Thread: Laid off for Ramadan

My BD 'employer' has 'laid me off' for the month of Ramadan. ( of course with no notice at all whatsoever, basically the day before I was supposed to perform) I think his exact words were 'I think we should cool it for a while' I resepct his religious views, naturally, but I've never heard of anything like this before.
Has anything like this happened to any of you Ladies before? Or do you have any thoughts on it in general?

Economy maybe? I do know that there are a couple ME restaurants in my area that usually have dancers; no longer have them on board, because business is slow. I am talking so slow they only have like 2 tables per night when they use to be so full you had to wait an hour to be seated. Maybe he thinks things will pick up after that. Just a food for thought.

I'm sorry this happened to you 0Adara0, ofcourse it's no good ethics for them to say it just one day before!

During ramadan most bars/shisha lounges/restaurants/clubs that have entertainment (i.e. live music, bellydance) will put a hold to that, because in ramadan (most) moslims are abstaining from many things, as it is the month of awareness, piousness, tolerance, benevolence (sp?), peace, discipline, solidairity, restraining, respect, obedience to Allah (swt), and to increase your creed, help the poor, control your desires and weeknesses, deprive your soul, do not slander etc.

B

There is only one restaurant in my area that abstains from having dancers during ramadan, and it's the one that I dance at. All of the others go ahead as business as usual. I respect his beliefs, and I understand that he is barely staying open (he goes whole days without any customers, and is rarely, if ever, busy anymore). Wish I was dancing, though!

when did he tell u this? ramadan is over in a day or two...

I have a friend who is a cook in a Somalian resturant. Every year at Ramadan he gets laid off. The resturant is busy enough during the year. At Ramadan, however, the customers can eat for free at the Mosque--- so there's no paying customers at the resturant. He goes back to work Sunday (the Eid)--- he's expecting it to be really, really busy.

I went with a friend to an Arabic night club during Ramadan. They still had the band and belly dancers, but the place was practically empty. When my friend asked, why so slow? -- the waiter replied with "It's Ramadan".

Originally Posted by shaabichic

when did he tell u this? ramadan is over in a day or two...

several weeks ago actually, I had a feeling it was almost over, but he said he's not going to have dancers again until October. So i think it might be partially motivated by a crappy economy. ( that and every time he pays us he tries to get a cheaper deal...and believe you me, he is already getting a deal! I don't think he has any idea how much time and money goes into being a ME dancer. he really doesn't seem to have any respect for the dance, sometimes i think he thinks we just get up shake our booties and go home)
Sorry, don't mind my kvetching >_< It's just a little frustrating at times...

Originally Posted by rakkasah_barbara

I'm sorry this happened to you 0Adara0, ofcourse it's no good ethics for them to say it just one day before!

During ramadan most bars/shisha lounges/restaurants/clubs that have entertainment (i.e. live music, bellydance) will put a hold to that, because in ramadan (most) moslims are abstaining from many things, as it is the month of awareness, piousness, tolerance, benevolence (sp?), peace, discipline, solidairity, restraining, respect, obedience to Allah (swt), and to increase your creed, help the poor, control your desires and weeknesses, deprive your soul, do not slander etc.

B

I had a general idea, but thanks so much for clearing that up for me! again, i by no means want to disrespect any ones religious beliefs!

You are very welcome! Inchallah everything will work out for the better and you'll be back dancing there soon!

B

Originally Posted by 0Adara0

I had a general idea, but thanks so much for clearing that up for me! again, i by no means want to disrespect any ones religious beliefs!

you should be back there very soon.
Eid Mubarak!

Most muslims have their familys over for Ramadan and stay home(me included *aaargh* I´m getting antsy)

The clubs here close up completely for the entire month. They serve lunch and dinner but no parties at all.

Here in DC the "American audience" restaurants keep on going with dancing. The Arab audience clubs either cancel entertainment altogether or do "call ins". Often after the first 2 weeks people are getting antsy and start coming out- this this year it was 3 weeks.

Most regular Middle Eastern customers taht I know in San Diego area are Christians or Chaldeans. Most venues I dance at dont stop dancing during Ramadan. I think his business is slow and dont like to spend extra money for entertainment. I know in Middle East Ramadan like a whole month vacation for belly dancers. They stop dancing during taht time.
In Turkey however most places keep the dancing for tourists.
I am not sure what kind of area you live in, but how about if you make some events in a monthly or bi-monthly basis and invite different ethnic groups, my Turkish Night here in San Diego is very successfull even though now many Turkish people live in San Diego, at least not as much as other places that I know of.
Restaurant is loyal to me and know that this event gets enough people for a slow Friday that they could have otherwise.
Hope you get your job back.

Happens at certain restaurants in our area as well.
Usually things return to normal afterward.

None of the clubs I work at hire belly dancers during Ramadan. It is just understood. It's not respectful. Of course, some of them still have entertainment, but certain things are off limits.

Originally Posted by 0Adara0

My BD 'employer' has 'laid me off' for the month of Ramadan. ( of course with no notice at all whatsoever, basically the day before I was supposed to perform) I think his exact words were 'I think we should cool it for a while' I resepct his religious views, naturally, but I've never heard of anything like this before.
Has anything like this happened to any of you Ladies before? Or do you have any thoughts on it in general?

Same thing happened to me, i dont understand why they cant say it earlier...,m::

Originally Posted by dansoz

Same thing happened to me, i dont understand why they cant say it earlier...,m::

I think as a Middle eastern dancer, one should expect this and plan ahead.
That must suck if it took you by surprise though.