally Posted by _Tanya_

I quoted you because I wanted to make it clear that the ways that you go about hiring a dancer work for you. There is nothing wrong with anything you wrote, nor have I disagreed with you. My post was to highlight the differences in different locales. And the ire in my post was directed at people who go on public forums and make incorrect blanket statements under the guise of "assistance." I in no way meant for it to seem as if I was mad or yelling at you.

If you so feel the need to "pass me over" because I defended my strategies and the strategies of people I know that is your choice. I hope you find dancers in your area that are well suited to your wedding (congratulations btw.) I hope your local community grows and that your dance passion continues.

Thanks! We have been cohabiting for a very long time and it is time to do the deed, now that we have the money for it.

Your website looks fabulous and if I was looking for a dancer, I probably wouldn't even care what this forum says, but that is just me. I know how consumers or people can be. Don't worry about what people think of you, because of a thread. Taking my own advice. You definitely have a voice of opinion. I just hope that you don't think my answer was about you, because it wasn't. It just gave me food for thought about having websites.

I don't know jack about who has what training and so on and so forth. I just agree that I wouldn't want anyone in a Mariah Carey butterfly top dancing for me at any venue. LOL... That definitely does not show professionalism, because as a student I wouldn't wear that awful thing. ..l;,

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

That's so exciting. The great thing about a fresh new scene is that the opportunities are equally fresh and untapped. And so are the attitudes. You have a good shot at helping your peers set a positive paradigm for many future generations for dancers. What's not to love about that?

I don't know how many ME restaurants are in your town, but as always, feel free to pick my brain for suggestions on creating new possibilities in nontraditional venues. You know where to find me

I think there are like maybe three? One that I know one dancer is the head dancer. What is a head dancer, is that like a boss? I dunno. ..l;, She seems to know where all the hoopla is.

Originally Posted by bdaddiction

I don't know jack about who has what training and so on and so forth. I just agree that I wouldn't want anyone in a Mariah Carey butterfly top dancing for me at any venue. LOL... That definitely does not show professionalism, because as a student I wouldn't wear that awful thing. ..l;,

Right. I think BDers would be doing a disservice to the eyeballs of America, and perpetuating a host of harmful stereotypes, if we became too fuzzy-wuzzy and P.C. to gently communicate a good standard of aesthetics.

I think this all begins in the classroom. Teachers should proactively direct their performance-ready students to some of the many helpful articles on tasteful costuming, in order to avoid future SNAFU's.

Happily, many customers seem to know the difference between professional and student costuming. Recently, I've had some clients say to me, "I spoke with another dancer, but I thought it was a little funny that she wears all these halter tops and cotton skirts. Most other dancers dress more glamorous!"

Goes to show that customers aren't completely misguided on the subject of BD. Some just need to see it all on paper

Originally Posted by bdaddiction

I think there are like maybe three? One that I know one dancer is the head dancer. What is a head dancer, is that like a boss? I dunno. ..l;, She seems to know where all the hoopla is.

Yes and no, to the boss comment. Sometimes, a house dancer has 100% of the hiring power. Other times, she shares it with the owner. It all depends on the community and the venue, so it's always best to get a feel for who specifically makes the decisions.

Three's a good start! Plus, don't forget private parties, weddings, corporate events....there's more to BD than restaurants, which you probably already know. In fact, nearly 100% of my gigs are private events, which has quite a few upsides. At least, against my personal preferences

Originally Posted by bdaddiction

Thanks! We have been cohabiting for a very long time and it is time to do the deed, now that we have the money for it.

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

Right. I think BDers would be doing a disservice to the eyeballs of America, and perpetuating a host of harmful stereotypes, if we became too fuzzy-wuzzy and P.C. to gently communicate a good standard of aesthetics.

I think this all begins in the classroom. Teachers should proactively direct their performance-ready students to some of the many helpful articles on tasteful costuming, in order to avoid future SNAFU's.

Happily, many customers seem to know the difference between professional and student costuming. Recently, I've had some clients say to me, "I spoke with another dancer, but I thought it was a little funny that she wears all these halter tops and cotton skirts. Most other dancers dress more glamorous!"

