Performing-“What do I Charge?”

by Ché Rippinger

Congratulations…You just got asked to perform at your first gig. Now What?!

We had this discussion in our belly dance group. Here’s a direct bit, that may be a little hard to hear, from one of my belly dance teachers: she recommended not performing, until you have the chops (professional know how) to charge the professional going rate. One of the reasons for this, is that often the client doesn’t know your skills, and just thinks they got you for a way better price than someone else. My seasoned teacher makes her living from this and was undercut, and subsequently cancelled for a gig, by a newbie. It set off a hailstorm of information on how to prevent this.

Here are some nutshell tips to consider for “going pro.”

There is a going rate that is generally the industry standard. It’s good to know so you can charge that, when you are ready. It’s also important so that our community continues to back itself with the actions of all who are in it.

That said, we all have to start somewhere. There are a lot of showcases/charitable events where we can begin to lend our skills and perform for free while we get better. The pros even do these, too! It’s a great place to work on new material, or try different styles.

You may want to take into account:
~The size of the event, who is putting it on (big corporate or small mom & pop shop), are they charging for the event (ticket sales=covering costs+profit).
~Are they budgeting for other normal things (i.e. you should get paid then too!).
~What you need to do to prep for it (travel, time, choreographed staging with costume, or “ambient” performing — some call this “noodling”, fyi).
~Are you teaching and talking?
~Are you promoting their stuff?

If budget is an issue with a potential client, you may get the “It’s great exposure for your business,” and “we really can’t pay you” , “we don’t have a budget for this,” lines/aka “excuses” a lot. Excellent advice I got, if not “paid” with money: Make sure there is an exchange of energy…what do they have to offer you: a gift certificate, lots of advertising of you on their social media, merchandise, or at the very least being able to bring your biz cards and sell your ware too (merchandise & services you have: hoops, clothes, jewelry,  lessons, etc.).

And finally, you’ve heard it in other businesses, and it’s true here: get a contract! This is so important and many of us are initially uncomfortable with doing this. That is, until you get burned once or twice. Look at it this way: With a contract, expectations are met with a happy experience for both parties. Another recommendation from a pro: get 1/2 of your money up front as a “cancellation fee”-as you don’t take other gigs when booked.

There are other groups with contracts out there for the various performing available. A  great resource helpful for all types of performers is Tim Marston’s “How To Sell Your Act”.

If you do regularly perform, a great sign of professionalism is having insurance. It’s also a great selling point, too! And if you dance with fire, it’s a necessity–along with an experienced fire “safety”(a knowledgeable person who is trained to help observe, prevent and deal with any threatening mishaps).

Whatever you do, even if it’s just amongst friends, keep it professional, upbeat and positive. Everyone has a camera and a computer. And it’s great to recommend others in the performance community, too. Courtesy has a way of coming back around. Whether you are well-seasoned or just getting your feet wet, good luck out there!

~Ché Rippinger is a professional performer, instructor, and hoop maker with Hip The Hoopla www.HipTheHoopla.com. She is also a social media marketing and P.R. trainer and business consultant with Elevated Color www.elevatedcolor/marketing. Call or e-mail for more info and to book a class, appointment or private consultation. 303-980-6295 Che@HipTheHoopla.com. Please check out more information and “like” us: www.facebook.com/HipTheHoopla .