Everyone is looking for the best deal, the cheapest price on everything from milk to mechanics, but have we ever thought about the true cost of cheap? In the course of doing business, there are certain inevitable and necessary expenses every business incurs to produce their product – the cheaper the product, usually the less spent on development, and the lower the quality of the good. This holds true in all fields, including dance.
The best place to start when discussing why “cheap” is really a very expensive proposition is by pulling back the curtain and looking at the business expenses a dance entrepreneur incurs. A dancer has invested years and hours of training in her (or his) craft before entering the professional realm, and a true artist never stops training and improving. Quality training costs thousands per year in tuition alone, assuming one doesn’t need to travel around the country or overseas just to get to the best instructors. Professional bellydancers also must cover the costs of their own logistical business expenses (licensing, insurance, taxes, etc) and costuming. For more details regarding the cost of business for bellydancers and reasons behind variations, I recommend Baltimore-based dancer Shems’ article “Behind The Rates“ or Connecticut dancer Carrara Nour’s article “My $0.02 On Rates.”
As a client, you may be thinking to yourself “but I want to get a good deal and price is important to me.” When looking for a bellydance “deal” I recommend looking for the best value instead of the lowest price. While the best dancer isn’t always the most expensive – just like jewelry prices, there are variations between vendors – there is typically a correlation between rates and quality.
If a dancer charges significantly less than other area dancers, she probably doesn’t care enough to put on a high-quality show. Thinking you’re getting a “great deal,” you end up getting very little value for your money and risk making bad entertainment the most memorable part of your event.
Almost 30 years ago, New York City-based dancer Morocco wrote an article describing the effects undercutting had on Middle Eastern clubs and restaurants in her area. “Cheap” dancers changed the environment and left a poor impression on customers, costing business owners more than paying a professional. (If Prices Are Up All Over, Why Are Dancers Getting Less?) Professional performers charge what we do so we can give YOU, the client, our BEST!
Dancers, if you do not feel you are good enough to charge the rates that allow you to maintain a legal and viable business you are not ready to be professional dancers – no matter how long you may have billed yourself as such. Not only do you end up putting out an inferior product you won’t be able to improve because your business can’t afford it, but you do a disservice to clients by not delivering the level of service they trusted you to provide at their special event. “Cheap” dancing is just that… cheap. Take your art seriously and be confident enough in your abilities to consistently provide the best quality entertainment to your clients.
Clients, bellydance entertainment is a delightful addition to your event and a quality dancer may cost a little more than $50 and a plate of falafel, but the value of a good show will be clear when you see the happy smiles on your guests’ faces and have nothing but fond memories for years to come.
New to hiring bellydancers and want a little more information? I also recommend Carrara Nour’s article “The Connoisseur’s Guide to Hiring a Bellydancer” for even more information!
Great comments/commentary – I plan on sharing this with many others. Thank you!
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