Thread: What do you think?

Need to bounce this off other dancers for thoughts & ideas...

The owners of an upscale spa & salon approached me to submit a proposal/pricing on doing a once a month gig as a way to draw more clients in. I tried to get a little more info from them as to what they want & what they're planning but it seems the details are still trying to be hammered out, so I didn't get much info. They're more interested in pricing right now. However, they did really liked my suggestion of doing a 30min mini-lesson.

I can give them pricing on that, with game at the end & a prize, no problem. But what else could I offer, or what other ideas are there for mini-lesson type stuff at businesses? I could offer a short performance as well, couldn't hurt to throw it out there. Any ideas or variations on mini-lessons? I want to give a couple of options with different prices, then reiterate to them I can also tailor to whatever they have in mind...but right now I don't think they know for certain what they have in mind. I'll have to consider pricing on this, too, because the potential to gain students from this is good, however I don't want to short-change myself, either.

Thoughts? Ideas? My brain's on the blink so far today, so I need a little help brain-storming.

Maybe you could propose a series of mini lessons with different themes, so that people keep coming back to try the different classes each time. Plus the performance of course.

Examples: Shimmies; Arabic Pop Music (Dance Like Shakira?); Finger Cymbals (you would have to have a bunch of loaners, though); Veil Dancing, etc.

The game and prize sound like fun ideas. I think you should make it fun for people to participate.

Maybe you can work with other spa people to make an even bigger Girls Night Out type of event. You know, have one of their makeup artists give mini-makeovers or something.

This would be a great way to help the spa move more of their proprietary makeup lines and boost new client signup for the makeup artist's services, in addition to the fun and excitement of your delightful dancing ..g.:

themed lessons are a thought. i think they're probably planning something like a 'happy hour' type of thing - a set time frame (2hrs?) & provide a few services at reduced rates.

think i'll suggest or mention mini-mani's & mini-makeovers, just to give ideas. they gave me no info to work with so i feel like i'm flying blind here. but, seem open to suggestions/ideas.

I think in these situations its nice to offer a menu of possible belly dance offerings with prices plus some suggestions for ways to pair belly dance with the spa concept and price these according to duration starting at $XYZ/hr (barefoot belly dance--a relaxing foot soak & pedicure, followed by a belly dance lesson to show off the pretty polish; shimmies and champagne: perfect for bridal parties, a belly dance performance during mani/pedi/spa treatment, followed by optional mini lesson...)

I'm wondering if my pricing is too high (or too low). Rates are different around the region, I know, but How do you price your mini lessons? For mini lesson only do you base it on your per set gig rate, or on your private lesson rate for students? The owners have asked for a few options with pricing and I'd like to get back to them tonight so we can seal the deal.

Can you really do anything in 30 minutes? I understand that it can be hard to commit to an hour (or longer) class, but that is so short.
Definitely the themed class! Fun, fun!

As far as pricing, my party lessons, are still considered parties to me, so I charge accordingly. I don't have as much make up or have to worry about costume wear and tear, but there is more prep-time required.

Good luck!

I am in negotiations with the local Curves manager that wants to do something similar.
I agree with Sandra- the shortest class I would feel even remotely comfortable with is 45 minutes, & that's pushing it- especially when you've got giddy girls-nighters...

aside from that, I would give them kind of a menu- 45 minute lesson $XXX additional performance $XXX Performance only $XXX- That way they have a range of options & prices to consider, & you can do the same for other add ons you can think of. If you want, you can also throw in an incentive like 5th gig free, or a discount for X number of bookings. Do make sure they are okay with you handing out your business cards/regular class/performance info too.

Well the point of the mini lesson is it's just supposed to be fun and short. A couple of cute combos put together and executed to ME pop so the customer can feel like they learned a taste of something, leave with a good feeling and 1) hopefully come to my class & 2) have happy thoughts about the spa & become a customer there. mini-lesson is followed by 5-10min game with a hip scarf prize.

This is a spa where customers will be coming in & out during a 'happy hour' of sorts getting mini-manicures & such. It is not a scheduled group or party being held at a spa.

I get what you're saying about a class, my actual classes are an hour, but this isn't a full on class. It'd be like if you were GP & went to have a mini-mani done somewhere you heard about & they had a dancer there giving mini-lessons for fun (twist & step, twist & step, hold your hands like this, yay you're doing it) and/or doing a short performances here & there throughout.

Originally Posted by TexasRuya

I'm wondering if my pricing is too high (or too low).

If it's an upscale spa, I'd charge more than for a restaurant or club: think luxury. That's their market.

If I am going to be booking a regular appearance somewhere my rates generally go down based on the frequency. I would quote them accordingly. Say for a single scheduled mini-lesson (or whatever) you charge $XYZ, if they book 2 or more in advance they save 5% or $X, if they book 5 or more in advance they save 10%, ten or more save 15%... I would require that in order to receive the discount the bookings must be paid in advance or at least secure a non-refundable deposit of 50% on the advance bookings.