Thread: Changing directions- practical issues

I am fed up with what I have been doing & excited by some new ideas I want to try out, but I really don't know what some of the practical implications are- insurance, licensing, etc- and I would really appreciate some advice!

So, here's the scoop- I have been teaching for 9 years. I love teaching and I really do think I am good at it- but semester after semester of wondering how the studio bills will be paid, and lately focusing class energies on choreographed student recitals is wearing on me & (at least for now) I am done with it. I am doing workshops this fall to fill out my contract hours at the studio, and may consider occasional workshops in the future, but I want to find ways of getting back to my passion- improvisational dancing to music that I like & finding that emotional connection between the music, the dancer & the audience. I have also been part of a troupe until recently, and now that I have resigned, I realize that part of the reason I needed to move on was to get back to that core of what I think of as Raks & away from strict group choreos. Right now, there is one restaurant sporadically interested in hiring dancers for the lowest rate possible & (as is his perogative) dictating music selection to all upbeat pop - even medium paced music he doesn't seem to think is enough of a party mood. Haflas & student recitals are just that- hobbyist level performances (eta-mixed with a few more experienced dancers- don't want to imply that *all* the local dancers are hobbyist level!) which I can appreciate for what they are but don't quite satisfy. Even the big shows hosted here are a mix of levels and you never quite know what you are going to get.

So, I am looking at ways to create new venues, while being less dependent on restaurant owners & the established community events. One of my students is helping me scope local venues where we may be able to charge a cover (just like local bands.) We are starting our own band. I am thinking about hosting what I consider a professional level show at least once a year.

My whole business up to this point has focused on teaching and I am a bit overwhelmed trying to figure out what I need to consider- what kind of insurance do I need? Do I need to change my business license? What about music licensing for traditional or classic ME tunes not covered by ASCAP/BMI? for playing tunes in coffeeshops & venues used to hosting live entertainment, I hope I can rely on those venues to deal with licensing, obviously if I organize an independent show I need to deal with it- but where is that line drawn- what about concerts in the park? what if I am actually renting the back room of the restaurant? Most importantly- what hasn't occurred to me yet?

Oh yeah- and promotion issues in a market oversaturated with mixed level performances- could use help with that one too...

Talk to Eshta about how she started Club Cleopatra here in LA. Great showcase with generally mixed level dancers but many, many of the top here in LA! It has been held in all kinds of interesting places!

{{{HUGS}}}