Fair Pay, Typical Rates, Ethical Practices and Professional Standards
There has been a recent resurgence of talk about standard rates for dancers, undercutting, performance venues
and other important issues for professional belly dancers.
This increased awareness is vital for the continued success of performing belly dancers of all styles. It is also
imperative to developing understanding and respect in the general public for our art-form and the myriad cultures
from which it springs. If we hope to develop and keep respect for this dance we love- we must treat it with the utmost
respect. Find a teacher with high standards, one who will keep you to those standards and one who will be honest
with you about both your strengths and challenges. Study with someone who has years of genuine professional
experience who can guide you in ethical professional practices.
Morocco, Artemis Mourat, Anthea and others have written wonderful articles on the subject. Sarah Skinner has
also addressed the issue on her comprehensive site. Discussions have taken place on tribe.net, Bhuz as well as
several yahoo groups devoted to regional belly dance.
It seems often performers who are new, or new to an area are not filled in on regional standard rates. They may
inadvertently charge under the typical area rates, without meaning to undercut- but the result is the same- lower
wages for everyone. Wages that won't pay for all our prep, travel and rehearsal time, let alone costumes, workshops
etc (not to mention rent or mortgage). Ideally dancers who are going professional are being guided by a responsible,
knowledgeable teacher. As this is not always the case, I have included a list of links with tips on professionalism and
ethics for the professional dancer. More links here
If you are not a dancer and have somehow stumbled upon this page: Please remember that included in our fee is
SO much more than the 20 or so minutes you see us perform. An hour prep time, travel time (average 30 minutes to
an hour each direction), waiting around at the whim of the host/musician, all occur on the day of the gig. Factor in
rehearsal time, class time and the cost of costuming, props and music and you'll have a better idea of the challenges
faced by a professional dancer. This is not a "per hour" job, it is a "pay per service" career, as there are many
factors that make up our services.
We as dancers need to keep in mind that the venues where we work are also trying to make a living. The
restaurants and clubs that support us and are kind to us; the ones that treat us like family instead of the hired help
truly deserve our support. There are several different ways we can do that. These venues make wonderful places to
hold recitals and other events that may bring them more clients at a usually not so busy time. When these
restaurants have special events with musicians it's often a wonderful opportunity to dance with live musicians. If you
can, patronize these places on your night off and encourage your students to support them as well. The dance
community is much more than just the dancers- the venues, musicians, party planners, DJs, vendors and audience
etc are all our partners in promoting this wonderful art form. Treat them as such.
Some new dancers don't have access to dance mentors who are generous with their years of knowledge. Other
dancers have teachers who are not themselves practicing or teaching within these professional standards. For these
groups of dancers, I hope this list helps.
I regularly update another page with links on all sorts of aspects of performing and professionalism. I also strongly
suggest working with a mentor or taking a workshop from a respected professional who has been in the business a
long time. I highly recommend Artemis Mourat's So You Wanna Be a Star workshop. It's FANTASTIC!
There has been a recent resurgence of talk about standard rates for dancers, undercutting, performance venues
and other important issues for professional belly dancers.
This increased awareness is vital for the continued success of performing belly dancers of all styles. It is also
imperative to developing understanding and respect in the general public for our art-form and the myriad cultures
from which it springs. If we hope to develop and keep respect for this dance we love- we must treat it with the utmost
respect. Find a teacher with high standards, one who will keep you to those standards and one who will be honest
with you about both your strengths and challenges. Study with someone who has years of genuine professional
experience who can guide you in ethical professional practices.
Morocco, Artemis Mourat, Anthea and others have written wonderful articles on the subject. Sarah Skinner has
also addressed the issue on her comprehensive site. Discussions have taken place on tribe.net, Bhuz as well as
several yahoo groups devoted to regional belly dance.
It seems often performers who are new, or new to an area are not filled in on regional standard rates. They may
inadvertently charge under the typical area rates, without meaning to undercut- but the result is the same- lower
wages for everyone. Wages that won't pay for all our prep, travel and rehearsal time, let alone costumes, workshops
etc (not to mention rent or mortgage). Ideally dancers who are going professional are being guided by a responsible,
knowledgeable teacher. As this is not always the case, I have included a list of links with tips on professionalism and
ethics for the professional dancer. More links here
If you are not a dancer and have somehow stumbled upon this page: Please remember that included in our fee is
SO much more than the 20 or so minutes you see us perform. An hour prep time, travel time (average 30 minutes to
an hour each direction), waiting around at the whim of the host/musician, all occur on the day of the gig. Factor in
rehearsal time, class time and the cost of costuming, props and music and you'll have a better idea of the challenges
faced by a professional dancer. This is not a "per hour" job, it is a "pay per service" career, as there are many
factors that make up our services.
We as dancers need to keep in mind that the venues where we work are also trying to make a living. The
restaurants and clubs that support us and are kind to us; the ones that treat us like family instead of the hired help
truly deserve our support. There are several different ways we can do that. These venues make wonderful places to
hold recitals and other events that may bring them more clients at a usually not so busy time. When these
restaurants have special events with musicians it's often a wonderful opportunity to dance with live musicians. If you
can, patronize these places on your night off and encourage your students to support them as well. The dance
community is much more than just the dancers- the venues, musicians, party planners, DJs, vendors and audience
etc are all our partners in promoting this wonderful art form. Treat them as such.
Some new dancers don't have access to dance mentors who are generous with their years of knowledge. Other
dancers have teachers who are not themselves practicing or teaching within these professional standards. For these
groups of dancers, I hope this list helps.
