Events . . .

I was talking with a friend today.  And we were discussing the number of events that are cropping up.  This lead to a discussion about would-be organizers wanting experienced organizers to give up all the answers in terms of how to get an event started, how to get the word out, what type of venue to look for, how to create a general format for their event, ticket prices . . . you name it . . . versus their going out, doing the work for themselves and learning to deal with the successes and failures of their decisions.  On one hand, it begs the question of community vs self . . . but at the same time, why would someone think that another is going to give up that magical key that makes their event successful to what could be perceived as the “competition” (due to the sheer number of events occurring); that cost them so much time, energy, money and a whole lotta tears to figure out?

Personally, I have “mentored” a few dancers in terms of how to go about approaching a potential gig; what to ask for in terms of pay; what they would need to consider re: hosting an event; etc.  However, these were students/close friends of mine.  Not just a random dancer or social “friend” asking for my thoughts and advice.  Well . . . actually . . . there was that one time . . .  at band camp . . . . . . . and honestly, it was such a truly nasty experience, that it completely turned me off the idea of mentoring someone in the name of  “community” again.

Hosting Shimmy 2B Free!, as well as smaller events, such as Nights at the Casbah/Dancers’ Night at the El Morocco, or hosting various student/dancers’ nights in other states, I realize that while pushing forward, dealing with all of the last minute blow-ups and land mines, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and those that comprise the “committee” in a given situation, I am less and less inclined to be generous with my hard-earned lessons.   Really . . . there have been a whole lotta headaches, hair-pulling episodes (figuratively speaking of course : ),  sleepless nights, tear-filled tantrums, computer crashes, data dumps, and I can’t even begin to tell you how many “towel-throwing” incidents where I’ve wanted to quit.  And I have to laugh at those that feel it would be “so easy” to pull together a successful event  . . . you’ve probably heard them, too; they’re the ones that are great about telling anyone that will listen how much better the event would have been IF the host had done this/that or the other thing.  Occasionally I’ve had someone volunteer to “help” to see what they can learn (and occasionally were very upfront about their intent) . . . they might even ask to take on more responsibilities . . . only to  finally throw their hands up, running as fast as they can, screaming, leaving a rain of papers and sparklies in their wake.  At which point, a common statement that I hear is:  “How do you put up with this *&@%!” . . . usually in reference to the lack of professionalism on the part of “professional” dancers, dancers looking for preferential treatment, individuals that didn’t read the fine print, or can’t seem to get their paperwork completed/turned in, the “diva” that is pretty sure that the show should be designed around them (after all … they ARE a professional!) . . . and that doesn’t even hit on venue issues, banking issues, security issues, insurance issues  . . . and on and on.  And yet this, too is all part of the event.

So, to this . . . I would offer some things/conditions to consider, if you are considering hosting an event:

1)  Understand that while dancers are wonderful, amazing and creative individuals . . . when you’re talking about an opportunity to perform, you will at times see the “diva” come out in friends and foes alike.  If you are hosting a show . . . suck it up.  Deal with it.  It’s part of the program.

2)  Understand that there is no one way to do anything.  What works for one may not work for another.  Find your own way.  Then you can’t blame anybody else if it doesn’t work out.  Which really is the way it should be.

3)  Think about the size of the event that you want to host.  Do you want to fill a small restaurant?  Or were you thinking of a theatrical setting?  Be realistic . . . sometimes our eyes are bigger than our ability to market/advertise.

4)  Are you offering workshops?  How many registrations do you need to cover those expenses?

5)  Don’t forget fliers!  And find a good printer . . . and stick with ‘em.   Don’t forget that repeat business can give you a discount in the future.

6)  Do you need volunteers?  How many?  Can you count on them?  Or do they have their own agenda?  Will you “settle” for a “difficult” person, just for the help?  If so . . . suck it up.  Deal with it.  If you don’t want that headache, then deal with having one person less.  Honestly . . . it’s your show, and if you don’t think someone is a “fit” . . . let them go.  In the end, they’ll end up costing you money.

