Thread: Rates for southern/central New Jersey (Princeton, Trenton, New Brunswick, Edison region)

Hi folks,

I'm looking into what the performance rates are for southern New Jersey, specifically the area around Princeton, Trenton, New Brunswick, Edison region. Do Philly area rates apply here? I'd like to hear about all the usual types of gigs (private parties, restaurants, tea/coffee/hookah cafes, etc). Thanks for all advice!

Technically, that's Central/North Jersey, not South Jersey, so that may improve your search. Could also reference higher Philadelphia rates.

(sorry, originally a South Jersey girl, 609/856 area code, so I just had to comment ;))

Originally Posted by rosehips

Technically, that's Central/North Jersey, not South Jersey, so that may improve your search. Could also reference higher Philadelphia rates.

(sorry, originally a South Jersey girl, 609/856 area code, so I just had to comment ;))

Haha, shows my confusion--it just seems like I must be in the south of the state based on the time I spend on the train getting down there. But Princeton has a 609 area code, so is that still southern?

I'll add central to the title as well

Originally Posted by najla86

Haha, shows my confusion--it just seems like I must be in the south of the state based on the time I spend on the train getting down there. But Princeton has a 609 area code, so is that still southern?

I'll add central to the title as well

Heh, I think they lobbied to maintain their area-code way back when (b/c they have the money to do so), so they're an anomaly. Neat little map, most of 609 is the Southern (aka the real) NJ shore, Camden, some of Burlington country, etc. 609 Area Code. The rest of the towns you mentioned are the North Jersey codes.

Also probably helpful is Anne Marie's website of NJ Bellydance Resources: http://njbellydancing.org/

Belly Dance Rates by Region | Samira Shuruk | Belly Dancer in Baltimore & Washington, DC

I have never been given rates for that region... but I'd consider looking at New York Metro and Philly rates and going from there.
Please let me know if you find out anything. I'll gladly add it to my list.

I still haven't turned up anything for the region I'm looking for, but a friend who gigs in northern NJ said $150 for a restaurant set is pretty normal.

Anybody out there?!?

Also, Samira, your updated site is GORGEOUS!!!!!

Can't speak for south jersey or Philly but I charge NYC rates for jersey bookings. This means 100 for restaurants and 200-250 for parties. I know there are dancers. Who charge as low as 175 for parties but I wouldn't go lower than that.

I would say NY prices as well. Although that could be why I don't get many Jersey bookings, lol. That, and the fact that my travel fees just to cover tolls are astronomical.

Seriously, the STRANGEST geographic location

I woudn't Consider Princeton, Trenton, New Brunswick, Edison region, to be southern New Jersey at all, when i think southern jersey i think Atlantic city, camden. New Brunswick and Princeton i would think would be similar to New York, the cost of living in those areas are high. I don't think there is much of a dance community in Camden, but prices are probably similar. And atlantic city area has a community and i think their prices are similar to philly which should be about 175 minimum for a party(though i know in philly that is not always the case)

how did you get that rate for resturants 100-150? i would love to get the rates higher here on the west cost. thanks

@Princess

Unfortunately, not all the NYC venues see eye to eye on that rate. I've walked away from more than one place that seemed great until they said "$65 or 75, we get half your tips, oh, and you're on call, not guaranteed!" $100 is probably more in the realistic range of an ongoing show rate, though I always quote the highest end of the range first