Thread: Gigs at private residences vs public

Ok - I have been noticing a trend that many dancers are shying away from the gig at a private residence to only doing gigs at public places like banquet halls, restaurants, etc.

I really am starting to hate the 20 questions that I have to ask about a private residence and the odd feeling of walking into someone's home. So far, all private resident events have been extremely positive. I realize that I would still need to ask 20 questions about a public establishment but there is a certain kind of safety I feel walking into a public place.

I guess I want to know - what are the good/bad things about only doing professional gigs at public places vs private residence. Besides the obvious - losing some gig opportunities.

Thank you

I can't really think of any. All my private residence experiences have been wonderful. I've never been to one where I pulled up out front and didn't see OBVIOUS signs of a large family gathering -- noise, lights, cars parked up and down the street.

If I ever pulled up in front of a small dark quiet house I'd probably drive a couple of blocks away and call the person to discuss my concerns.

I really don't think the average rapist/murderer is phoning up bellydancers and pretending to have parties. Not that it *couldn't* happen, of course, but I just don't think that's how dangerous folks usually go after victims. Unless someone was specifically stalking THAT particular person of course, and even at that it seems easier to stake out their house, gig, or studio.

I actually find that when it comes to private parties, gigs in public places are even more of a pain. No one seems to know where the outlet is to plug my boom box in, or have much of an idea where the best place is for me to perform. It can be harder to sneak in if the performance is a surprise, if the room only has one entrance. My clients who have me perform in their houses (probably about 80%) seem to have it together more when I arrive.

Gigs in the public area of a restaurant or other place make me nervous. Because then you're not just dancing for the group that hired you, but for others who may or may not want to see a belly dancer, hear her music, and otherwise have their evening disrupted. I was forced to leave a banquet hall before performing once at a retirement party, because the boss of the retiring gent (who had no idea I was coming) freaked out. I know there are some Bhuzzers who have been asked to leave by the management of restaurants and bars under similar circumstances - in fact, I have a policy now that if the party is not happening in a private room, the client has to get permission from the venue management before I'll take the gig.

The other thing is, you expect the client to be able to step in if anyone gets out of hand during your performance. But in a public place, someone may act inappropriately who has no connection with the person who hired you, and they may be less likely to ask them to knock it off. My first teacher told me the story once of performing at a bowling alley, right there on the lanes, and during a quiet part of the song she heard someone waaaaay on the other side of the room yell "You're FAT!!!!!!!". She said the client looked embarrassed, but obviously didn't feel comfortable confronting a stranger and thus did nothing.

With one exception, I've never been uncomfortable at a private residence gig. And since they make up the majority of my jobs, I doubt I'll stop doing them any time soon.

Originally Posted by Lauren_

I really don't think the average rapist/murderer is phoning up bellydancers and pretending to have parties. Not that it *couldn't* happen, of course, but I just don't think that's how dangerous folks usually go after victims. Unless someone was specifically stalking THAT particular person of course, and even at that it seems easier to stake out their house, gig, or studio.

On my contract, the client has to provide their home address (even if the party's not taking place there), their home and cell numbers, and make a 50% deposit in advance. That's probably way to much work and sharing of information for your average pervert, I think.

It also bears mentioning that I know a couple of dancers who have gotten into pretty bad situations in non-private venues. If there's a party going on, it's really not that hard to get cornered by some creep in an out of the way nook. At least, not much harder than it would be in someone's house.

Originally Posted by laura 2

On my contract, the client has to provide their home address (even if the party's not taking place there), their home and cell numbers, and make a 50% deposit in advance. That's probably way to much work and sharing of information for your average pervert, I think.

It also bears mentioning that I know a couple of dancers who have gotten into pretty bad situations in non-private venues. If there's a party going on, it's really not that hard to get cornered by some creep in an out of the way nook. At least, not much harder than it would be in someone's house.

Thank you. I do the same thing as far as collecting information and requiring deposits. The newest trend - ok maybe not a trend but - is getting calls on a Thursday for a Saturday night gig. There is no way to get the contract back from them in time. I just have not been having luck with booking performances way out. All seem to be a last minute decision..

Originally Posted by ravenadesigns

Thank you. I do the same thing as far as collecting information and requiring deposits. The newest trend - ok maybe not a trend but - is getting calls on a Thursday for a Saturday night gig. There is no way to get the contract back from them in time. I just have not been having luck with booking performances way out. All seem to be a last minute decision..

Do you have a fax machine? That might work. And most computer's can send faxes.

Originally Posted by ravenadesigns

Thank you. I do the same thing as far as collecting information and requiring deposits. The newest trend - ok maybe not a trend but - is getting calls on a Thursday for a Saturday night gig. There is no way to get the contract back from them in time. I just have not been having luck with booking performances way out. All seem to be a last minute decision..

When I've had gigs on short notice, I still take all of the information, write up the contract and email it to the client. They have to send me back an email that says "I have read the contract dated xx/xx/xx, and agree with all of its terms." It probably wouldn't hold up in court without a signature, but at least I'd have all the usual information written up officially.

The deposit is harder, I admit. Occasionally I can get them to use PayPal, but a couple of times I've just gone with my gut and waived it. I wish I could accept credit cards, but I just don't do enough CC business for it to be financially feasible.

In Canada, I never had any problems with private residence parties. Like others said, host usually has it together and people are more likely to behave if they feel the surroundings are part of their day to day lives. ;)
Most events here are public venue tho.

Oh another plus is that many of the subdivision homes have essentially the same floor plan so you could do a party out of the city in one of these style homes and pretty much already know the layout and where you are dancing. Funny!

How about the ladies that only dance at public places (no more private homes)? I would love to hear why you chose this route ;-)

I've done only one private gig in Japan. I would do more (and prep myself better than my first teacher did!!!!!) but..well...if you think restaurants in Japan are small, you should see where we live.

Originally Posted by laura 2

When I've had gigs on short notice, I still take all of the information, write up the contract and email it to the client. They have to send me back an email that says "I have read the contract dated xx/xx/xx, and agree with all of its terms." It probably wouldn't hold up in court without a signature, but at least I'd have all the usual information written up officially.

The deposit is harder, I admit. Occasionally I can get them to use PayPal, but a couple of times I've just gone with my gut and waived it. I wish I could accept credit cards, but I just don't do enough CC business for it to be financially feasible.

Electronic signatures are used more and more these days. We get and use them all the time in the law office I work in. As for court, IP addresses are easy enough to trace...I believe. However, that being said, perhaps you could request a copy of their driver's license, bearing their signature and photo, together with the emailed contract.

Just a thought....