Getting paid to partner social dancers

[WaltzElf]

How does someone get into this? What are the requirements?


It's something I'd like to do to help support my own dancing, I figure around mid next year I'll be at the standard that I can handle the dancing requirements of being the "employed partner," but what is involved and how does someone build up a name for it?

[waltzguy]

You probably already have all the technical requirements. Just start selling yourself, like a salesman.

When you say "support", do you mean financially? Just curious.

[WaltzElf]

You probably already have all the technical requirements. Just start selling yourself, like a salesman.

When you say "support", do you mean financially? Just curious.


Yes, financially.


Starting from next year my partner and I will be competing overseas and looking to train with the very top tier coaches in Japan and Europe. My current income simply cannot be stretched to cover that. A couple of nights of social dancing a week when I'm around would help with that immensely.

[Mostly Ballroom]

How does someone get into this? What are the requirements?

Someone has to want to dance with you lol! (Kidding, kidding :) )

[Angel HI]

Just start selling yourself, ....

Well....I wouldn't go that far. There must be better ways. :p

It's quite simple, actually. Find a venue that does this (Roseland Ballroom, NY, for ex.); present your resume (as you would for a job); et voila.

[SwingWaltz]

Doesn't becoming a social dance TEACHER instead of PARNTER pay more?

[tangotime]

Doesn't becoming a social dance TEACHER instead of PARNTER pay more?



That depends largely upon skill factor, area, and # of hrs taught.

Hiring ones self "out" is a common practice in many large cities. There are agencies also, who do the bidding for you .

There was a full article recently, in one of the national papers here with some ladies ( well known ), who explained why they prefered this method .

[Joe]

Taxi, please!

[elisedance]

If you do this does it threaten your amateur status in the US now? I've lost track on what the rules are there but here (if outed) you would be considered a professional and be unable to compete in amateur comps without reinstatement.

[Joe]

Basically, the only way you're considered a pro now is if you call yourself a pro, enter a professional competitive event, or dance pro/am but teach (and are caught!).

[nucat78]

There's at least one Web site with dancers for rent. Don't remember the name but I stumbled across it while looking for dancepartner dot com or similar.

[Standarddancer]

Doesn't becoming a social dance TEACHER instead of PARNTER pay more?

probably same hourly rate. Most students expect (or at least prefer) the teacher to social dance with them at party so they can practice what they learn from lessons, and having fun and showing off their skill to their friends.

[Standarddancer]

taxi, Please!

:p:p

[samina]

Doesn't becoming a social dance TEACHER instead of PARNTER pay more?
Pays the same, really... Or rather, pros charge the same.

[samina]

How does someone get into this? What are the requirements?

If you social dance and know members in the community, let the ladies know you are available. Word gets around, especially once you get started.

[Amazingfeet]

I assume you are a leader? It is easier to get customers as a leader than a follower. You can start off by attending dance parties, giving out name cards. Once you get one or two customers, they probably will start recommending you (hopefully).

[elisedance]

Isn't this the original meaning of Gigolo, prior to its now seamer connotation? I remember my father telling me about men in dance halls that were paid per dance in the 30's.

[quixotedlm]

Isn't this the original meaning of Gigolo, prior to its now seamer connotation? I remember my father telling me about men in dance halls that were paid per dance in the 30's.

that's the secondary meaning. the primary meaning is closer to 'escort' :)
still, i think it's both funny and apt.

[Standarddancer]

not sure about the job description of dance gigolo in the 30's, paid per dance not per hour? highly compensated?:confused: but for sure paid social dance partner only does his job as dancing with the student (or client, whatever you call)

[elisedance]

that's the secondary meaning. the primary meaning is closer to 'escort' :)
still, i think it's both funny and apt.

Where did you get that information - that gigolo was originally an escort? I think the origin of the word is a bit obscure but probably comes from 'gig' - a dancer. I still think it was originally a male dancer in a dancehall. The other meaning is usually a man who lives off a woman and provides 'personal services' for a PG thread... :rolleyes:

[quixotedlm]

The other meaning is usually a man who lives off a woman and provides 'personal services' for a PG thread... :rolleyes:

that's what an 'escort' means :)

where did you learn what a 'man', 'fruit', 'leg' or a 'car' means? i don't remember where i learned each word in my vocabulary, but i just looked up oed.com after you asked for my source ;)

[elisedance]

Yes but perhaps you didn't notice, I referred specifically to the origin of the word not its current usage. I think in the 30-40's it did not have (quite) the negative conotations that it now does - a paid dancehall partner is after all at least a socially tollerable job.

