Who gets paid $150.00 an hour?!
Yikes! $150.00 an hour?! You must be thinking we're crazy for asking so much money. Who on earth gets paid $150.00 an hour? Well, I don't know who does, but we certainly don't. We may only be at your home or event for one hour, but the time and effort on our part often begins days before your event.
Here is a look at what goes into a one hour performance. Let's say I've been hired for a birthday party. The party is two weeks away on a Friday. Friday is a very busy day, and we have two other performances that night so I negotiate the time to ensure I have time to get to all of the gigs and ask my client to come by the studio the next day to drop off the deposit in order to reserve the date. When they come by, we go over costuming and music, and I ask them the following list of important questions:
What is the purpose of the party and who is it for?
How big is the space to dance, and what is it like?
Are there obstacles in the dance space like tables?
Where is the audience? In front or all around?
How high is the ceiling?
What is the lighting like? (dim, bright, fluorescent, incandescent, etc)
Where should we park and what entrance should dancer(s) use?
Any specific props, songs, costume, etc. requested?
Should dancer(s) be discreet and surprise the audience?
Is there anyone special in the audience who should be asked to dance?
What are the audience characteristics (age range, etc)?
Is it acceptable to video the performance?
How many hip scarves should be brought if there will be a lesson?
I take a bunch of notes on all of those points, take down the coordinator's information, etc. Now the real work begins! (remember this is still two weeks out)
I mark the date down in my planner, look up a map and directions and put all of this with my list of questions into my planner. Within the next couple of days, I check on my costumes to make sure they don't need any repairs or alterations. The belt and bra straps often need to be altered due to weight fluctuation, and all of the performing puts a lot of wear and tear on the costumes. Often, even one alteration could take up to an hour (depending on how difficult the sewing job is).
Next, I'll begin picking out music. This is generally the most challenging part, as the music is very important and must be different for each venue and audience, etc. For instance, Americans usually like fast, upbeat modern sounding songs that are between two and half to four minutes long. Middle easterners have a longer attention span and are often more appreciative of slower songs and articulation. But in any performance, variety is key. I'll usually spend at least 45 minutes preparing the playlists and burning the Cds.
After I have the music selected, I'll rehearse and get the feel of the music, which will take anywhere between an hour to two hours at least.
The day of the performance I'll get my things together: costume, jewelry, props, cover-up, Cds, iPod, stereo, dance shoes, sweat towel, snacks, map, directions, fan, first aid kit, deodorant, curling iron and makeup for touch-ups, etc. I pack all of this into a small suitcase so I can roll it behind me. Then, about four hours out I'll start doing my makeup and hair. I'll set my hair in rollers and do my makeup while it's setting. Then I'll undo my rollers and style my hair. I go over my final checklist and head out the door with plenty of time to stop for gas, get stuck in traffic and, namely, get lost.
So, when you consider that it takes at least six hours (if things go smoothly) to prepare for your show, plus the hour I'm actually there, plus about an hour driving there and back, I'm being paid about 18 dollars per hour. That's not quite so bad, is it?
Lastly, remember that all of this preparation is just for a solo performance! Anything with group choreography requires much more effort, and the logistics of getting everyone on the same page can be a nightmare.
I hope this article has helped you to understand our pricing!
Here is a look at what goes into a one hour performance. Let's say I've been hired for a birthday party. The party is two weeks away on a Friday. Friday is a very busy day, and we have two other performances that night so I negotiate the time to ensure I have time to get to all of the gigs and ask my client to come by the studio the next day to drop off the deposit in order to reserve the date. When they come by, we go over costuming and music, and I ask them the following list of important questions:
What is the purpose of the party and who is it for?
How big is the space to dance, and what is it like?
Are there obstacles in the dance space like tables?
Where is the audience? In front or all around?
How high is the ceiling?
What is the lighting like? (dim, bright, fluorescent, incandescent, etc)
Where should we park and what entrance should dancer(s) use?
Any specific props, songs, costume, etc. requested?
Should dancer(s) be discreet and surprise the audience?
Is there anyone special in the audience who should be asked to dance?
What are the audience characteristics (age range, etc)?
Is it acceptable to video the performance?
How many hip scarves should be brought if there will be a lesson?
I take a bunch of notes on all of those points, take down the coordinator's information, etc. Now the real work begins! (remember this is still two weeks out)
I mark the date down in my planner, look up a map and directions and put all of this with my list of questions into my planner. Within the next couple of days, I check on my costumes to make sure they don't need any repairs or alterations. The belt and bra straps often need to be altered due to weight fluctuation, and all of the performing puts a lot of wear and tear on the costumes. Often, even one alteration could take up to an hour (depending on how difficult the sewing job is).
Next, I'll begin picking out music. This is generally the most challenging part, as the music is very important and must be different for each venue and audience, etc. For instance, Americans usually like fast, upbeat modern sounding songs that are between two and half to four minutes long. Middle easterners have a longer attention span and are often more appreciative of slower songs and articulation. But in any performance, variety is key. I'll usually spend at least 45 minutes preparing the playlists and burning the Cds.
After I have the music selected, I'll rehearse and get the feel of the music, which will take anywhere between an hour to two hours at least.
The day of the performance I'll get my things together: costume, jewelry, props, cover-up, Cds, iPod, stereo, dance shoes, sweat towel, snacks, map, directions, fan, first aid kit, deodorant, curling iron and makeup for touch-ups, etc. I pack all of this into a small suitcase so I can roll it behind me. Then, about four hours out I'll start doing my makeup and hair. I'll set my hair in rollers and do my makeup while it's setting. Then I'll undo my rollers and style my hair. I go over my final checklist and head out the door with plenty of time to stop for gas, get stuck in traffic and, namely, get lost.
So, when you consider that it takes at least six hours (if things go smoothly) to prepare for your show, plus the hour I'm actually there, plus about an hour driving there and back, I'm being paid about 18 dollars per hour. That's not quite so bad, is it?
Lastly, remember that all of this preparation is just for a solo performance! Anything with group choreography requires much more effort, and the logistics of getting everyone on the same page can be a nightmare.
I hope this article has helped you to understand our pricing!
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