I received a voicemail the other day that went exactly like this:
"Hi. I am having a party this Saturday and I would like to order two bellydancers. Please call me back at ....."
Um. Excuse me? You would like to order two bellydancers? You do know that bellydancers are people and you can't order a person, don't you?? You order things off of Ebay and Amazon, you do not order people.
I understand that most of the general public doesn't get that what I do is an art. I understand that, 95% of the time, I am hired as a "novelty act" to embarras the guest of honor, and not because the party host appreciates the ancient art form that is Middle Eastern Dance and wants to share that appreciation with his guests. I understand that - it comes with the territory of being a bellydancer that does "belly grams" and short party gigs.
But I would hope that potential clients, and the entire general public, at least see me as a person providing services that you HIRE, and not a good that is ordered and delivered to your party. At least understand that. You can't ORDER me, but I would be more than happy to be HIRED by you.
I didn't call this person back. Bad business move? Maybe. But it would have been a bad move for my ego if I allowed her to "order" me for her party.....
3 comments:
Order? How do you order a person like a side of fries? I think people do not realize bellydancing is more than being hired for a job (or in this case ORDERED), that it is an an art and a culture. I do not blame you for being annoyed....
aww, maybe she was nervous about leaving a voicemail or bad with words ?
a.m. used to say "order" sometimes, lol
I really feel and connect with the arts realm, it is very difficult for performers/artists/entertainers in the industry. Belly-dancing expresses and displays a high level of creativity and confidence;the self assurance in oneself is absolutely amazing and powerful. It's just really sad for those people who take performers for granted. A lot of people just don't respect and appreciate an artist talent and gift. They think as long as they shell out the cash, they should be provided with the "goods" or "service". It's good you stand up for yourself. These people don't deserve the art of belly-dancing, they don't appreciate for its worth.
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