[waltzguy]

WaltzElf, are you at all concerned about slowing down your progress? After all, if you start dancing with beginners, you'll potentially be concerned with all the issues in other threads about getting messed up technically while social dancing.

[WaltzElf]

WaltzElf, are you at all concerned about slowing down your progress? After all, if you start dancing with beginners, you'll potentially be concerned with all the issues in other threads about getting messed up technically while social dancing.


Well, potentially, and if it becomes a problem I'll stop, but no sense in worrying about it before I've tried.

[Gorme]

Go to a ballroom social party and dance with different women. Show off your fabulous skills and suggest that you can dance with them all night for a "tip". Depending on how you treat the lady, word about you will spread around quickly.

[samina]

personally, i wouldn't put it in the context of a tip. make a service with a flat fee with very clear boundaries. lordy...ballroom can already be challenging boundary-wise, i wouldn't encourage anyone to make it even murkier.

[waltzgirl]

Is this becoming more common on the east coast? In my area, it's something that's done only rarely and then usually by quite elderly ladies. I don't know that I'd feel comfortable doing it here.

And I'd never ask my pro. I think he would find it demeaning. Plus, when he goes to a social dance at the studio, he normally dances with lots of women, many of whom ask him. It would be massively noticed and awkward if he were only dancing with me.

[samina]

we've discussed this numerous times in other threads...it is definitely quite common in the NJ/NY area. i have paid for my pro's time during social dances, and would recommend it to anyone.

[waltzgirl]

Until circumstances prevented it recently, my pro always went to the Friday night socials for at least part of the evening. He danced with everyone, but of course focused on his own students. So I've been massively spoiled! I think he regards social dancing with his longtime students as a kind of bonus or "thank you" gift, something he is giving us, but not something that's for sale. At least, that's how I've always received it. I can well imagine that, if I never got the chance to dance with my pro outside lessons, the chance to do so would be worth paying for!

But it would still be socially awkward here. I think I've only seen it, that I've been aware of anyway, twice in the last six years.

[samina]

i've asserted before that i think that the more people who participate in the service, the more socially accepted it will become.

[elisedance]

My pro would go and dance all evening with his students for free - twas one of the nicest things

[quixotedlm]

i've asserted before that i think that the more people who participate in the service, the more socially accepted it will become.

like online dating. it's only for 'losers' until everyone does it. then it's all 'cool'.

[etp777]

I'd certainly do it if I could find somoone fooolish enough to pay me. :) If it's same rate as teachers, figures 2 hours taxi dancing on weekends pays for two lessons every week. that's double what I'm taking now. and wouldn't have outlay I put out now on lessons.

[samina]

like online dating. it's only for 'losers' until everyone does it. then it's all 'cool'.

I suppose that's true. Am thankful I live in an area where it's "cool". ;)

[Angel HI]

Isn't this the original meaning of Gigolo,....

Linguist to the rescue. No, the meaning has always been one who is paid solely for "physical" services.

that's the secondary meaning. the primary meaning is closer to 'escort'

See the above. The original meaning of escort was actually more of what we might think of it as today...basically a gigolo who had other duties as well, i.e. accompanying the host/hostess to high class functions prior to wrapping things up, later. Note the use of host/hostess. Yes, escorts were male and female, and the hosts were not always of the opposite gender.

My pro would go and dance all evening with his students for free - twas one of the nicest things

Ah, on a lighter subject, yes, I do this always. Often, the student will offer to pay. Otherwise, I do not charge them for doing what it is I am teaching them to do. (that's what comps/showcases/exhibitions are for...not socially having fun)

[elisedance]

Linguist to the rescue. No, the meaning has always been one who is paid solely for "physical" services.



Thanks for that - but could you give me a source? I don't have a shorter oxford in my pocket :)

[Angel HI]

The Secret Lives of Men Who Service Women
Mount Ivy Pr; 1st edition (August 1994)

Ma Concubine: Habiter en les Ombres
Audelaide; 2eme edition (1996)

[elisedance]

Gee, a gigolo how-to-book :)

[piimapoika]

According to my edition of the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, the only meaning of "gigolo" is "professional male dancing partner" (from 1927)

[standardgirl]

Is this becoming more common on the east coast? In my area, it's something that's done only rarely and then usually by quite elderly ladies. I don't know that I'd feel comfortable doing it here.

