Spinoff on Relocating Ethics Thread: How and When to Set Up Shop

[SatinWorship19]

There have been a lot of great threads about relocation. Needless to say, I've had a lot of reading material these past couple of days!

We've talked a lot about how to jump into classes and haflas, make new friends, and all that fun stuff. The one topic I'd like to explore in greater detail is how and when to set up your business once you've made it to your new home. This seems like it could potentially be a delicate matter, and I want to make sure I develop my business in a non-threatening, non-invasive manner when I get to my new home.

Obviously, you don't want to galavant into a new town and immediately start looking for gigs. In fact, I actually want to take something of a break from gigging when I get to FL. When is an appropriate time to start actively pursuing work? How do you get accurate information on going rates and other regional protocol? How do you establish your business, with arms outstretched, saying "I come in peace?"

Of course, I probably won't be moving until late Fall, realistically speaking. But it's never too soon to ask...

[BreaMorgiane]

I'd also like advice on this subject! ..g.:

[kharis_UK]

There have been a lot of great threads about relocation. Needless to say, I've had a lot of reading material these past couple of days!

We've talked a lot about how to jump into classes and haflas, make new friends, and all that fun stuff. The one topic I'd like to explore in greater detail is how and when to set up your business once you've made it to your new home. This seems like it could potentially be a delicate matter, and I want to make sure I develop my business in a non-threatening, non-invasive manner when I get to my new home.

Obviously, you don't want to galavant into a new town and immediately start looking for gigs. In fact, I actually want to take something of a break from gigging when I get to FL. When is an appropriate time to start actively pursuing work? How do you get accurate information on going rates and other regional protocol? How do you establish your business, with arms outstretched, saying "I come in peace?"

Of course, I probably won't be moving until late Fall, realistically speaking. But it's never too soon to ask...

It is hard breaking out on your own, but it can be done. I first got gigs because I got friendly with a dancer called Jane who worked in Warrington near to where I lived. I went to see her dance and she was kind enough to understand where I was coming from and from time to time she needed cover and gave it to me. We did a few gigs between us and eventually, I got other work through other dancers also but got my own too, because word got around that I was good. However, I never approached a restaurant directly. I didn't have to. What I did do is forge relationships with other dancers. Good relationships. And this included being trustworthy and honorable enough for the dancers helping me to know that I would not steal a gig.

An incident occurred where I was covering for a dancer, and the restaurant owner wanted to drop her (she'd been working for years at the restaurant) and asked me to take over. I refused. That girl had trusted me enough to give me that break and I wasn't going to abuse that. The owner realised that he could not play with us one against the other and things continued as before. She kept her job, I got the cover. Nobody got hurt. I have had this reciprocated, but also had this abused and had gigs taken from me. But it doesn't change my ethic.

I think work comes to those who are good at what they do but also have some integrity regarding a work ethic. I understand that there is perhaps a dearth of work in certain areas where dancers are located and it's hard to break into the business because of this. This then takes on a scenario or mindset that perhaps all gigs are prey. I don't think that's necessary at the end of the day.

[petitefifidance]

It is hard breaking out on your own, but it can be done. I first got gigs because I got friendly with a dancer called Jane who worked in Warrington near to where I lived. I went to see her dance and she was kind enough to understand where I was coming from and from time to time she needed cover and gave it to me. We did a few gigs between us and eventually, I got other work through other dancers also but got my own too, because word got around that I was good. However, I never approached a restaurant directly. I didn't have to. What I did do is forge relationships with other dancers. Good relationships. And this included being trustworthy and honorable enough for the dancers helping me to know that I would not steal a gig.

An incident occurred where I was covering for a dancer, and the restaurant owner wanted to drop her (she'd been working for years at the restaurant) and asked me to take over. I refused. That girl had trusted me enough to give me that break and I wasn't going to abuse that. The owner realised that he could not play with us one against the other and things continued as before. She kept her job, I got the cover. Nobody got hurt. I have had this reciprocated, but also had this abused and had gigs taken from me. But it doesn't change my ethic.

I think work comes to those who are good at what they do but also have some integrity regarding a work ethic. I understand that there is perhaps a dearth of work in certain areas where dancers are located and it's hard to break into the business because of this. This then takes on a scenario or mindset that perhaps all gigs are prey. I don't think that's necessary at the end of the day.

Nice advice. You take the right approach. Take classes and mingle and make friends. Depending on where you go, new teachers are usually welcomed with open arms!

