WHAT IS A PROFESSIONAL DANCER?

Excerpt from Jamilee Abir ( Calgary) plus my own additions & observations.

 

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. It is my observation that 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 you should have before the term “professional” can truthfully be labelled. Hopefully the guidelines outlined will help define PROFESSIONAL DANCER STATUS……..(If you don’t have at least 95% of the following you may still be at  “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. It is my opinion that 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!

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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), or Sword Dance. Continues to attend classes & workshops to upgrade skills as well as connect with the dance community.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

            The current fee rates are: Restaurant shows 20-30 minutes - $75./show

            Private functions within Edmonton : 20-30 minutes. $150.-$175.

            Out of town performance fees: add on hotel charges plus .55 /kilometre.

            Group performance rates: 3 or more dancers- varies according to length & number of performances. Eg. 3 dancers perform.3 - 10min sets-$300-$500

 

  1. Charges the set fees (see above # 5) agreed upon by the dance community and never undercuts. I cannot stress the importance of NOT UNDERCUTTING to get shows. It will hurt 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.)

 

  1. Demonstrates highest ethics when asked to substitute for a job for another dancer. Price undercutting and put-downs of any kind towards the other dancers in order to steal the regular job is NEVER done by a professional.

 

  1. Has business cards, photos & publicity material that looks professionally done and are reasonably up to date.

 

  1. Researches information available to Mid-East dance enthusiasts usually has a great stash of video’s, dvd’s, books, magazine articles & subscribes to such.

 

  1. 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. 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 style of dance generally large body tattoos & multiple obvious piercings are not acceptable to the Arabic community & most restaurant owners don’t care for them either. Again 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. This is often a good opportunity to network & present your promotional material & will sometimes evolve into a paid engagement later.

 

To all you beautiful dancers out there, I hope this adds some clarity & provides some guidelines. Thanks for your continued support!

Anemone