And I'd never ask my pro. I think he would find it demeaning. Plus, when he goes to a social dance at the studio, he normally dances with lots of women, many of whom ask him. It would be massively noticed and awkward if he were only dancing with me.

It's also quite popular/normal in Europe (or at least in Austria/Switzerland). They are called taxidancers here. Some studio parties "provide" taxidancers (usually males, but sometimes females as well) at certain studio parties. There are websites dedicated to this, and you can "hire" one for any event. I was pretty suprised about this given that pro/am is basically non-existence here.

[Joe]

i've asserted before that i think that the more people who participate in the service, the more socially accepted it will become.
But would that be a good thing?

Basically, it's pro/am social dancing.

[mamboqueen]

Well, why not? Someone is earning a living and someone is getting a needed service. Why would it be a bad thing?

[Joe]

Don't people already complain enough about ballroom being expensive? :)

[fascination]

But would that be a good thing?

Basically, it's pro/am social dancing.I would love that...love love love it.....

[fascination]

however, talk about yer potential for messy confusing relationships...

[samina]

But would that be a good thing?

Basically, it's pro/am social dancing.
It's dancing with a partner who can dance as you've been learning to dance...if we're talking Standard, that's a rare thing, to find someone with that training. So why wouldn't it be a good thing to pay for such a partner?

It's no different from your going out with your amateur partner, joe. A pro-amer doesn't have one of those, tho.

[fascination]

AND, lol, that would probably be the straw that would break dh's back ;)

[samina]

however, talk about yer potential for messy confusing relationships...
Yep....gotta be professional about it on both sides...

[samina]

AND, lol, that would probably be the straw that would break dh's back ;)
Financially speaking?

[fascination]

lol...probably a host of reasons...like who is he going to dance with...and yes, if I had access to my very own pro at socials...good lord that would be the end of all our money...

[fascination]

Yep....gotta be professional about it on both sides...
and ya gotta keep it that way which is sometimes a slippery slope regardless of resolve

[etp777]

While I'd love to get paid to social dance, wouldn't it be even better to combine the two most popular threads at this time and get paid to look at cleavage? :D

[samina]

and ya gotta keep it that way which is sometimes a slippery slope regardless of resolve

the same as taking lessons, tho...or competing together...they all require a clear understanding of the nature of the relationship.

[fascination]

dunno...I think if one is out socially and the object is fun...not learning, not being corrected...that can far more easily lead to people becoming friendly and having the boundaries become murky...clear undertandings are mental...what happens in real life often has nothing to do with or doesn't cooperate with what we clearly understand...in a host of scenarios beyond this one...just saying this one, while not impossible, could easily be fraught with "developments"

[fascination]

While I'd love to get paid to social dance, wouldn't it be even better to combine the two most popular threads at this time and get paid to look at cleavage? :D
you are clearly sick and twisted ;)

[samina]

dunno...I think if one is out socially and the object is fun...not learning, not being corrected...that can far more easily lead to people becoming friendly and having the boundaries become murky...clear undertandings are mental...what happens in real life often has nothing to do with or doesn't cooperate with what we clearly understand...in a host of scenarios beyond this one...just saying this one, while not impossible, could easily be fraught with "developments"

i still get corrected, lol...

[etp777]

dunno...I think if one is out socially and the object is fun...not learning, not being corrected...that can far more easily lead to people becoming friendly and having the boundaries become murky...clear undertandings are mental...what happens in real life often has nothing to do with or doesn't cooperate with what we clearly understand...in a host of scenarios beyond this one...just saying this one, while not impossible, could easily be fraught with "developments"


Definitely agree with this one. With various pros I've worked with (regulars, coachings, classes, etc), spent time around some very attractive and intereting women. But most of time I'm so frustrated about what I'm trying to learn/master, can completely (well, almost completely, I am human ;) ) ignore them for themselves, and just think of them as a teacher. Now if I was spendign same money and time with them and just having fun in a social setting, things could easily turn down wrong way. Luckily, I can't afford both, and am sticking with the lessons/competition. :)

[mamboqueen]

Don't people already complain enough about ballroom being expensive? :)

It is expensive; and I certainly wouldn't pay for that particular service (okay, maybe, maybe just an hour with Max... ;)). But there are people who have money to burn and want to have a steady dance partner for the evening.

