I saw a new discussion posting from Steve on my FB Fan Page.  I like Steve.  He has been active and has had some wonderful things to say in the past on different topics.  He is one of those really, really, really, really awesome-supportive-bellydancer-spouses.  He has helped organize events, has carried his fair share of props and costumes, and has been a #1 fan to his wife and her troupe.

He actually wrote a few days ago (sorry I missed it, did that darn hospital stay has put me behind).  Here's a paraphrase of his post:

"Just a thought but with all the struggling dance troupes and teachers out there maybe sharing ideas would be helpful...

So how about it any unique ideas for free/student venues and advertising?"

He went on to share ideas for a 24-hour charity event for cancer (an event I really enjoy!)  "Sponsors love free entertainment and you can spout the health benefits of dancing to your target audience."  This is true, the event, after all, includes walking and fitness.

Another suggestion he shared included nursing homes.  "Nursing homes love free entertainment for their clients and since most these days are attached to assisted living homes you find an number of active seniors looking for something to do."  Nice, entertaining for those that cannot participate and a wonderful activity for the seniors at the living center.  We all know that "Belly Dancers Don't Come With Expiration Dates."

However wonderful these events, and others can be, the thing that worries me is the word "Free." 

I know that we have to balance between self-promoting for potential gain down the road and just plain being nice with our volunteer endeavours.  But my first thought, selfish as it may sound, is this: 

Before I got too worked up, I did re-read his question, and perhaps he is referring to only students and not professionals?  Nah, it's all of us in the oriental dance community: belly dance teachers, troupes, belly dance students... professionals and novice.

Charity is good, but if you give yourself away too much - you lose your position in negotiations.

If the goal of performing for free to garner future business, I urge you to really analyize who the audience is, where you are performing, and if there is a third-party that is really getting benefit.  If you are looking to have exposure to parlay into other corporate opportunities or new students, think about including on your list:

Chamber of Commerce functions
Business Women's Professional Organizations
Museum Family Arts Day

Just this past week, on two different occasions, I spoke with dancers.  With both, I was listening to them talk about how busy they were because of this appearance or this event, blah blah.  Both of them were performing for free, a lot.  The kindness of these two dancers to give their performances for free baffled me.   Two reasons:

A. The amount of time put into a freebie was considereble for a very, very small potential return
and
B. The venue/sponsor had EVERYTHING to gain... full seats, customer buzz, increased sales and event media coverage!!!

Say Whaaaat?!?

Yes, find opportunities to share, but please evaluate them wisely. Your time is precious.  It really is ok to ask yourself, "What's in it for me?"  If you are still willilng to make the sacrifice for the potential gain - go for it!  For goodness sakes, do not allow yourself to be the attraction to an event that has nothing to do with you or this art.  It may be cool to see yourself in the paper or on TV, but do they talk about you... or the event sponsor?

So, what about an event that doesn't offer to pay, but you can collect tips?   Oh goodness!  I think you know my answer to that one.