Quote:
Originally Posted by sedoniaraqs
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.
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Dear Amber,
Sedonia is exactly correct. When I send my other dancers out to work, even other professionals, I negotiate a price and I tell both the customer and the dancer that they will be collecting their fee in cash BEFORE they perform. I also negotiate a music system and private dressing area into the deal. I tell them that any gratuity above and beyond the fee is between them and the dancer, so that they know it is okay to tip. Many teachers take a finder's fee and there is nothing wrong with that, but I do not. When I send our dance company members out to work, we usually get 10% for our company fund if the job was gotten in connection with Baharat!!, but people outside the company are not charged for the service because I figure that they are doing US a favor when we can not take the extra work.
Regards,
A'isha