I have only seen this once (in NJ) and I wasn't 100% sure, although given who the pro was, I should have known (because I couldn't see him showing up at a social dance and sticking with one lady). I was *so* tempted to ask him to dance as soon as I saw her head to the ladies' room, but didn't want the poor guy to get in trouble.

[samina]

I have only seen this once (in NJ) and I wasn't 100% sure, although given who the pro was, I should have known (because I couldn't see him showing up at a social dance and sticking with one lady). I was *so* tempted to ask him to dance as soon as I saw her head to the ladies' room, but didn't want the poor guy to get in trouble.

we get them pretty regularly at our studio...everyone leaves the pros pretty much alone. but it sure can be tempting...:cool:

[Standarddancer]

Go to a ballroom social party and dance with different women. Show off your fabulous skills and suggest that you can dance with them all night for a "tip". Depending on how you treat the lady, word about you will spread around quickly.

you would think it will be fun; but if you charge a nominal rate, or ask a studio owner to book you with various social dancing women, then you most likely don't have the choice to pick and choose the woman you enjoy dancing with. Your booking schedule just filled up with those who is willing and can afford to pay. Although sometimes if you are lucky, you could find ladies who you are enjoyable to dance with and can afford to pay.

[elisedance]

I got very close to doing just that - here you can sit an entire evening and never be asked to dance. Partnerships are written in stone. I would have hired someone for the entire evening and insisted that he did not publicise his work while on my time so that it would not be aparent to anyone else that we were simply another couple. I think there would still be a bit of a stigma to this here.

The only thing that stopped me was finding a partner of my own.

[nucat78]

Well, why not? Someone is earning a living and someone is getting a needed service. Why would it be a bad thing?

Like hookers! ;):p

[samina]

Like hookers! ;):p

somehow i don't think most professionals would enjoy hearing their livelihood and hard-earned expertise likened to prostitution...

[mamboqueen]

somehow i don't think most professionals would enjoy hearing their livelihood and hard-earned expertise likened to prostitution...

in that case, how many people do you know that aren't hookers?? :confused:

[samina]

in that case, how many people do you know that aren't hookers?? :confused:

well, if we redefine a hooker as meaning someone earning a living by giving a valuable service, then of course many or even most of us are. if that's what you mean...

[mamboqueen]

well, if we redefine a hooker as meaning someone earning a living by giving a valuable service, then of course many or even most of us are. if that's what you mean...

not what *I* mean...what nucat means!

[samina]

ok...am clear now. :)

[waltzguy]

To set the boundaries straight, where's what you do men: Wear a bright yellow tailsuit. Wear on the back, not a number, but DFS. "Dancer For Sale". :tongue:

[waltzguy]

While I'd love to get paid to social dance, wouldn't it be even better to combine the two most popular threads at this time and get paid to look at cleavage? :D

LOL! (Looking around making sure no co-worker thinks I'm crazy.)

[fascination]

no no no...the tailsuit must be black...

[samina]

tailsuit while social dancing...? no thx :cool:

[Angel HI]

...I think if one is out socially and the object is fun...not learning, not being corrected...that can far more easily lead to people becoming friendly and having the boundaries become murky...clear undertandings are mental...what happens in real life often has nothing to do with or doesn't cooperate with what we clearly understand...

Good post, Fasc. I have been advised to not go out socially w/ the students (the reason given by a council pres. was, "If they can get you for free, they won't want to pay for it.") But, I have always thought that I am teaching them to dance on my paid time, and showing them the value of what I do and what they are learning on our unpaid time.

Further this by saying that the burden of being professional is w/ us. We can not afford, pardon the double entendre, to cross the lines. And, it's really not that hard. *ahem* .... humbly coming from someone who has a fine longterm relationship w/ a former student.... http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/ashamed/ashamed0007.gif (http://www.mysmiley.net/freesmiley.php?smiley=ashamed/ashamed0007.gif)



While I'd love to get paid to social dance, wouldn't it be even better to combine the two most popular threads at this time and get paid to look at cleavage? :D

Funny.

[waltzgirl]

I have to say I hope it doesn't catch on here. Seems to me it would take the "social" out of social dancing. I really enjoy dancing with lots of different partners in an evening. But this happens to be a very good social dance scene, lots of people, lots of singles, lots of long-time dancers, and most people dance silver at socials, so I don't feel the need for paid partners. But I can see that, if the scene were different, it would be an attractive option.

