Sorry for cross posting. I’m posting this on the suggestion of a friend who emailed after reading this from my blog. This one is a bit long, but I think the suggestions are valid and important.

When dancers are given an opportunity to perform at a local show or hafla, every effort should be made to make their experience a positive one. Why? Dancers are often dancing for free. In fact, it’s likely that they are paying to attend the event to dance. Many do it for the experience. Some because of it just fun to perform. It doesn't matter why, all the dancers deserve to have a positive evening.

So it’s critical for the person(s) hosting these events (soloist, troupe, or venue owner) to treat the dancers with an abundance of respect, hospitality and appreciation. Otherwise, it is exploitive to get something for nothing. In this case, your getting talent for a show in exchange for being treated professionally. Regardless if its a beginner’s first performance or seasoned dancers of 20 years, the expectation is to have fun and to be treated with care.

I’m disturbed when dancers are not treated well at events. It’s particularly reprehesable when it’s another dancer or troupe that are clueless on common courtesy and good manners.

I’ve witnessed inhospitable situations at an event. I’ve seen host become so self-absorbed in getting ready for their performance, they ignore their guests dancers. I’m appalled that even the smallest considerations for the dancers are not present. I’ve seen dancers herded together in tight quarters and left to fend for themselves. I’ve seen dancers unaware of the performance lineup (sometimes due to last minute changes) and left guessing when the show starts and who’s up next. The final insult is when the host is blasé about saying thank you and goodbye.

A general announcement afterwards or a quickie "thanks" while handing back a dancers music isn't enough to let that dancer know you're thankful for their time and talents in lue of pay.

I’ve danced in some high level events with staging and lighting. I’ve danced at haflas at restaurants. I’ve danced at lodges and churches. It doesn’t matter the size of the venue or the number of dancers performing. The host has a responsibility to insure a festive atmosphere in the audience, backstage, and on stage. Simply kindesses are what makes the difference between a great experience or one leaving you regreting you came.

I think many people sponsoring events leave the consideration of the dancers for last. They are stretched thin and more worried about the sound, the lights, how much money they’re making, etc. then the comfort of the people performing for them. Why do we treat each other this way?
So given my own personal experiences, I submit the following as basic activities to insure a professional experience for the dancers. I hope readers will consider at least a couple of these suggestions while planning their next event.

Pre Event:
Once a dancer replies to a post or flyer regarding an event they should receive a confirmation that they are “on the list” to perform. This basic courtesy is sometimes missed and leads to confusion for dancers showing up at an event believing they are scheduled to perform. Yes, I know of this actually happening.

Dancers should be send a follow up email or letter with other documents for the event. There should be a short note of thank you for participating. There should be directions, performance lineup, information regarding the venue, request for staging information, request for a short bio, maximum performance lengths (troupe and solo). This should arrive at least one week before the event.

Dancers should not have to pay full price to attend an event they are performing in. PERIOD! Even two dollars off is better than nothing.

Day of Event:
There should be someone to welcome dancers with a smile when they arrive (not just take their money and act annoyed). There should be someone to direct the dancers where to change and where the bathrooms are located. Dancers should be provided with a program if there is one.

The host MUST make a point of going in the changing area and saying hello to all the dancers. They should introduce themselves and make them feel welcomed. The host creates a festive atmosphere by setting the example. Many dancers say that they are “shy” when meeting others. The host should help break the ice and/or provide someone to be the point person for questions.

The host should gather the dancers together before the performance and say thank you for coming. While you have their attention, they need to go over the lineup especially if there are changes. This is the time to get the dancers excited about the night. It wouldn’t hurt to treat the dancers humanely by saying: “You’re all going to be wonderful”, “Your costumes look lovely”, “Thank you for coming”, “Have a good time out there”.

Bonus Points Ideas: I’ve seen these little extras go a long way to making the dancers feels as if they’ve been treated well. At a minimum, provide water. If you can, provide the dancers with snacks. Chocolates are an inexpensive nice touch! Give them a small thank you card to commemorate the day. Try to get at least one picture of every dancer to send to them afterwards. If there is a bar, negotiate with the venue one free drink ticket for the dancers (can be non-alcoholic).

During the Event:
Before the show begins, the host should talk to the audience about hafla etiquette. Let them know its okay to make noise during the performance. Show them how.

Cheer the dancers on and encourage the audience to be enthusiastic. Clap, Zagaharet, Hiss, Aiwah, whatever. Never let a dancer hang out to dry in a vacume of crowd silence.

After the Event:
Invite all the dancers back on stage for a bow. Publicly thank them to the crowd.

If there is an open floor dance afterwards, socialize with as many of the dancers as possible. Move about and interact with a number of people. Just because the show is over, you're still the host and a good host insures that everyone is having a good time. Talk to people, even those who didn't do so well and continue to encourage them.

Next day/week after the Event:
Send an email thanking the dancers for participating. Reinforce that you appreciate their attendance.

I'd love to hear any additional suggestions you might have.