Thread: "Atmosphere" at a convention?

Hi!
What would you charge to be an "atmosphere" bellydancer at a Moroccan themed event for 2.5 hours? Meaning you're in costume, but not really performing, rather just hanging out on the side on a platform moving to background music. Does anyone do this? Was it fun?
Thanks for any input!
-S

Hi,
I do this sort of thing alot. Usually called a meet and greet. I charge $150 per hour, minimum of 2 hours. Easy and very fun!

I've done these kinds of gigs before and charged between $150 to $300 per hour. The variance is based on the amount of dancing they expect vs. the amount of photo ops, etc.

I try to steer them towards a couple of performances instead as the idea of a belly dancer on a platform to one side moving a bit, but not dancing, is generally better in theory than in practice. You sometimes end up actually dancing the entire time or just standing there with people looking at you curiously.

The client is usually looking for either a costumed character or a dancer and they don't always know which they would prefer. If they are looking for just a costumed character, then I consider it an 'arabic potted plant' gig - not very artistically fulfilling, but good money and not too much work.

You don't mention who will be putting on the event, but you can expect a very different vibe based on who is the organizer. Some organizers will look at you as an artist and others will look at you as eye candy only (like a booth babe or car/boat show model).

i've done this before with troupe mates. you just walk around (in character, of course hehe) and just greet people that are coming in, take pictures with them, etc.

it's fun and simple :)

Originally Posted by mahsati

You don't mention who will be putting on the event, but you can expect a very different vibe based on who is the organizer. Some organizers will look at you as an artist and others will look at you as eye candy only (like a booth babe or car/boat show model).

this is a great point. the few times i've done it we were seen as the artists, not eye candy

yep $$$$ for being wall paper !

Originally Posted by mahsati

I've done these kinds of gigs before and charged between $150 to $300 per hour. The variance is based on the amount of dancing they expect vs. the amount of photo ops, etc.
...

Great advice on this thread. I'd say remember to balance your rates with what you'd charge for a show. I usually make it so that it just makes more financial sense for them to hire me for a 20 minute show.

$150 per hour with a 3 hour guarantee. Plus mileage, parking fees, a dressing room.

But I have done this at parties which really didn't want dancers. Just costumed characters.

{{{HUGS}}}

I've done this-wear shoes. After 3 hours on a marble floor, my feet were frozen and very sore!

can i ask, does it get awkward walking around in a costume with people you don't know and not dancing? i think i'd even feel more comfortable dancing around the room for an hour and doing audience interaction than walking around feeling like i have nothing to do..... how do you avoid this feeling? if they're not paying you enough to dance how do you avoid the urge to when you're already in costume and there's music on? (ok, i have that problem without the costume when im in the super-market, but in an atmosphere situation?)

Most of the time in these situations, you job is to smile, say Hello, won't you come in? Or something similar. Sometimes hand out cards, fliers, etc. In a convention situation, most of the time you can't hear the music anyway. At a party, it can get a little boring because in general, all you are doing is walking around.

{{{HUGS}}}

Hi ladies,

Just wanted to thank you for this thread! This, along with the undercutters DO suck thread, came at a perfect time! I had a call yesterday from a guy who wanted to throw a party for his wife...i told him what I'd charge for a typical bellygram, and he wanted to know about a longer time....

eventually it came down to just being ambiance at a party (I used this phrase and he said, "yes, exactly!) so I gave him my price ($150 per hour, thanks to the advice from you ladies) and he said maybe i'll hear from him, he's on a budget, etc.

Whew! I don't want to arrive after everyone's all boozed up just to encourage the girls to dance. (This is what he told me) How ridiculous!

So, again, thank you. I was armed with info!!

I know these gigs exist, and I've even done them on occasion. It just seems silly to me, though. Why would someone want you in the costume but then not do anything? It's like having a magician who never performs any magic. ("Are you going to pull a rabbit out of that hat later?" "No.")

I just don't get it for most situations.

my gutfeeling also says minimum 100E per hour

i looked up what "hostessing" usually pays (it's what the client things they are getting), and that starts at low prices (15E per hour!!!). you can aks "more" for "speciality costumes", but i doubt how many will pay 150 if hostessing is really all they want

i'd also try to make at least what performing would make and to make clear that performing is what we usually do...

whether or not i'd take a gig like that would depend on the "vibe" i get from the client

most requests i've gotten in this area have never come to anything as they balked at the prices.