Jack

IThese are my questions about restaurant performing and tips.
We all know that tips in the costume are a no no, but then how are we supposed to get tipped? Does a tip jar work?
What happens if something like this were to happen?

How do you pick up all those tips?
What are you supposed to do when a restaurant patron tries to put money in your costume and you don't want them to?

Also, is it ok to pull people onto the dance floor? Do they actually like that?
If my freind were to perform at a restaurant for her very first time, what would you tell her that she needs to know?

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Yasmine Bint Al Nubia

Hi Jack, I've been to clubs in which my Dance sisters were performing....they received tips in this manner. My job was to collect the money after each set and run interference with unruly patrons. It worked for us.
This is something that is discussed with the owner/mgr of the venue before the performance. it should be part of the performing contract and not left to chance. Sometimes, a person is planted in the audience to 'model' the appropriate tipping behavior.
Yasmine

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teela

I just took a workshop in which the instructor addressed these issues. She said in general you direct them to put the money in your belt where you want them by dancing in such a way to present it. If its thrown over you, you have a waiter or other restaurant person pick it up for you off the floor, its not considered good manners to lean over and pick it up yourself. Also don't slip on the money on the floor. I'm also told that the old arabic ladies will want to put the money in your bra cup because to them that is the safest place for money.
I think michelle joyce is releasing a DVD round may 1st that deals with dancing in a restaurant. Hope this helps some.

sedoniaraqs

Well, first of all, no, we don't all know that. Yes, there are dancers who choose not to, but there are quite alot of reputable dancers who in fact do accept tips tucked into the side if their hip belt, bra strap, arm band, etc.

Some people do not particularly like this, which is fine, but it is not a universal no no.

When money is thrown onto the floor, the dancer should not retrieve it herself. Generally an assistant or waitstaff will do it. Each restaurant or club is different in terms of whether tips on the floor go to the dancer or get split with the band, etc. These details should be discussed beforehand.

da Sage

Around here it's a YES YES (as long as the patrons are polite about it).

The best way to avoid being body-tipped is to prominently feature a tip jar. Or, avoid restaurant work.

The pros usually indicate a low-sexuality zone for body tipping, like a bra strap or the side of their hip belt. I think there is another thread on this, somewhere.

Shanazel

Off the topic, but what a gorgeous skirt.

With my luck, I would step squarely on one of those pieces of paper, fall down, and end up spending more at the hospital ER than I made in tips...

The other thread on tips:

Bellydancers and money

KuteNurse

She got a lot of tips if that was real money! I have never seen anyone tipped that way before. The only way to collect it would be to get a broom and sweep it up! lol

belly_dancer

at a greek restaurant I worked at, I got tips that way..... it was kinda cool not to get body tipped... but there is something weird about getting money thrown at you as welloh well.... & UGGGH! talk about money being dirty!!!!
the waitress would bring me this disgusting wad of DIRTY money at the end of the evening.... finally i realized you could wash money... so I would soak it overnite, rinse it out & if I had time (& it was a good tip night) I would IRON it!!! (actually faster than laying it out to dry!!).... does that make me a money launderer?

Aniseteph

Definitely! I'm sure the criminals don't iron theirs though.

Gia al Qamar

I take tips in my costume as well as accept money showers from patrons.
A good teacher will prepare you, not only to DANCE well in public, but also to entertain in different venues...including how to handle the audience to KEEP them from getting out of line! From the sound of your post, it makes me wonder if you're ready to take the step up to performing in restaurants...check with your teacher about how to create a set, how to entertain the audience, take tips, and a million other things that you haven't thought of...
Most restaurant tips are gathered by the wait-staff or if you have a friend in the audience who can collect, even better...NEVER pick up your own tips!!!
If there is SO much money on the floor, they'll sweep it up...I had one fantastic situation at a huge wedding where I carted my tips home in a HUGE trash bag!!! LOL!!!
Gia