Hello to all! This evening, I have an appt (casual) with a friend who's pal owns an Indian Restaurant.
They are very interested in our troupe, just from my friend verbally promoting us.
No, I dont have a Press Kit yet. I have a few dvd's of our performances from 01-08 to last weekend. That's it....bringing them with me.
Casual meeting tonight is to try the food and talk about his Grand Opening we may be requested for.
Stupid questions...again, am new to 'planning" these things myself, so, would it be silly to request a contract for something like this? Should I offer the troupe to perform (again, we are a new troupe, but have danced together for years) for tips? Find out if there is a cover charge and request a flat fee and tips? May turn into a monthly thing (that would be nice!)
Umm, input? - Laura
They are very interested in our troupe, just from my friend verbally promoting us.
No, I dont have a Press Kit yet. I have a few dvd's of our performances from 01-08 to last weekend. That's it....bringing them with me.
Casual meeting tonight is to try the food and talk about his Grand Opening we may be requested for.
Stupid questions...again, am new to 'planning" these things myself, so, would it be silly to request a contract for something like this? Should I offer the troupe to perform (again, we are a new troupe, but have danced together for years) for tips? Find out if there is a cover charge and request a flat fee and tips? May turn into a monthly thing (that would be nice!)
Umm, input? - Laura
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Re: Restaurants - Newbie here
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 5:09 PMI would recommend starting high and negotiating down. And I would not offer to only dance for tips. -
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Re: Restaurants - Newbie here
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 5:23 PMAs the second Samira on this thread, I second what Samira said. :)
In addition- you've been dancing together for years- WHY would you dance for just tips?
Here a page with info on rates:
www.samirashuruk.com/standar...nes.html
and a page with rates lists- including in California:
www.samirashuruk.com/standar...ist.html
Those rates are for soloists. It's been more challenging to find out what troupe rates are. BUT, they certainly should be more than soloist rates. All of the rates on the list are "per show", with a typical show being around 20 minutes.
Someone on Bhuz coined the phrase "you had me a free shwarma". Cracks me up every time- and is a friendly reminder to charge what your time is worth. Years of dancing and practice, costumes, music, props, education, travel all before you're even ready. THEN all the prep time on the day of the show in addition to travel time.
They're getting OH SO much MORE than 20 minutes of your time. :)
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Re: Restaurants - Newbie here
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 5:30 PMlisten to your fellow dancers- aim high, because once you start low there aint no going up! dont' dance for tips only- fight to keep your tips. i've never had a contract with a restaurant, but it's a good idea at least for the first performance! Good luck! Love and Peace!
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Re: Restaurants - Newbie here
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 6:50 PMThoughts:
* Don't bring all your performances., just the best two or three. Aside from simply putting your best foot forward, it's unlikely this guy will watch them all.
* The more professional you appear, the easier it will be in the end. That means start with dress; "business causal" is a good place to be, maybe with a piece of "funky" jewelry or the like. This really is a job interview!
* Agree with the others, do NOT dance for tips, but also do not accept turing tips over, or splitting them in any way (and yes, I've seen it happen). Aim high for negotiations, but also agree with the other troupe members what your floor is, as well.
* Also, ask other troupes in your area what they charge; you do NOT want to be seen as an undercutter, or setting a bad example of other dancers in the area.
* Don't worry about what he's charging; your job is to get a working wage for your time, not to do his. I assure you, he'll look out for his own interests...
The single best way to turn it into a monthly gig is to turn a crowd out. Do not tell the promoter, or your friend, but work hard to get people to attend, and to pack the house. This is the assured way to get him to notice you, and to increase your chances to getting more gigs there. We dancers _shouldn't_ have to do this, but that, it seems, is the reality of the work that we do. -
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Re: Restaurants - Newbie here
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 8:19 PMI don't think a *lot* of dancers use contracts with restaurants in the US, but I think it would be a good trend to start. Please? :( -
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Re: Restaurants - Newbie here
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 10:23 AMOh my gosh! Thank you for all the replies!!!!!!!!!!
Oh,...(we'd been dancing together for years as part of another troupe; last Aug., we formed our own....fusion)...
The meeting went well (and I DID wear a funky piece of jewelry!) : )
Looks very promising and I have a better idea of how to do this (the right way) with all of your help and input.
Cant thank you enough & am sure will hit ya up for more good information.
Laura -
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Re: Restaurants - Newbie here
Thu, May 15, 2008 - 10:41 AMoh! researching,...the troupes in my area, San Fernando Valley area, CA - they charge $200 for private party for two 15 or 10 min sets.
They require payment at the door before performing, with deposit made prior to show, non refundable if within 24 hrs of performance.
That's all I got,...nuthin on restaurants....except from you....so Thank you!!
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