[fascination]

Good post, Fasc. I have been advised to not go out socially w/ the students (the reason given by a council pres. was, "If they can get you for free, they won't want to pay for it.") But, I have always thought that I am teaching them to dance on my paid time, and showing them the value of what I do and what they are learning on our unpaid time.

Further this by saying that the burden of being professional is w/ us. We can not afford, pardon the double entendre, to cross the lines. And, it's really not that hard. *ahem* .... humbly coming from someone who has a fine longterm relationship w/ a former student.... http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/ashamed/ashamed0007.gif (http://www.mysmiley.net/freesmiley.php?smiley=ashamed/ashamed0007.gif)





Funny.yes...you have a lot more to lose monetarily but, as you note, anyone in a relationship has alot to lose if things get murky, and anyone not in a relationship may still get hurt...obviously risks folks are entitled to taking...which sometimes work...as per you fine longterm relationship :)

[samina]

I have to say I hope it doesn't catch on here. Seems to me it would take the "social" out of social dancing. I really enjoy dancing with lots of different partners in an evening. But this happens to be a very good social dance scene, lots of people, lots of singles, lots of long-time dancers, and most people dance silver at socials, so I don't feel the need for paid partners. But I can see that, if the scene were different, it would be an attractive option.
That's nice you've got a good social scene. But this wouldn't hurt it...only adds to the energy of the evening. It can be quite delightful IMO to have a pro-am social couple in the scene. I've enjoyed watching the finer couples several times.

[waltzgirl]

Well, I'd be concerned about what Chris mentioned--that if it became common practice, it would cut down on mixing and single people available to dance with.

Something like that is happening at one of the local socials, without paid partners in the picture. General attendance started going down, and couples who dance only with each other discovered they had a lot of room at this dance, so they started coming often. The more couples dancing with only each other, the fewer singles show up, until it's virtually a couples dance now.

[quixotedlm]

Well, I'd be concerned about what Chris mentioned--that if it became common practice, it would cut down on mixing and single people available to dance with.

Something like that is happening at one of the local socials, without paid partners in the picture. General attendance started going down, and couples who dance only with each other discovered they had a lot of room at this dance, so they started coming often. The more couples dancing with only each other, the fewer singles show up, until it's virtually a couples dance now.

and i thought that dancing was never a solo activity, always to be done as couples or sometimes, triples ;)

[samina]

Well, I'd be concerned about what Chris mentioned--that if it became common practice, it would cut down on mixing and single people available to dance with.

i really don't think that would become so common as to affect the scene. it's expensive...it's not something everyone is going to be racing to do, thereby depleting the ranks.

what is far more injurious to the type of scene you're describing are the amateur/social couples that come and resolutely refuse to to mix.

[elisedance]

Danceage a trois. Its an idea who's time has come. Er, maybe...

[etp777]

Heh, that's what I do in my tango, and was acting as a prop to help two pros (third was on phone) figure out next section of mambo that I think they're doing tonight. :) FFM for my tango, MMF for the mambo tonight.

[Chiron]

Well, I'd be concerned about what Chris mentioned--that if it became common practice, it would cut down on mixing and single people available to dance with.

Something like that is happening at one of the local socials, without paid partners in the picture. General attendance started going down, and couples who dance only with each other discovered they had a lot of room at this dance, so they started coming often. The more couples dancing with only each other, the fewer singles show up, until it's virtually a couples dance now.

I've got mixed feelings on this. On one hand I would love to be paid to go social dancing and it would really help me with my lessons. I can also understand how a lady who doesn't get asked to dance much would consider doing this. However, I really like the fact that the local socials people constantly switch. This has helped my ability to lead and I'm thankful for the women who put up with me when I was(am) awful. More importantly I find the opportunity to dance with a lot of partners to be fun. If this does become common place it could destroy the social mixing of dancing you normally get and I wouldn't want to contribute to that.

[tanya_the_dancer]

I've got mixed feelings on this. On one hand I would love to be paid to go social dancing and it would really help me with my lessons. I can also understand how a lady who doesn't get asked to dance much would consider doing this. However, I really like the fact that the local socials people constantly switch. This has helped my ability to lead and I'm thankful for the women who put up with me when I was(am) awful. More importantly I find the opportunity to dance with a lot of partners to be fun. If this does become common place it could destroy the social mixing of dancing you normally get and I wouldn't want to contribute to that.

