Thread: What do dancers ask for in the DC area?

I hope this is in the right place.

I was asked to perform and an event in a club in the DC area (I am about 2 hours away and it is a late night thing, I think it would be over at 1am.) I have no idea what to charge. I don't want to undercut, what is standard there?

It would be 2 10 minute sets with my own music, not a live band.

Samira has put together a wonderful page that should get you started on determining your rate for this gig:

Belly Dancer Rates

Kelly, check out Samira Shuruk's web page, she has a lot of info on the rates for DC as well as other areas. She is a great wealth of information on the scene in DC as well as lovely person and amazing dancer.

Latifa, we cross posted....great minds! LOL!

I agree that Samira's page is a great resource! Where will you be dancing, Kelly?

Thanks everyone!! I'm so glad you find the page useful!
Kellygirl- if this is a one time event you charge "party rates". With a two hour drive you would ALSO charge mileage. 2 ten minute sets are TWO shows (NOT one show, divided). So, for example:
2 shows = minimum 2 x $250 = $500
PLUS mileage for two hours each way.

If it's going to be a weekly event then you charge the regular venue prices so, 2 x $100 (minimum) = $200 PLUS mileage.

By your asking these questions I'm figuring your dance career is in the blossoming stage. Please note the prices mentioned above ARE for newer dancers. More experienced dancers charge MORE than the rates above. Don't sell yourself short.
As you haven't talked rates with them yet, you have not yet negotiated. They are asking for "two ten minute shows" with NO CLUE of how we charge. Inform them and they may change their minds about what they want. If they don't want to pay for two shows- then steer them into doing what their budget will more easily handle: which is one show (which can be up to 20 minutes anyway). This type of thing happens all the time with clients who aren't used to hiring belly dancers. :)
Good luck. Keep us posted on how it goes!

Wow, thanks guys. It is a private event in a club (have to check my email to find the name) I know he has no idea how much dancers charge and very well might decide not to hire me. I am at the beginner's stage (of performing) so I would charge on the lower side. I would rather not perform rather than charge a low price and bring things down in the area. I am not sure, but he might have these events on a regular basis. I guess it is kind of like a private party. He may go for one longer set so he only pays for one show. I'll keep you posted :D

Kelly I like to congratulate you for doing research and how you are thinking of your preference of not dancing if you are dancing for low price.
I wish all dancers think like that especially in my area :(

Originally Posted by turkishdancer

I wish all dancers think like that especially in my area :(

Same here

Sadly, the worst undercutters I know are fairly experienced dancers who should really know better by now.

I've decided not to do it. It just does not feel right. I think he is going to look for someone local. I didn't want to mess with the drive home at 1 or 2am No thanks, He would have to pay me much more than I would feel comfortable charging for me to do that.