[Souzan]

The town you are moving to is fairly small, but only one of a necklace of communities up and down the coast. I would get out a map and take a look at all the towns up and down I-95 and US A1A that are a driveable distance. And then try to find established dancers and teachers in those areas so that you have a community to introduce yourself to. At Festival on the Nile last weekend there were several performers from that area that I know are well established, teach, put on events, etc. One of these is Lilith and the other is Melinda. Both have husbands who are very accomplished drummers. You can find contact info for them at beledy.net on the Florida Belly Dance page.

Cocoa is a beach town. While there probably isn't an Arabic community, if you check up and down the coast for towns tht have Greek Catholic Churches you will find Greek restaurants. And in Florida many even small communities that support commercial fishing will have healthy Greek communities. Down here Greek restaurants are often actually owned and operated by Lebanese or Syrian families. You are more likely to find an Arabic community in college towns or in the bigger cities like Jacksonville and Orlando.

Of course there are lots of dancers and work opportunities in Orlando. But there may be oportunities closer to home and you do want to make yourself known to other dancers in a positive way.

Some things to keep in mind. There are very, very few opportunities to work with live music. Drummers, yes. Full band, no. Biker bars are all over the Atlantic coast. Miami is a culturally a world away from North and Central Florida. It takes longer to get from one end of Florida to the other than it does to drive from Atlanta to New York City. So don't let distances to bigger events throw you off. Think about going to Oasis Dance Camp South. Great educational opporunity and way to network with established dancers from Florida. Other big events would include Festival on the Nile in Orlando every spring and fall and Babylon Breeze/Stellar Advantage Customer Appreciation workshops and intensives also in Orlando. Little Egypt occassionally does workshops in Miami. And there are big Miami events put on by a variety of dancers down there. All of these draw people from all over the country.

Good luck and I hope to meet you next fall someplace, sometime. I am in Tallahassee.

Souzan

[SatinWorship19]

Nice. ALL good stuff.

This time around, I'm actually looking to take a couple months or so off from performing to meet new people, start taking classes, and familiarize myself with the lay of the land. With so much to take in, I'm not even sure I'll have the ambition to perform just yet! It sounds like there will be some nice opportunities to connect with like-minded people.

Biker bars, huh? Do I need to get a studded leather Eman? ..l;,

[BreaMorgiane]

Thanks for all the information, as I am moving soon as well and want to be a part of the community. I am an ethical dancer so that shouldn't be a problem, and where I'm going I couldn't take gigs because people from other countries can't work in entertainment. However, I would like to continue teaching, so I want to make a smooth transition.

Satin - love your new profile pic! Pretty! I am jealous of your move to Florida. ..g.:

[Fotia]

I think taking new classes is a great idea. It's saying you still consider yourself a student even if you are a professional. And this would also be a good way to attend some of their haflas, which looks like you are sincere about becoming a part of the community without cutting in on others' earnings, etc. Good luck!

Wish I was moving to Florida - man, I hate cold weather!

[Souzan]

Nice. ALL good stuff.

This time around, I'm actually looking to take a couple months or so off from performing to meet new people, start taking classes, and familiarize myself with the lay of the land. With so much to take in, I'm not even sure I'll have the ambition to perform just yet! It sounds like there will be some nice opportunities to connect with like-minded people.

Biker bars, huh? Do I need to get a studded leather Eman? ..l;,

Sent you a pm

[SatinWorship19]

Souzan - PM'ed you back! You've been such a huge help, so thank you again!

Fotia - you and me both! I can't deal any longer with 3-4 months out of the year where I'm cranky, despondent and unproductive. Winter brings out my absolute worst. I'm sooooooooooo ready to be happy, content and comfortable year round, and to feel like I'm in my element! My boyfriend's brother lives in Cocoa and he can't get enough of the boating, outdoor parties, fishing, and being near the beach. The ocean moves and inspires me. I belong in a little beach town!

Brea - thanks for the avatar love! My boyfriend and I did some pictures near the beach over the weekend. We had a spectacular sunset. I, too, can't wait to make myself more useful in a new dance community. Sounds like there are a lot of folks in FL who are just as passionate and committed as I am.

[BreaMorgiane]

You're welcome, Satin! Your photos always seem to turn out great. What would Celtic fantasy do without us?

I hope to find the same where I am moving; at least I know of some Bhuzzers in the general area!

