Thread: First Restaurant Experiences

Hi everyone!

I am getting ready for my first gig at a restaurant. I thought it would be fun for you guys to share your first experiences dancing in a restaurant- good or bad! Also if you have any advice for me I would really appreciate it! Thanks!

Originally Posted by thussell

Hi everyone!

I am getting ready for my first gig at a restaurant. I thought it would be fun for you guys to share your first experiences dancing in a restaurant- good or bad! Also if you have any advice for me I would really appreciate it! Thanks!

When I first started gigging I was lucky enough to be under the warm and wonderful wing of Artemis Mourat, who was my first "dance mentor". Having her share her knowledge and experience REALLY helped things go much more smoothly than they would have otherwise.
I was still a nervous wreck, though. I think my very first one I forgot my zills (left them in my class bag). :(

My first experience was also under the 'wing' of my teacher/fellow professional. It makes ALL the difference! I wish I stayed under that wing longer... would've made things alot better looking back. I definetely recommended 'tagging' along w/ a mentor alot and then having them guide you when you're first starting out- it's really important and will save you from alot of sticky issues.
and jjust have FUN. my first time performing totally alone in a restaurant was SO exciting!!

I had a lot of fun the first time I danced at a restaurant...however, I was annoyed with the people that simply ignored me. I know, I know, it happens, a lot, but sometimes it was still frustrating. However, I have learned that music that sounds more "fun" gets you a little more attention :)

My first restaurant experience was at an Arabic restaurant. My teacher threw me to the wolves WAAAAAY before I was ready! The good thing was that I didn't realize how much I didn't know, so I wasn't as freaked out as I should have been. I look back at it now and cringe!!

Originally Posted by danielabellydance

My first restaurant experience was at an Arabic restaurant. My teacher threw me to the wolves WAAAAAY before I was ready! The good thing was that I didn't realize how much I didn't know, so I wasn't as freaked out as I should have been. I look back at it now and cringe!!

Ditto. Serious learning experience.

Originally Posted by harmoney76

I had a lot of fun the first time I danced at a restaurant...however, I was annoyed with the people that simply ignored me. I know, I know, it happens, a lot, but sometimes it was still frustrating. However, I have learned that music that sounds more "fun" gets you a little more attention :)

Being ignored is probably the most difficult thing that we have to deal with emotionally. There are many reasons why people choose to ignore a dancer - they may be embarrassed, just want a quiet meal, think you're gong to chat up their boyfriend, get them up and make them look ridiculous, or find you offensive for whatever strange reason -

- and all you want to do is dance for them...... ,r:;You just have to learn, by experience, to deal with it - people are often worried about a dancer who is up close to them, it doesn't often happen in the west, most western dancers are away from the audience on a stage or TV etc. We have cultural problems with proximity in the west that other cultures don't share. Don't be offended by it, it's their problem, not yours. Most come around after the first song when they realise nothing dreadful is going to happen!! For those that don't, just move away from them and find someone who does appreciate your dancing.

And then forget it when you go home and think instead about the nice audience that did appreciate you!

"The Athenian Corner" in 1988 - anyone remember that one in Alexandria Va? upstairs with a band that played really random stuff (Greek-ish). Piano, trap drums, bazouki... Two shows a night - long, & regular ..l;,
The dancer who called me to come dance came & helped me get it together in the bathroom, telling what lipstick to wear, what the band would play, etc. She was an angel (Linda Maher). I got the job on Fridays; my teacher Bedia came to see me & helped me with some pointers too...
Back then it was fast & furious, finger cymbals, veils, and Turkish Drops into floorwork. OMG.. It was fun tho, except for the waiting around between shows.

My first solo restaurant performance was also under the 'wing' of my first teacher...although looking back there were obviously some talons hiding in that wing! She was a good teacher for technique, but had some serious issues with nurturing her students... I chose a song with a modern-electro sounding introduction before the beat kicked in and I entered - only she decided she didn't like that (without telling me) and cut it altogether! So I was waiting in the wings to go on, thinking I had about 20 seconds up my sleeve - but nope, the beat kicked in straight away and out I rushed. As for the dancing though, I had a great time, it was a really supportive crowd and I left the floor on a high. God it was fun!! Oh to be a beginner dancer again...:)

You guys are great! Thanks for all the stories, advice, tips, etc. I think we all learn something every time we dance. I'll let you know how it goes!! :)

There are several restaurant performance threads on bhuz, including advice and experiences, which might be nice to read for you.

Good luck with your first restaurant gig!

B

hmm my first restaurant experience was when i was in a troupe and we did some choreo. i just remember being scared lol. my first performance at a restaurant by myself was hilarious. part of the job entails dancing on tables since theres no stage, so there i am shy as heck, dancing to a couple tracks i felt comfy with and feeling like i was doing something bad cuz i was ON A TABLE! but w.e i got the job and now am working at another restaurant where dancing on a table is second nature to me. hehe.