Thread: What's Everyone Charging This NYE?

Hi All:

Just wondering ... normally, I've been told by sources I respect (mentors, established teachers, other dancers) in the past that double the going rate is standard for NYE, and in the past I've stuck to that.

But this year, with fewer Holiday parties and cut-rate this and bargain that, how are you folks handling this? Are we sticking to our guns no matter what, or cutting prices down to 150% of the going rate and being grateful, or what?

I know this issue can be region-specific, too. Let's hear some opinions. I want to hear more opinions so I don't do something stupid!

...and Happy Holidays!

it might be region specific. when i worked in l.a. the standard nye rate was triple time

If you cut your rate then venues will expect you to cut it for every other holiday & for non-holidays/regular gigs as well. Don't do it.

NYE rates around here are double.
As my regular rates are a good bit higher than standard though- my New Years rate is closer to double the standard rate and still comfortably higher than my regular rates.

Double in NYC, double in Jersey, no bargains, not on NYE. They charge upwards of 100.00 a plate at most places and sometimes do two seatings, they can afford it.

as samira mentioned, double the normal party rate if private, or double the venue rate. economy or no, the venues aren't cutting prices, people are GOING, so keep the rates at double and stick to your guns...........

Base price in Michigan for NYE is double. I actually am charging more than that this year.

Regarding lowering your rates bc of the economy - don't do it! You will regret it. If they really want a dancer, they will pay. If you lower your rates you will lose out in the long run.

I agree -at least DOUBLE!!!

Aargh. Just got word of a brand-new "professional" approaching the manager at at a very good local restaurant and offering to do a NYE show for well below the standard rate. The place normally pays quite well and has a full, happy schedule of dancers already. Way to make friends and influence people, chickie!
,m:: @%$%#$@$!!! ,m::

Chiming in with Samira and Ruta: In the DC area, double the normal venue or party rate is where we usually start.

So, to clarify, if my standard rates are $200-$250 for a regular show, I should charge at least $400-$500 for a NYE show at a private party? $150-$200 for restaurant shows?

Okay, so tell me, folks who charge double on NYE - how do first-time clients respond when you tell them your NYE rates?

I've never been able to charge double my standard rates for NYE - every time I've quoted high, I've never heard from potential clients again.

I just quoted someone today, we'll see if I hear back from them.

I usually explain it pretty clearly - "The price is double for New Year's, so therefore a show will cost X." I have never gotten an argument about my New Year's price, people expect it. I get way more challenged over regularly scheduled weddings and parties!

Originally Posted by tamrahennatx

So, to clarify, if my standard rates are $200-$250 for a regular show, I should charge at least $400-$500 for a NYE show at a private party? $150-$200 for restaurant shows?

Okay, so tell me, folks who charge double on NYE - how do first-time clients respond when you tell them your NYE rates?

I've never been able to charge double my standard rates for NYE - every time I've quoted high, I've never heard from potential clients again.

I just quoted someone today, we'll see if I hear back from them.

For private parties I usually just state, due to the high demand nature of NYE I must insist that gigs meet my minimum price of xxx. I don't tell them it's double my regular rate I just tell them that's the price for a major holiday.

For restaurants, if they have issue I ask them how much they are charging per plate for a seating. It's usually upwards of 75 dollars (sometimes without booze) and I'll politely remind them that 200-300 for a show is only 1-2 tables worth of patrons.

Originally Posted by Zana

Aargh. Just got word of a brand-new "professional" approaching the manager at at a very good local restaurant and offering to do a NYE show for well below the standard rate. The place normally pays quite well and has a full, happy schedule of dancers already. Way to make friends and influence people, chickie!
,m:: @%$%#$@$!!! ,m::

Chiming in with Samira and Ruta: In the DC area, double the normal venue or party rate is where we usually start.

Maybe she doesn't know better? Is she on DC Pro dancer?

same here,
if i have a new years eve gig (private party one set), i'd quote 300E rather than 200E. i dont think i'd ever be able to get paid more than that around here.

hehe, doesnt hurt to try though, if you have a party yourself to go to, i wouldnt leave it for a small gig

Originally Posted by tamrahennatx

So, to clarify, if my standard rates are $200-$250 for a regular show, I should charge at least $400-$500 for a NYE show at a private party? $150-$200 for restaurant shows?

Okay, so tell me, folks who charge double on NYE - how do first-time clients respond when you tell them your NYE rates?

I've never been able to charge double my standard rates for NYE - every time I've quoted high, I've never heard from potential clients again.

I just quoted someone today, we'll see if I hear back from them.

Last year I danced a double restaurant set for 350E, this year I decided I'm not coming out of the house for less than 400-500E

and, any requests?? after years of holding out for new years gigs just in case, and only measly paid ones i didnt wanna do...
i decided to just give up this time, and plan my own thing (in england this year), rather than waiting for gigs that dont come...

Originally Posted by Khalida

Last year I danced a double restaurant set for 350E, this year I decided I'm not coming out of the house for less than 400-500E

Originally Posted by artemisia_danst

and, any requests?? after years of holding out for new years gigs just in case, and only measly paid ones i didnt wanna do...
i decided to just give up this time, and plan my own thing (in england this year), rather than waiting for gigs that dont come...