[Lauren_]

I'd go to restaurant shows, applaud, tip, introduce myself & exchange business cards afterwards. Other dancers I'd contact via e-mail just to introduce myself and ask to be on their mailing list for haflas and any other events they sponsor.

By all means, take a class if there's someone who interests you, and attend any haflas or community events you learn about.

But I wouldn't bend over too far. I wouldn't take a class I didn't really want -- and you can't worry too much about not threatening them. If a new pro-level dancer comes to town, you can bet people are going to feel threatened no matter what you do, and some will deal with that better then others. Their reactions will be a reflection on them, and other than being friendly and open, you don't have much control over their reactions and a lot of things you might try will only backfire anyway. Taking a class, for instance, could be seen as an attempt to spy or steal students rather than an attempt at humility and friendship.

If you meet dancers you like, invite them over to watch videos or just have dinner. Socialize for sure.

But when you're ready to seek out a gig or hang up your teaching shingle, you don't need anyone's permission. You can anticipate that some dancers will react protectively - even neurotically - and armor yourself emotionally against that.

In other words, I'd behave in a friendly and professional manner and ignore anyone who refused to reciprocate.

[SatinWorship19]

Lauren, good advice as always.

I'm partially preparing myself for people to be (at least) curious about me. But I think you're right, that the goal is to show good intentions from day one, and give no reasonable person the option of thinking that you're up to no good. Kill 'em with kindness, right?

If anything, I think I'm going to be incredibly humbled by the move. Florida seems to be home to some highly trained dancers who are far more experienced than I am. I'm already buttoning up my Belly Dance Big Kid Pants and catching myself up to snuff. Interestingly, Florida appears to skew more Egyptian and more contemporary than what's popular in my region. So I'm looking to study more Egyptian and take up a little bit of ballet, just to ease my transition into the classroom.

[BreaMorgiane]

A big question for me is - how long do I wait? I'm ethical, I'm a nice person (though a bit gruff!), I do have the best intentions. I understand the idea of introducing yourself to the community, but teaching is also my portable business, and it becomes a question of politeness vs I need to work. I'd be interested in participating in haflas and taking classes at the same time, of course, but how do you reconcile the two, keep the peace, and avoid ostracization? I want to do the right things in my new home, but I also would prefer to work at the same time.

[kharis_UK]

Nice advice. You take the right approach. Take classes and mingle and make friends. Depending on where you go, new teachers are usually welcomed with open arms!

It always worked for me. And I was not short of work. Dancers need to be able to trust each other. And when you can be trusted, this good and positive energy and intention comes back to you.

[Lauren_]

A big question for me is - how long do I wait? I'm ethical, I'm a nice person (though a bit gruff!), I do have the best intentions. I understand the idea of introducing yourself to the community, but teaching is also my portable business, and it becomes a question of politeness vs I need to work. I'd be interested in participating in haflas and taking classes at the same time, of course, but how do you reconcile the two, keep the peace, and avoid ostracization? I want to do the right things in my new home, but I also would prefer to work at the same time.

I don't know that waiting vs. not waiting will make a whit of difference.

I had my whole county to myself for years. Then another teacher moved in about 3 miles from my house. She e-mailed me, introduced herself, and informed me of her intention to start teaching. We set up a lunch date for the following week to discuss how to compete without stepping on each other's toes.

I admit, it took me a few days to settle down. I wasn't angry at her, she handled things beautifully -- but I was pretty spoiled up to that point.

When we had lunch, she ran by me the list of potential teaching venues she was considering -- which was REALLY smart. I was able to tell her where I'd taught in the past, been offered ridiculously low pay, etc as well as where I was currently in negotiations to teach next. Some of her ideas were very good and covered areas that didn't overlap much with mine, which made them a good choice from both our perspectives. We decided to co-host a showcase together at a local restaurant to help generate interest in our classes, and it was our intention to work together to help build awareness and interest in the community in the future.

Our event was great fun, and we referred students back and forth for about a year since our locations and teaching schedules were very different.

As it turned out, her day job interfered with her classes, and then she moved away again so some of that never got off the ground. But I always thought the way she handled herself was professional, polite and really, really smart. She never asked my permission, she didn't suck up to me, but she smoothed my rumpled feathers nicely.

[Ahmber]

I have relocated, set up shop, relocated, set up shop four times. And I am doing it agian, but this time half way around the world! I take the approch Lauren posted. Go out and see the shows go to the resarunts, haflas and classes. See where all the other dancers have there studios and plan accordingly. You could also ask established instructors about teaching classes from there studio.