Thread: what is the best way to ask an event promoter/manager to let you take part in their big event?

A couple of my fellow dancers manage to get parts in big shows-talk shows on tv, dance competitions, big festivals, which are fantastic opportunities for exposure. I asked one of them how she managed it, and her answer was the obvious, networking-and writing 'press releases'? I guess these are skills some people are born with. I'm shy :s

I know this is very context and location dependant, but
What's the best way to ask for a part in a big event?

what kind of events do i apply for? need to think outside the square because decent cultural events are few and far in between nowadays. Also where to draw the line.

Do most other dancers have talent agents?

thank you xo

For dance events (festivals, etc) contact the event producer and as how someone becomes a participant. If you want to perform, ask about performing criteria. Teach? How does one get on the seminar instructor consideration list? Vendor, same thing.

As an event producer, I appreciate it when folks ask me about participating in whatever capacity they wish *without* presumption or expectation.

As far as being on TV or that type of thing? Haven't got a clue...

Sometimes it's simpy a matter of being in the right place at the right time so "someone" sees you. Sometimes you know someone who needs another body for a TV gig requiring multiple dancers.

Deborah

Originally Posted by Aida Sajadi

I know this is very context and location dependant, but
What's the best way to ask for a part in a big event?

It does depend on the event. Some competitions are first-come, first-served registration--no trick to that. By-invitation shows usually involve the organizer knowing you in some capacity. Getting cast in a professional show may require an audition.

Do most other dancers have talent agents?

Some do, but not most. I think the ones with agents are usually dancers who are looking to make it in mainstream show business or to work outside of their home country (e.g., secure a contract at a resort or a cruise line). You can also represent yourself in those circumstances.

As Deborah says, sometimes getting a story on local TV or in the newspaper is the luck of performing where a reporter happens to be in the audience. If you decide to send out press releases to news outlets, put together ones that meet professional journalist guidelines (you can find the specs online), send them far enough in advance, and wait until there is actually something to come out and report on, like a special event, unless you're just aiming to have your classes listed in the community calendar. Press releases that are nonspecific "I'm great! Do a story on me!" advertisements usually get ignored. Also, don't carpet bomb local media outlets by sending out lots of releases for the same event to the same place. If they received the first one, they don't need five more copies. This is a case where there's a very fine line between being the squeaky wheel who gets the grease and the one who gets the automatic trash can for being a pest.

I do know some event organizers that dislike being approached to teach. And there are others that don't mind it at all. It's probably best to ask around and do your research.

I organize the Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive. I usually have an "open call" for instructors every October for the following year; however, it's pretty stiff competition to get a teaching spot.

This year, we had so many applicants that we eliminated anyone that had less than 5 years of teaching experience and anyone who did not have a website. After the initial screening, we looked at websites, the info from the application, and youtube videos.

I also have a limited budget. I typically only pay travel expenses for headliners. Everyone else is coming to the event on their own dime. If you are a relative unknown, you'll probably need to invest some time and money into being "seen".

As an aside, I'd make sure you have professional high resolution images as well as well-written bios and class descriptions.

Hope this helps. If you have specific questions, let me know.

Originally Posted by Aida Sajadi

A couple of my fellow dancers manage to get parts in big shows-talk shows on tv, dance competitions, big festivals, which are fantastic opportunities for exposure. I asked one of them how she managed it, and her answer was the obvious, networking-and writing 'press releases'? I guess these are skills some people are born with. I'm shy :s

I know this is very context and location dependant, but
What's the best way to ask for a part in a big event?

what kind of events do i apply for? need to think outside the square because decent cultural events are few and far in between nowadays. Also where to draw the line.

Do most other dancers have talent agents?

thank you xo

There is a lot in your question, and I only have the limited experience of being in a troupe for 4 years, a troupe that put on (for our area) significant events.

First, you have to get to know the event you want to be a part of. Is it one you sign up for? (I paid, therefore I perform.) Is it one you apply for? (Submit the application and see if you can compete.) Or, is it one you need to be invited to be a part of? (Let's hope they explain that one politely.)

Once you know the event, you need for them to know you. Support them. Attend their events. Perform when you can. Perform in public, lots of places. Grow as a dancer. Demonstrate your growth with performances that highlight your talent, not your opportunities.

Then, if you want media attention, you need, dear, to overcome being shy. If you want to be on TV, you really do need to get your name out there. But, you may find that media is or is not what you seek. You may only be happy if you are the one interviewed; or, you may be perfectly content just to perform in competitions or haflas.

We all take different journeys. The road that makes others happy may not be easy for you to travel. The road you choose to travel needs to be one that you are happy to go down, step by step.

Regards,

AnalaVA