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WHAT IS A PROFESSIONAL DANCER?
Excerpt from Jamilee Abir (Calgary) with additions from members of the
Edmonton Belly Dance Community
Over the last ten years the Mid East dance population has grown considerably
in Edmonton. In order to avoid undercutting and backbiting, defining
professionalism is necessary. For the most part we all get along VERY well,
and at the very least are professionally friendly and politely civil. There
is a whole range of basic components that dancers should have before the
term “professional” can truthfully be labeled. Hopefully the guidelines
outlined below will help define PROFESSIONAL DANCER STATUS . If a dancer
doesn't’t have at least 95% of the following she may still be at the Advanced
Student Level.
1. Learning to move your body to the music, play basic rhythms on finger
cymbals and wearing a pretty costume is only the START of becoming a
professional Middle Eastern Dancer. At least 3 to 5 years of classes and
workshops are necessary to achieve the skill levels & understanding of
movement to music in order to move confidently & well. A professional can
flawlessly perform both basic and complex combinations of movements & steps
as improvisation and has performed both basic & intricate choreographies
using the appropriate music & costume. CAN PLAY FINGER CYMBALS LIKE A DEMON!
2. Has knowledge of different dance styles, music and costuming and is able
to use that knowledge appropriately for the various occasions & performances
that the dancer maybe required to perform. ( eg. Egyptian Cabaret, Egyptian
Folkloric, American Cabaret, American Tribal Fusion, Tribal – Techno Fusion,
African-Egypt. Fusion.) Know that some of these dance styles ( Amer. Tribal
or Tribal Fusion) may not be accepted by Ethnic- Arab audiences. Wearing
the right costume, ie. More covered or full dress for an Ethnic wedding &
NEVER WEAR WHITE, you don’t compete with the bride!! Also more coverage for
a school event or shows for children. This all has to do with cultural
sensitivity.
3. Is able to perform to live Arabic Music as well as recorded music with
good improvisational skills and has a repertoire of both oriental- cabaret
stylings and folkloric dances of the middle east. Folkloric Examples. Raqs
Assaya (Cane) Raqs Shamadan ( Candelabra, nice for Egyptian weddings) Saudi
( Khaligy Folkloric). Continues to attend classes & workshops to upgrade
skills as well as connect with the dance community. Seeks and accepts
feedback and criticism whenever possible. Is punctual, reliable and
conducts herself professionally for all performances.
4. Has put together a good selection of music for performances cd’s . This
is sometimes tricky. Some restaurants prefer the latest Arabic pop music or
a lot of remixes using a strong disco sound backbeat on top of traditional
Arabic pieces while others prefer more traditional & classical oriental or
lively folkloric music. It’s a good idea to have 20 to 30 min selections of
a bit of both with a good strong drum solo included in the mix. It is also
important that cd’s be of consistent recording quality. Communicating with
fellow professional dancers or your instructor about performance music is
helpful.
5. Has a business based on Middle Eastern Dance performance, can be a
part-time home based operation or works through a LEGITIMATE agency that is
licensed and has a business ph. #. When working for an agency make sure
that the agent is ADDING THEIR fee on to the AGREED upon fees by the
professional dance community, rather than deducting their fee from your
earnings (including your tips!) – BE SURE YOU ARE COLLECTING THE FULL RATE.
The current fee rates are: Restaurant shows 20-30 mins - $75./show
Private functions within Edmonton : 20-30 mins. $175.-$200.
Out of town performance fees: add on hotel charges plus .55 /kil.
Group performance rates: 3 or more dancers- varies according to length &
number of performances. Eg. 3 dancers perform.3 - 10min sets-$300-$500
Please note that the $75.00 rate for restaurant shows applies ONLY to those
businesses who have committed to a minimum of 1 show per week over an
extended period of time. They are given a reduced rate because of their
continued support of our businesses. For one time or occasional shows at
restaurants, the full rate of $175-$200 still applies.
Edmonton currently has a system in place where schedulers have volunteered
to make the dance schedules for restaurant performances. The schedulers
ensure that restaurant shows are filled with good quality, reliable,
professional dancers while ensuring that the dancers are treated with
dignity and respect. They keep current on up and coming dancers and contact
new dancers for shows as the need arises.
6. Charges the set fees (see above # 4) agreed upon by the dance community
and never undercuts. The importance of NOT UNDERCUTTING to get shows cannot
be over emphasized. Undercutting hurts everyone, and you must consider the
cost of all your costumes, music, gas for car, travel time, classes &
workshops. ( Also may need to provide sound system on occasion.)
Undercutting lowers the standards for everyone and makes it impossible to
continue performing and costuming to the highest standards, which in turn
cheapens our dance in the eyes of the public.
7. Demonstrates highest ethics when asked to substitute for a job for
another dancer. Price undercutting and put-downs of any kind towards the
other dancer in order to steal the regular job is NEVER done by a
professional. This makes us all look bad.
8. Has business cards, photos & publicity material that looks professionally
done and are reasonably up to date.
9. Researches information available to Mid-East dance enthusiasts, usually
has a great stash of video’s, dvd’s, books, magazine articles & subscribes
to such.
10. Has at least 2 ( to start with & more will come later) professional
quality cabaret or oriental style costumes, and several folkloric style
costumes & a caftan style cover-up. All costumes should be in good condition
whether oriental or folkloric, ( no uncovered bra straps) & must look great
even for close up viewing. For professional performances, costumes must be
professionally made – home made costumes will not do!. Be prepared to pay
$600.00-$1200.00 per costume, in addition to purchasing proper shoes,
jewellery, make up, zils, and other accessories. Costumes must look
flattering for your body type and be properly fitted. Here arises the
question of body type. Oriental dancers do generally have more public
acceptance and leeway in terms of weight & age, HOWEVER a FIT, YOUTHFUL
image is still the preferred type that will be hired for regular restaurant
work. If you dance with a folkloric or tribal group, there is generally more
acceptance towards a heavier & older body type.
TATOOS.& PIERCINGS: Because the cabaret and oriental style represents a
more classical and traditional style of dance, large body tattoos & multiple
obvious piercings are not acceptable to the Arabic community. Most
restaurant owners don’t care for them either. They suit the American Tribal
or Fusion Tribal looks more.
11. Volunteer performances such as charities or cultural celebrations may be
requested. If the dancer chooses to participate, the benefactors are treated
the same as if it was a paid engagement as far as the commitment goes. When
approached to do charitable work, it is good practice to let the client know
the current rate for professional performances and ask for a small
honorarium or tax receipt in lieu of the regular fee. This let the client
know the value of our services and helps them gain a greater appreciation of
what we are doing for them. It is also a good opportunity to network &
present your promotional material & will sometimes evolve into a paid
engagement later.
12. No dancing @ all men or bachelor parties!
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