As one who has been approached about being a taxi dancer, I will add my two cents.
First, I don't think it is an issue about experience relative to cost, so setting up a price structure is not the way to go. I don't think anyone should hire themselves out as a taxi dancer unless they are very experienced, period ! ... usually in traditional close embrace style because that is what is often wanted. Often the people looking for this are also advanced (but not always) and just don't want to bother with sorting through the different levels of experience they might encounter at the milongas, especially if they are visiting and not know anyone. They just want a nice smooth evening with someone who knows how to navigate, makes them look good on the floor and leaves them with a good memory. (And for you sartorial slackers out there, they probably would want you to dress up. I tend to wear a suit and tie at weekend milongas but dress a little more casually during the week.) Also it is usually word of mouth, meaning you are approached about being a taxi dancer because you are good or have a reputation for your level of dancing. Advertising yourself as a taxi dancer may or may not produce results because they still would want someone compatible with their own style. It is better to be asked because of your reputation. Then the people know what they are getting. They don't want to waste their evening with someone who is cheaper because they are less experienced. If you are only in the first few years of dancing, you shouldn't bother hiring yourself out. Taxi dancing was common in the Big Band days but was usually paid by the dance. But the dances were also very crowded with both good and bad dancers, so paying by the dance worked. I think it works better in larger dance communities like NYC where there are lots of good dancers and people know they can find someone to hire, if they so choose, and more importantly, they can afford it here. But it also is a job and if the person who hires you is not so great, you can never show that. The downside to trying to organize it is that it turns partner dancing into a public commodity. If too many people start trying to make money by taxi dancing, then the whole point of going to dance is undermined. I think it is better that it remains a small exclusive option for those few who wish to indulge in it. Cheers, Charles ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com _______________________________________________ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
