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Paid Performances
Hello Pole Pals!
I've been getting some requests lately to rent out my stage pole and do paid performances.
Those of you who all ready do this, what do you charge? How much should a stage pole rent out per hour? And how much should a pole aerialist make to do a performance? Just wondering.
Thanks. 🙂
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12 Replies
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Renting out a stage pole is difficult. You really need to make sure that you are not only covered in case someone gets hurt, but I would never trust anyone else to set up my pole, which means you are taking time to go out and set it up and tear it down. I have seen anywhere from $50 an hour to $150 for the night/afternoon etc.
As to performances, there was another thread on here regarding it, I think. Either that or it was on facebook. Let me see what I can dig up. I want to say $50 was the minimum, unless there was advertising for your studio that went along with it. Lots of times if it is a big gig they will add you name and may expect that the free advertising is your payment.
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Here's a good blog post…I believe this is primarily a silks/lyra blog, but much of it applies to pole and even other 'circus' gigs like hoop,etc. Good food for thought! http://www.laurawitwer.com/2012/07/26/workin-cheap-how-shortsighted-ninnies-are-killing-our-profession/
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Sparrow, that is an awesome blog! SO much good info.
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I have just started doing performances and my last payment was $120 for a 5 min performance, and I do not take my clothes off!:-)
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@Paunobs – wow, woman! Was that a one-time fluke or an ongoing thing?
Ladies – how do you find this work SAFELY?
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Interesting that last post brings up safety, which reminds me that besides payment, another thing to factor into negotiations for such a gig is the accomodations for a “bodyguard” — a little tip that most who have spent time in the exotic dance world know. Really any special event (say, outside of your regular “safe haven” where you dance, like a club or studio, etc) for which you get hired, large or small venue/audience, it’s a given that u do NOT go unaccompanied. That “bodyguard” can look like whatever makes most sense to you: someone you work/dance with (recommended of the opp sex), your sig other/BFF, a hired pro, etc… Esp handy to have a built-in set of helping hands to set-up/tear-down ur stage, help w/costume/props, collect tips, serve as a “spotter” if need be, & general “get ur back” sort of stuff like dealing w/grabby-hands, keeping people off your pole (say, whn ur not on it & no 1 else should be either — hello, liability!) or heaven-forbid a real big emergency…
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Interesting that last post brings up safety, which reminds me that besides payment, another thing to factor into negotiations for such a gig is the accomodations for a “bodyguard” — a little tip that most who have spent time in the exotic dance world know. Really any special event (say, outside of your regular “safe haven” where you dance, like a club or studio, etc) for which you get hired, large or small venue/audience, it’s a given that u do NOT go unaccompanied. That “bodyguard” can look like whatever makes most sense to you: someone you work/dance with (recommended of the opp sex), your sig other/BFF, a hired pro, etc… Esp handy to have a built-in set of helping hands to set-up/tear-down ur stage, help w/costume/props, collect tips, serve as a “spotter” if need be, & general “get ur back” sort of stuff like dealing w/grabby-hands, keeping people off your pole (say, whn ur not on it & no 1 else should be either — hello, liability!) or heaven-forbid a real big emergency…
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Interesting that last post brings up safety, which reminds me that besides payment, another thing to factor into negotiations for such a gig is the accomodations for a “bodyguard” — a little tip that most who have spent time in the exotic dance world know. Really any special event (say, outside of your regular “safe haven” where you dance, like a club or studio, etc) for which you get hired, large or small venue/audience, it’s a given that u do NOT go unaccompanied. That “bodyguard” can look like whatever makes most sense to you: someone you work/dance with (recommended of the opp sex), your sig other/BFF, a hired pro, etc… Esp handy to have a built-in set of helping hands to set-up/tear-down ur stage, help w/costume/props, collect tips, serve as a “spotter” if need be, & general “get ur back” sort of stuff like dealing w/grabby-hands, keeping people off your pole (say, whn ur not on it & no 1 else should be either — hello, liability!) or heaven-forbid a real big emergency…
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So sorry abt the triple-post! Aaargh! Darn iPhone for being too slow & causing me to touch on “Save” button a cpl (read: too many) times!!!
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@glitterqueen, it will be ongoing I’m told!
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Finding the work safely- start checking with any burlesque troupes in your area and see the gigs that they are perfoming at. I know that a LOT of "alternative" events will willingly hire pole dancers. There are a few fetish events that go on here in Cleveland that are always looking for performers. There was also a big adult expo in Columbus that a few girls got hired to perform at. I will say that the fetish balls probably have some of the most respectful people to deal with. These are the people who know the meaning of the word no and are more apt to appreciate the skill it takes to do what we do. They will ask before they invade your space before they invade your space unless you invite them. There will be a few that are curious and have never been to such an event that may be out of control but all you need to do is tell someone and the offending party will be asked to quit it or leave and they will be escorted out.
Another option is getting in touch with any biker group or biker event or even biker bar that holds bike night.. This is another group that will not tolerate any crap from anyone.
There are also aerialists here in town that get called for events and bars that hold special parties and I have been contacted through SV by people that were looking for aerialists and go-go dancers for an event.
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Insurance…reinforcing that one…most insurance companies will not cover rental of your equipment so just because you are insured that doesn't mean you have liability against injury on your equipment if you have insurance for pole dancing.
Body guard…even for home parties I encourage instructors to have a body guard. I've been harassed going in and out of a building to set up for a party….and by other males in the house who come come before the party is over. So definitely have a "male escort" to not only help with set up but to appear serious and professional and to have somone in case you need it.
Cute story: had a woman ask once if it was ok if her grandfather was in the house while they had their party…that old guy gave me more trouble every time I went past him than I've had at a bar! LOL
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