Quote:
Originally Posted by Amber
I was assured that there would be at least 30-40 women there and that I would at least be getting $50. (I'm a student, its only my second time dancing and I'm filling in for someone else so I thought this was fair)
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Actually, even if everything had gone as you assumed above, the deal would have been crappy. First, I don't think there is anywhere in the entire US where the fee for a private party gig is only $50. Even in the cornfield sticks of the midwest, private parties command at least $125.
Second, the fact that you were filling in for someone else should not reduce the fee received.
Third, that you are inexperienced doesn't call for a reduced fee. You are either good enough to get the going rate, or you shouldn't gig. The mentality that you should take a low fee due to inexperience is why belly dancers make less today than they did in 1970.
Most of the blame here lies on your teacher, sorry to say. She should know better, and she should have set you up for your first gig to be more of a success. If I sent a junior dance colleague into a situation that I had controlled so poorly, I would be paying her the going fee out of my pocket and hanging my head in shame.