I regularly update another page with links on all sorts of aspects of performing and professionalism. I also strongly
suggest working with a mentor or taking a workshop from a respected professional who has been in the business a
long time. I highly recommend Artemis Mourat's So You Wanna Be a Star workshop. It's FANTASTIC!
Other ideas for positive action:
**Support establishments that pay fairly and treat dancers with respect. Bring your friends, go watch a show, etc.
**Help guide and support each other in typical rate practices. Remember that these rates are merely a guideline -
advanced dancers can earn more than newbies as a result of their experience, however new dancer should NOT use
this as an excuse to charge lower than a reasonable professional level minimum.
**A few restaurant owners do not always tell the truth about what they are paying other dancers. They will often try to
get the lowest price possible - as does any business. Be fair, but also do not undervalue yourself.
**If a venue doesn't pay you, or gives you the run around- Remember you are a professional and deserve to be
treated as such. Also let other dancers know this is happening. Communication with others is key in developing a
support network.
**Clearly communicate and negotiate with a venue and/or band about both pay and tips. Is there body tipping
allowed? How are floor tips distributed? How are you paid if there are few clients in the establishment? Remember to
do this BEFORE you work- so tip and pay methods are understood clearly by all parties.
**If you are a teacher and want to create an opportunity for your students to perform, it's unethical to take away a gig
opportunity from another professional dancer. Create something OTHER than a "Student Night" at a restaurant or
club on a busy night. If you organize a student night at a restaurant or club on non-busy night or in the afternoon- you
are allowing your students the excitement of performing at a real venue, insuring there is plenty of room for their
friends, family and supporters AND supporting the restaurants that hire professional dancers for their busier nights.
Haflas/student performances can also be held at community centers, retirement homes, daytime/non-busy nights at
shisha lounges, coffee houses, after workshops etc. They can be fund raisers for a cause, or for scholarships for
your school. There are SO many positive opportunities you can create for your students, that also demonstrate
support of the professionals in the area.
**If you or your students can't get and/or keep a gig at or above the typical local rate, chances are you are not yet
ready to perform for the general public as a professional. Do yourself and the art form a favor and PLEASE find a
teacher or mentor to help guide you. There are lots of venues appropriate for a developing professional or hobbyist.
**Having students perform in environments where the general public may think they are professional is doing a
disservice to the dance. Our art form will never be seen as professional if we do not uphold professional standards
**Support other teachers and event promoters. Also do your best to not schedule your events over someone else's.
**Remember the difference between a Diva and a Professional. Be a professional.
**Follow a strong Code of Conduct, such as the one by Anthea
**Be ethical!
**Speak positively about other dancers, speak positively about the dance. Educate yourself to the best of your
abilities, so you can present the dance in its best possible light and help to dispel myths.
**Support establishments that pay fairly and treat dancers with respect. Bring your friends, go watch a show, etc.
**Help guide and support each other in typical rate practices. Remember that these rates are merely a guideline -
advanced dancers can earn more than newbies as a result of their experience, however new dancer should NOT use
this as an excuse to charge lower than a reasonable professional level minimum.
**A few restaurant owners do not always tell the truth about what they are paying other dancers. They will often try to
get the lowest price possible - as does any business. Be fair, but also do not undervalue yourself.
**If a venue doesn't pay you, or gives you the run around- Remember you are a professional and deserve to be
treated as such. Also let other dancers know this is happening. Communication with others is key in developing a
support network.
**Clearly communicate and negotiate with a venue and/or band about both pay and tips. Is there body tipping
allowed? How are floor tips distributed? How are you paid if there are few clients in the establishment? Remember to
do this BEFORE you work- so tip and pay methods are understood clearly by all parties.
**If you are a teacher and want to create an opportunity for your students to perform, it's unethical to take away a gig
opportunity from another professional dancer. Create something OTHER than a "Student Night" at a restaurant or
club on a busy night. If you organize a student night at a restaurant or club on non-busy night or in the afternoon- you
are allowing your students the excitement of performing at a real venue, insuring there is plenty of room for their
friends, family and supporters AND supporting the restaurants that hire professional dancers for their busier nights.
Haflas/student performances can also be held at community centers, retirement homes, daytime/non-busy nights at
shisha lounges, coffee houses, after workshops etc. They can be fund raisers for a cause, or for scholarships for
your school. There are SO many positive opportunities you can create for your students, that also demonstrate
support of the professionals in the area.
**If you or your students can't get and/or keep a gig at or above the typical local rate, chances are you are not yet
ready to perform for the general public as a professional. Do yourself and the art form a favor and PLEASE find a
teacher or mentor to help guide you. There are lots of venues appropriate for a developing professional or hobbyist.
**Having students perform in environments where the general public may think they are professional is doing a
disservice to the dance. Our art form will never be seen as professional if we do not uphold professional standards
**Support other teachers and event promoters. Also do your best to not schedule your events over someone else's.
**Remember the difference between a Diva and a Professional. Be a professional.
**Follow a strong Code of Conduct, such as the one by Anthea
**Be ethical!
**Speak positively about other dancers, speak positively about the dance. Educate yourself to the best of your
abilities, so you can present the dance in its best possible light and help to dispel myths.
Did you get through all that?
Having the above background information will help you understand how the standard rates
list work.
Thanks for taking the time to read it and thanks for caring enough about the dance to
support positive and ethical business practices.
Here's the rates list
Having the above background information will help you understand how the standard rates
list work.
Thanks for taking the time to read it and thanks for caring enough about the dance to
support positive and ethical business practices.
Here's the rates list
