Thread: Relocation advice?

Hey dancers,

I will be moving to Tampa for the summer season and staying with my auntie. What is some good advice on advertising and getting business there? Obviously I can update my site temporarily, all though my site rarely ever gets any traffic. I will be performing at a monthly Hafla where most of the Tampa dancers get together at the Acropolis Greek Restaurant (Angelica, one of the ones organizing it, is super nice!).

What are some other ways to get some private gigs and restaurant gigs, since I'll be new there? I'm not interested in teaching, just because I've been doing that this whole time and I'm ready for a break ..l;,

Thanks everyone,

Eden

Sounds like you're already doing the right things--going to local haflahs and community events is a great way to get to know the other dancers and the dance scene in your new area. When there, just introduce yourself and ask what the scene is like. Tell them that you are looking for dance opportunities, ask they if they of any places looking for dancers, offer to sub, etc. Also ask them about local rates so you don't inadvertently undercut.

I've relocated too many times to count. It'll take a little way for you to get established, but it'll happen. Good luck!!

Thanks so much Aazura! It's encouraging to know I'm on the right path. I checked out Samira's by-region pay rates, but I'll definately double-check with the dancers down there. There are lots of restaurant opportunities it seems, but I don't want to start offering owners dance jobs yet until I know the rates for sure. Also, don't want to accidentally overstep my boundaries :)

I don't have any advice for advertising, but I hope you have a great time here in Florida!

(Remember it gets really hot and muggy down here!)

:-)

Gothique, yeah I live in FL right now, always have!! Except I live in Pensacola, so I know it will be even hotter down there! ;)

I'm staying tuned to this thread, too!

What's helped me is to start making friends with people down here. (Now, I have Bhuz buddies in all parts of the state, which is cool!) I've been really nervous about the possible move, but now that I've hung out with a few of my Bhuz friends from FL, I feel very welcomed. People will answer questions and keep you informed if you show interest! Especially when it comes to issues like rates. And on the flip side, I'd feel much better about a new dancer coming to town if I knew that she was nice, respectful and professional.

I still don't believe that you have to be a member of a community for 2 years or get anybody's permission to seek paying gigs. Some of us make a living off the dance and financially can't afford to wait that long. I'd say update your PartyPop and Gigmasters listings to get private gigs in your new area (once you get a handle on rates), and start asking which restaurants already have dancers. (Ask dancers, NOT restaurant owners!) Once you get a feel for who's dancing where, you should know how to proceed.

And Tampa's sweeeeeeeeet! Beautiful beaches, and a nice dance community, from what I understand.

Originally Posted by eden_eyes

Thanks so much Aazura! It's encouraging to know I'm on the right path. I checked out Samira's by-region pay rates, but I'll definately double-check with the dancers down there.

It's still a good idea to ask around. You don't know how old Samira's rates are. Also, the other dancer's will appreciate you more--it tells them that you're professional and care enough about the community to find this info out first.

I still don't believe that you have to be a member of a community for 2 years or get anybody's permission to seek paying gigs. Some of us make a living off the dance and financially can't afford to wait that long. I'd say update your PartyPop and Gigmasters listings to get private gigs in your new area (once you get a handle on rates), and start asking which restaurants already have dancers. (Ask dancers, NOT restaurant owners!) Once you get a feel for who's dancing where, you should know how to proceed.

You don't have to wait two years. However, I have found that it takes about that long for me to feel fully established in my new place and am getting the same amount of gigs as I had from my old location. If you're working at it FT, then it will probably take less time. I'm also not saying you have to get someone's "permission"--I'm just saying that getting your name known in the community will help open a lot of doors a lot quicker than being anti-community. Just present yourself as an experienced professional--people will understand you want to start working.

One more thing about the restaurants--talking to the local dancers will get you A LOT of information about the various venues (which ones pay better, which ones have an arse owner, which ones have more Arabs v. Americans, etc.). You'll be able to figure out which places aren't worth your time. Once you have that information, talk to both the house dancer and the owner. It's not always the house dancer that does the scheduling--some owners want to have more say in who performs there (you can also find this info out when you talk to the community). Just be respectful of boundaries and you'll be fine.

Originally Posted by aazura

You don't have to wait two years. However, I have found that it takes about that long for me to feel fully established in my new place and am getting the same amount of gigs as I had from my old location. If you're working at it FT, then it will probably take less time. I'm also not saying you have to get someone's "permission"--I'm just saying that getting your name known in the community will help open a lot of doors a lot quicker than being anti-community. Just present yourself as an experienced professional--people will understand you want to start working.

Yeah, and I'd imagine this is especially true when you move from a small community to a larger, more nebulous one that's more complex.

Either way, it's all about respect and common sense. And being patient. For better or for worse, I'm totally prepared to bust my hump to get back to where I am right now! And to have a lot of fun being a student again.

Thank you for posting this thread! There don't seem to be any Santa Barbara dancers on the forums, but since we're moving there soon, I want to avoid stepping on any toes... it's better to be part of a community, not start drama. ;-)

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

Either way, it's all about respect and common sense. And being patient.

Word.

Good luck both of you on your relos. It's a lot of work but can also be exciting!!

yay! i'm so glad my thread is an assisstance to other dancers! nice advice about talking to the other dancers instead of the restaurant owners, because (they are business owners) they would want to hire for less money or they could be buttholes for all I know. I'm really excited to meet all the dancers down there! I know I'll have lots of fun, and I really hope to get some workshops down there too!

You could also introduce yourself to Sevidje (Belly Dance Pro), she has her pulse on gigs and dancers in Tampa, north Pinellas (where there are a lot of BD gigs) and south Pasco counties.

Tell her Chandra says Hi!!