I think it depends on local scene though. The social scene where we lived before was such that people did not mix much (I have no idea how singles handled it, I just danced socially with my husband back then). Around here people do mix (and a lot of people take lessons as singles, too, so not having a social partner is not as much of an issue). And yet some other DF members (elise?) said that in their areas people do not ask others' partners at the socials.

[tanya_the_dancer]

Heh, that's what I do in my tango, and was acting as a prop to help two pros (third was on phone) figure out next section of mambo that I think they're doing tonight. :) FFM for my tango, MMF for the mambo tonight.

One teacher around here used to dance chacha with 2 girls at once when there was a big surplus of women at the socials.

[QPO]

If more men danced it would not be an issue. I have a friend whose wife was away, he could dance every night of the week with different women, they did not pay for him of course as he loves to dance, but I can definitely see a market for it. You would need to advertise yourself at socials.

[waltzguy]

If more men danced it would not be an issue.

True. Just like economics, it's all about supply and demand.

[Chris Stratton]

Well, I'd be concerned about what Chris mentioned--that if it became common practice, it would cut down on mixing and single people available to dance with.

Isn't that just basically the pro/am debate again? Ie, is it a reaction to the lack of partners, or a contributing cause to the lack, or just a personal preference, a willingness to spend money to avoid dealing with partner issues?

Something like that is happening at one of the local socials, without paid partners in the picture. General attendance started going down, and couples who dance only with each other discovered they had a lot of room at this dance, so they started coming often. The more couples dancing with only each other, the fewer singles show up, until it's virtually a couples dance now.

If this is happening already, then the first person who brings a hired partner into that setting is responding to the situation, not creating it. But if enough do, then that model becomes one of the factors sustain that status quo, and perhaps keeping it from changing in response to changes in the dance population.

----------

I think it may be necessary to look beyond the socials to understand or act on the issues that become apparent there. I think we have to look at classes and private lessons. If you have positive, enabling group classes going on, you will probably have mixing at socials. If your couples treating the socials as practice space are used to practicing and studying side by side all week and can identify with each other's dancing, then you may also get mixing. But if it's strangers with little basis of relation, or couples with too many struggles of their own, then you probably won't.

[WaltzElf]

If more men danced it would not be an issue. I have a friend whose wife was away, he could dance every night of the week with different women, they did not pay for him of course as he loves to dance, but I can definitely see a market for it. You would need to advertise yourself at socials.


Yeah but if more men danced it would cut one potential revenue for us for us men. :p

[samina]

Isn't that just basically the pro/am debate again? Ie, is it a reaction to the lack of partners, or a contributing cause to the lack, or just a personal preference, a willingness to spend money to avoid dealing with partner issues?


you are making it more complex than it is. i enjoy social dancing with partners of all levels, but i rarely get to dance with someone who has training at a certain level. hiring a professional partner provides that experience. it's simply a practical response to a lack of trained partners...as well as providing myself the experience of socially dancing with the person i train with, as if you went out social dancing with your competitive partner.

for myself, this is all conjecture, as i don't do this anymore. my instructor has his hands full with running a studio & two socials every week. alas...

[mummsie]

Waltzelf - I don't think you can get paid in Australia to do this - you would be classified as a non amateur and would be therefore unable to compete. Besides I have never heard of anybody in Australia getting paid to be a partner for social dancers. The only place I have ever heard of it is on cruise ships - mostly Cunard. :) mummsie

[WaltzElf]

Waltzelf - I don't think you can get paid in Australia to do this - you would be classified as a non amateur and would be therefore unable to compete. Besides I have never heard of anybody in Australia getting paid to be a partner for social dancers. The only place I have ever heard of it is on cruise ships - mostly Cunard. :) mummsie


Hi Mummsie - plenty of other amateurs do - it's a rule that people look the other way with these days I think - and it's quite big in Sydney - I personally know at least 10 amateurs or professionals who have/ do social dancing for $$$s.

[katen]

Isn't the way to do it within the rules to complete your level 0 and then regard your dancing with people at socials as "teaching" in a studio??
There would be no problem with professionals doing social dancing for $$ regardless - what you are trying to avoid is being made a "professional" by accident.