7)  Do you expect to take a loss?  Do you expect to break even?  Do you expect to get rich?  Yeah, silly question, right?  Wrong.   It’s one you need to answer.  My first venture into the “big” style events hosting taught me a lot!  Are you willing to “pay” for a lesson . . . and if you are not, then you have to think even harder about what you hope to accomplish.  And then re-think it all again.

8)  Don’t ignore the marketing of your event.  Consider your resources . . . and that takes us back to #7 above . . . because it could turn into an expense, along with your advertising costs.

But the other side of this conundrum is attending an event.  Obviously an event is only as successful as the participants make it.  Period.  As individuals, we decide where we’re going to put our money . . . it’s a standard economic decision.  And everyone loves to be able to strut their stuff; showing off their new costume or new choreography at the shows.  Usually there’s also a workshop of some sort set up (not always, but often) as part of the day’s festivities.  However, because of more and more dancers wanting to strut vs supporting the event by attending the workshop(s), it became the standard to “request” that those participating in the evening shows register for at least one workshop.  Larger tribal-based events can require that you register for as many as 5 workshops to participate in the show.

The problem that’s coming around again, is that while dancers have time to perform . . . and in some cases, time to offer to teach an additional workshop . . . they don’t seem to have the “time” to take a workshop.  Which means that while there are more and more events popping up, there are more and more events failing.  Get with it!  As in – recognize that in order for events to continue, the dance community needs to support them . . . yes . . . financially.

It seems like we’re moving backwards.   And maybe it’s part of the diva thing . . . dancers believe that they’ve “arrived” because they perform, and/or they teach, and/or are part of the workshop circuit themselves (or trying to break into it) and that anything less than an instructor from Egypt is a waste of their time and money.  Or maybe instructors are no longer stressing the importance of attending events to their students; of grabbing the opportunity to learn something new from some of the best known (and best kept secrets) in our dance community.  As instructors, its our job to keep reminding students of the benefits in attending events, as well as the fact that they are making an investment in themselves as a dancer.

So, again . . . here are some thoughts/considerations to consider should you want to attend an event:

1)      Understand that you may believe the host of the event is making bank, but chances are they’re lucky to break even.  Your cost to attend goes up based on where the featured instructor is coming from, and how well known they are, ie: an instructor from Egypt requires a higher workshop fee than someone coming from Michigan.  Suck it up.  Deal with it.  It’s part of the program.

2)      Spread the word . . . tell your dance friends about the workshops . . . sometimes hosts will offer a discount for a group of 5 or more.  Doesn’t hurt to ask.  Be prepared to be told “no”.

3)      Tell your family and all your friends about any shows coming up.  Make it a girlz night out . . . or celebrate a birthday . . . make it a personal event as well.

4)      If you change your mind after registering for a workshop, expect to be told “no refunds”.  It’s standard practice . . . suck it up.  I always post out “No refunds unless event is canceled.”

5)      If you really are not able to take a workshop, and really want to support the event,  talk with the host.  Maybe they’ll let you pay a “donation” up to the amount of the required workshop registration.  Some won’t as it’s considered rude to just pay to show up to strut your stuff but can’t hurt to ask.

6)      Help advertise/market the event . . . post it on your website, your Facebook, your MySpace, your Tribe, Twitter, and/or anything else that you can think of.  It’s free and gives you a larger audience to play to!  If you are an instructor, ask for hard copies of the fliers to hand out in class.

In the end, it all comes down to planning . . . whether it’s to host an event, or attend one.  You simply need to figure out for yourself how you fit into the community; where your money is best spent; and let’s face it . . . what the real benefits will be . . . to you and/or participants.

Thoughts???

Yours in Dance . . .

S

In my opinion . . . . .

. . . . . and that’s where it starts.  My opinion.  Doesn’t have to match up with anybody else . . . it’s all mine.  Of course, that’s the good thing, and bad thing about an “opinion” . . . . . he-he . . . . . yup . . .  everybody has one!  And this is just some place to state mine . . . whatever that may be . . . at any given point in time.  Got any ideas???