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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