[mummsie]

Isn't the way to do it within the rules to complete your level 0 and then regard your dancing with people at socials as "teaching" in a studio??
There would be no problem with professionals doing social dancing for $$ regardless - what you are trying to avoid is being made a "professional" by accident.

gee I must be in the wrong business. I have my level 0 :-) but would never think of asking people for money to dance with me. I just feel I have a duty to dance with people who are sitting down all evening. They enjoy it and I enjoy it. I do it for the love of it not for money. - mummsie

[WaltzElf]

Isn't the way to do it within the rules to complete your level 0 and then regard your dancing with people at socials as "teaching" in a studio??
There would be no problem with professionals doing social dancing for $$ regardless - what you are trying to avoid is being made a "professional" by accident.

Katen - I think that's the way it works, yes.


gee I must be in the wrong business. I have my level 0 :smile: but would never think of asking people for money to dance with me. I just feel I have a duty to dance with people who are sitting down all evening. They enjoy it and I enjoy it. I do it for the love of it not for money. - mummsie

That's fair enough. But I need money for overseas travel and lessons, and I'd like to help my partner out with her dresses, as she needs more of them than I need tails suits.

If I can make some money out of social dancing, that would make things far easier for me ;-)



The alternative is auditioning for So You Think You Can Dance and somehow winning :-p

[tsb]

dunno...I think if one is out socially and the object is fun...not learning, not being corrected...that can far more easily lead to people becoming friendly and having the boundaries become murky...clear undertandings are mental...what happens in real life often has nothing to do with or doesn't cooperate with what we clearly understand...in a host of scenarios beyond this one...just saying this one, while not impossible, could easily be fraught with "developments"

the best example is dance hosting on cruises, which i became eligible to do once i turned 45. it's not uncommon to find a casino chip or pass key in one's jacket pocket (despite the no tipping/no fraternization policy). but since i've documented resisting the attentions of a juicy gallus domesticus in a previous thread (see: "why did the chicken cross the road?"), i won't go into the process of graciously declining a, er, mature melagris gallopavo with some serious snood (that flap of skin that hangs over the turkey's beak)...

[tsb]

you would think it will be fun; but if you charge a nominal rate, or ask a studio owner to book you with various social dancing women, then you most likely don't have the choice to pick and choose the woman you enjoy dancing with. Your booking schedule just filled up with those who is willing and can afford to pay. Although sometimes if you are lucky, you could find ladies who you are enjoyable to dance with and can afford to pay.

here in LA, if it's specifically advertised as a ballroom event, not so likely. if someone is a good follow (and is of at least average appearance and size), at such an event they will not be hurting for partners.

however, there are certain social functions where you can get hired and there is little to no expectation that *any* skilled leads will be there, especially if it's related to the entertainment industry B-list stuff (like getting to dance at a leeza gibbons fund raiser or stuff like that) or C-list (like when the americana mall opened earlier this year) or some sort of convention (the auto club (AAA) held a new year's eve party a few years back where they paid $100 an hour for the evening).

but while some of the women were younger and attractive, it was still *work* to deal with the spaghetti arms, vulcan death grip, and various levels of inebriation, etc. - though i did get to meet summer glau (she plays the terminator on fox) at such a gig this past may.

[tsb]

somehow i don't think most professionals would enjoy hearing their livelihood and hard-earned expertise likened to prostitution...

performing unnatural acts for compensation? what's the big difference?

[tsb]

I've got mixed feelings on this. On one hand I would love to be paid to go social dancing and it would really help me with my lessons. I can also understand how a lady who doesn't get asked to dance much would consider doing this. However, I really like the fact that the local socials people constantly switch. This has helped my ability to lead and I'm thankful for the women who put up with me when I was(am) awful. More importantly I find the opportunity to dance with a lot of partners to be fun. If this does become common place it could destroy the social mixing of dancing you normally get and I wouldn't want to contribute to that.

yeah. since i do dance host, what i used to do as an act of goodwill in terms of dancing with the folks who seldom get asked seems too much like work now, and my enthusiasm has seriously waned. as a consequence i go social dancing less often now, and when i do, i'm primarily looking for partners whom i know i'm going to have fun dancing with. i feel somewhat guilty about it but not enough to change. <sigh>

[tsb]

Waltzelf - I don't think you can get paid in Australia to do this - you would be classified as a non amateur and would be therefore unable to compete. Besides I have never heard of anybody in Australia getting paid to be a partner for social dancers. The only place I have ever heard of it is on cruise ships - mostly Cunard. :) mummsie

all we get is room and board.

and you have to be over 45.