Goes to show that customers aren't completely misguided on the subject of BD. Some just need to see it all on paper

Funny story: My instructor now has to give a list for each class (she teaches everything from ballet to jazz) of what to wear with the costume. One time she told us a nightmare at dress rehearsal that the student didn't wear panties under her skirt. And you know what happens when you wear a skirt, especially the circle skirts with the split, and spin. Too much information... ..l;, She also had instances wear they wouldn't wear the panties with the pantyhose - so once again, too much information. lol...

I use to help every year and give a list of costume websites for the students to order from, but they complained and said it was too expensive. The instructor gets the catalogs with all the dance costumes, which only have minimal belly dance gear. They are usually geared towards you know ballet, lyrical, jazz, etc. She also has a vendor she uses that sells great products, especially the coin bra and belt sets for what I think is pretty reasonable. Still too expensive. They complain that they don't have many choices in the catalog, but it was like HELLO I gave you a list. Let me tell you I included Moondance Bellydance, and it was still too much. ..c:: I am so lucky that I can sew.

What type of costuming did they have in mind? I mean, I doubt a skirt from Moondance costs any more than one of those harem outfits from Frederick's of Hollywood .w.: . They actually have some great stuff on sale now! I'd treat myself to a little shopping spree on Moondance if I wore more circle skirts and harems.

If I weren't in the doghouse at the moment, I'd write an illustrated article on matching your underpinnings to your costume! Actually, come to think of it, that's a pretty legitimate topic of interest, considering that a lot of popular costumes have cutouts at the hip, fit extremely snug, or have hiiiiiigh slits without bike shorts attached!

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

What type of costuming did they have in mind? I mean, I doubt a skirt from Moondance costs any more than one of those harem outfits from Frederick's of Hollywood .w.: . They actually have some great stuff on sale now! I'd treat myself to a little shopping spree on Moondance if I wore more circle skirts and harems.

I have no clue, man... They end up buying from the catalog, and complaining they don't look like they do on the model. It is just like catalog shopping it never does. The thing is if you go to dance school you have to expect that your costume is an expense. Even when the children go they spend $100 per class just on a costume, that is small as hell! ..l;,

Hmm... call me cagey, but I think- rather then appearing to sneer or risking 'oh, they are jealous' it would be more valuable to truly lead the client by the nose and try and get them thinking... so they learn to sneer at the belly bunnies :)

Anyway, the below needs copious tweaking but:

A dancer, like any other professional, will have had extensive training. They will likely have been shaped by a few primary teachers, so look out for these in their promotional material. You may even recognise them if they are local artists!

A true professional will also have sought additional training through workshops and private lessons with other dancers to shape and enhance her skill repitoire. Be aware, some dancers may give only a partial list on promotional material simply for clarity of reading. So always feel free to ask. A professional performer will be able to give you more information if requested.

It can be difficult to evaluate any of this, however, if you are not a dancer or in the community yourself. Like in other facets of life, be aware that copious name dropping and super long lists may not be an accurate reflection of skill. A comfortable and accomplished performer will have no problem discussing her training with you, and will give acknowledgement to those who have helped them to the pinnacle of their art whislt also being confident enough to stand by themselves as an artist as well.

A professional will have a varied and wide experience with shows of all types, both ones she helps organise and others. If you don't see anything like your needs, it doesn't necissarily mean she is not experienced in them. Some dancers may list only events that are open to the public, and so private parties and conferences may not feature, or the sheer confines of space may have not allowed inclusion. Alternativley, of course, she may not have the experience you are looking for. Your best course is to ask. A professional will be able to tell you more about functions similar to yours she has had experience with, and as an extension, the best way to approach yours, where a dancer less capable of handling your needs will not.

Likewise, give some consideration to the costuming. You may not be fully cogniscant of the subtle variations of style and nuance in belly dance costumes, but some universal principles apply. Are the dancer's costumes clean and neat? Do they appear to be in good repair? Do they present a unified, slick overall picture, or do they seem to be mismatched or pieced together? Like any other businessman, a professional dresses the part. A pro dancer's costume will have cost a great deal of money, and you can see this reflected in their presentation and appearence.

Lastly, remember all dancers regardless of level will have a great love of the art. A professional, however, will be able to substantiate their particular passions more thoroughly, and give you the concrete acheivements that these have helped her to achieve.