In the 4 years I've been booking gigs, I've never even had a request to dance on NYE. I've heard very much the same thing from my fellow dancers around here; for whatever reason, BDers are not very much in demand for New Year's celebrations in the Milwaukee area. I'm not sure how much success we'd have doubling our rates when no one seems to want us at even the regular going rate.

That said, this year we decided to spend New Year's with family in Tennessee, and wouldn't you know I got a request for New Year's Eve AND New Year's Day. I had to turn them both down, though. ..c::

Knock on wood, after all these years, I just got a nibble at a private party I quoted $425 (for a 9:15 gig!)

I'm not counting my chickens before they hatch, but this is the closest I've come so far to earning "real" NYE rates.

I've worked almost every NYE for years, but being a house dancer at a nightclub have been expected to be there, and have had not much luck being hired for private parties earlier in the evening. Needless to say, the nightclub won't even touch a $400 price request, especially since they like to hire multiple dancers for a "big show" on NYE.

If I do a nightclub set, it'll be after this show, and if I don't, then I'll be home before midnight, woohoo!

Originally Posted by laura 2

That said, this year we decided to spend New Year's with family in Tennessee, and wouldn't you know I got a request for New Year's Eve AND New Year's Day. I had to turn them both down, though. ..c::

Wouldn't you know, after all our jokes about this on Facebook, I also got my first inquiry for a NYE gig the year I decide to spend New Year's in Florida. Seriously - What gives?

That Gig Fairy works in mysterious ways....w.:

same here, i usualy make sure i'm back in belgium" just in case". never had a gig though. so this year staying with the family in the uk, and got a request for a gig january first! at home in belgium of course, so nope;

oh well, i still might get a gig IN england, or not.

Originally Posted by laura 2

In the 4 years I've been booking gigs, I've never even had a request to dance on NYE. I've heard very much the same thing from my fellow dancers around here; for whatever reason, BDers are not very much in demand for New Year's celebrations in the Milwaukee area. I'm not sure how much success we'd have doubling our rates when no one seems to want us at even the regular going rate.

That said, this year we decided to spend New Year's with family in Tennessee, and wouldn't you know I got a request for New Year's Eve AND New Year's Day. I had to turn them both down, though. ..c::

Originally Posted by tamrahennatx

Knock on wood, after all these years, I just got a nibble at a private party I quoted $425 (for a 9:15 gig!)

I'm not counting my chickens before they hatch, but this is the closest I've come so far to earning "real" NYE rates.

I've worked almost every NYE for years, but being a house dancer at a nightclub have been expected to be there, and have had not much luck being hired for private parties earlier in the evening. Needless to say, the nightclub won't even touch a $400 price request, especially since they like to hire multiple dancers for a "big show" on NYE.

If I do a nightclub set, it'll be after this show, and if I don't, then I'll be home before midnight, woohoo!

Nightclubs where you regularly work wouldn't be expected to pay $400, but they should pay at least double your regular rate! Around here most dancers quote a minimum of $200 for a nightclub even if it is a place that usually pays only $75-$80. (If it is not a place that regularly hires dancers you would charge them like a private party.)

Originally Posted by Zana

Aargh. Just got word of a brand-new "professional" approaching the manager at at a very good local restaurant and offering to do a NYE show for well below the standard rate. The place normally pays quite well and has a full, happy schedule of dancers already. Way to make friends and influence people, chickie!
,m:: @%$%#$@$!!! ,m::

eek! If this is the "place" I think it is..I know you all are established there. Hope things get better for you. Out "that" way - there are not many restaurants available for dancers...

I agree with Samira - introduce this dancer to the pro board ;-)

Update: I just got an email from my contact about the party on the 31st, and she mailed the contract and the deposit today - a real NYE booking (EARLY) for $425, woo hoo!

Fabulous!!!!

Originally Posted by tamrahennatx

Update: I just got an email from my contact about the party on the 31st, and she mailed the contract and the deposit today - a real NYE booking (EARLY) for $425, woo hoo!

great job!!! that is awesome..

Congratulations, Tex! That's great.

Samira and Ravena, I think she's found the list or had it pointed out to her. I hope it helps! Thanks for your concern.

$400.00 plus GST (5% tax)

Happy Shimmies!


Khalida

For private parties I always charged triple. If they didn't want to pay it I didnt' do it. For clubs, ask for at least an extra $100, or double depending on what they usually paid. Some managers whine, some just anty-up.
Don't sell yourselves short just to have a gig - after all New Year's eve comes ONCE a year.

Original NYE gig with established restaurant customer cancelled because they weren't getting the reservations they needed; a second NYE customer is wavering because another local dancer is NOT charging extra for NYE OR for a lot of extra milage and the customer has decided to try to pit us off against each other pricewise... no, we're not entering into the bidding war...

Definetely charge double or more, as do all artists (dj's, singers etc) during NYE and most other public holidays!

B