Thread: Starting a Troupe

Pardon me for asking a silly question...

I've had quite a few of my students (most of which are extremely talented) asking about starting a troupe and doing performances. I've always wanted to start a troupe, but to be honest didn't know how to start one up...as I have just never been involved with the logistics behind such things.

It looks like I am going to have to rent space....a have a couple of feelers out for this right now, so I'll know what that cost will be soon hopefully. I was thinking about having students pay monthly dues to help cover costs of rental space and things like veils, zills, etc. I would have the troupe members be responsible for their own costume costs (from what I've heard this is pretty common).

So, any ideas, advice, etc. from those of you who have been there and done that? I want to be fair, but I also do not want to end up with the short end of the stick, so to speak... :)

Thanks!

zorba had a thread a while back about starting a more democratic troupe but alot of great info in it

http://www.bhuz.com/forum/rest-belly...should-we.html

from my own experience as a student, troupes operate best when the rules and expectations are clear and followed consistently.

I recently started one. My only advice is, try your best to get a free space first. I was also looking a rental spaces at first, but then I realized that I'd be losing money by doing that. People will get sick, have to work late, have pms, go to a nephew's school recital etc. so it's really scary to count on people to be there with money in hand. The rent payment will be due every month and it's on you to pay it. Shoot, I won't even tell you how many practices we have had before I got everybody in the same room just last week. Of course I have a decently-sized troupe, so maybe your situation is different.

We have a girl in the group that has a connection with an old church and we're meeting there for free. This week that girl is on vacation so we're actually meeting at somebody's house and may end up dancing in the front yard if the weather allows for it.

I suggest that you make each member sign a contract explaining the rules behind being a member. Focus on commitment requirements, costume requirements, and attitude.

Make it known that this is a professional troupe and requires professional attitudes. Also - you need to write out the requirements for lessons. Like - if you miss more than two lessons, you may not be able to perform in the next performance. Also - the costume requirements like everyone needs to have one gold bra/belt set from Joharah and a red skirt to start.

Just tossing out some ideas to think about...

Thanks, ladies! I am trying to get a free spot through my church first, but I know how sometimes the word "belly dance" on an application puts off the older conservative midwestern types. :)

I've also told some of my students who are interested to put out their feelers for a space as well... :)