Dancer Archive

When the holonews announced that the bans and regulations on dancer's props and the bunduki dance style had been lifted, I have to admit I was overjoyed. Ever since the Galactic Combat Order was given and many dancers could no longer qualify for Imperial weapons certifications, it seemed the art of the dance was doomed to remain propless. While the release of these regulations has allowed dancers throughout the galaxy to practice their art in ways that had seemed forgotten and lost, the Empire slipped in another passing beneath this cosmetic (though wonderful) appeasement. Imperial scientists confirmed success in a long term program to eliminate the common galactic problem of 'battle fatigue', an effect caused by long combat situations, death in space, excessive cloning, assasination, lack of rest, and occasionally the runs . In the past, the best known remedy for battle fatigue came in getting rest, a process that could be sped up by the soothing skills of an entertainer in either music or dance....

• The age of 'afk' or 'macro' dancing (a trancelike state of dancing many used to use simply to get tips, rather like droids purposed to provide healing and buffs rather then entertainers) is over. Patrons have always found repeated advertisements and this 'going through the motions' form of entertaining to be tedious and annoying. If you want to stand out in a venue and get tipped, you won't get it this way.


• Because of this effort must be put into the areas of actual entertainment. Most of our galactic citizens are either out fighting for their living or spending hours in front of crafting stations toiling away at their craft. We are to be a breath of fresh air from that. That means interaction, variety, and individuality must be used. More on these points below but the point is that it is still possible to get tips, it just takes a certain amount of extra effort

Interaction

• Pay attention! Greet people as they enter a venue or pass-by if you're dancing outside. You'd be shocked how few entertainers do this and what a huge difference it makes. When you greet a patron, suddenly they're not entering someone else's party. They're welcome to join and enjoy the party, it helps them relax, and it makes you stand out from the rest of the crowd. Even if you're not the only one greeting, don't get discouraged, you still stand out even if you're among others. This is one of the key ways I would make tips when dancing in Theed before the changes were made and it still works even after it.


• I know some of us are shy. I am the first to admit that I am extremely shy when it comes to talking to patrons, mainly because of the issues of guys coming to watch dancers in order to pick up on them instead of just being entertained (who can blame them, what's more beautiful then a lovely woman in exotic costume doing a well-done dance?). However, I have found there are ways around this, ways to avoid it, ways to deflect it, etc. Its really a whole different ballpark but the point is despite fears, however well pointed they may be, interacting with patrons beyond just a standard greeting helps give that visitor a reason to want to stay, its a key part of the entertainment because it brings them intothedance or musicwith human interaction, and again it makes you stand out amongst the crowd. It relaxes the patron and helps them feel at home.

Variety

• Variety of Dance: there are many, many styles of dance in the galaxy. A master has access to dozens of styles ranging from modern, to exotic, to cultural, to formal and beyond. There's only so many moves in one dance style and only so many combinations you can put those moves in until your visitor is no longer entertained. Mix it up. Pick a theme rather then a style and go from there. If you want to go modern, you can mix breakdancing, poplocking, basic, popular, and footloose styles. For a more cultural feel, there's bunduki, rhythmic, exotic, tumble, and lyrical. For more refined, there's formal, lyrical, exotic, and theatrical. If you're trying to be seductive, exotic, lyrical, and parts of formal and rhythmic can be employed. The options are endless and suddenly you can hold a visitor's attention much better by mixing dances and flourishes, changing frequently (not too frequently of course, but play with it to see what feels right), and you'll have a style all your own.


• Variety of Costume:Your costume has an effect on your dance. It also dictates partially what kind of attention you're going to grab. I had to learn this the hard way after years of wearing metal bikinis and very revealing skirts in slave dancing. When I got out into the world, this was normal to me but I attracted attention I didn't want. I have chosen ways to deal with that attention and use other methods to attract the type of attention I do want. More revealing clothing is naturally going to attract visitors looking for something exotic. Modern will attract people looking for a party and some fun. Bizarre will attract bizarre By changing your costume during dancing, you add a whole other level to your style. Performing Bunduki while wearing something in the style of camoflauge fatigues has a completely different effect then performing it in a red bustier and long skirt. Doing formal dancing in an elegant gown has a different effect then doing it in a leotard. Your costume can be used to both grab attention, hold attention, and affect the mood of your dance


• Variety of props: After the law changes, I think almost every dancer has used or has wanted to play with our new props. Those of us who have used them very likely have a favorite by now. We have a world of props available for dancing and just like costume, they affect the mood of the dance, they grab attention, hold attention, and can make things even more interesting by changing them every once in a while. Certain props combine well, there's no rule saying if you're using two props they have to be the same. Bunduki done with swords has a different feel then bunduki performed with mystical ribbons. One is fiery and awe inspiring while the other is beautiful and exotic. Have fun with our new toys and, as I've heard combatants say, don't have a 'favorite weapon'.

Individuality

• It is your own unique combination of patron interaction and variety that makes up your individuality. If you're going to stand out from the crowd and be noticed as an entertainer, you must have something that the rest of the crowd doesn't have. The previous two topics give you tools to accomplish this. If your in a group, work together to put on a show that grabs people attention, that is out of the norm. More on groups in a little bit but even on your own. Speaking to a patron makes you individual. Creating your own style of dance, varying costume and props, utilizing special effects, etc. helps make you individual. People who come into cantinas now aren't there by obligation anymore, they're there to relax and be entertained (sometimes while completing business). Entertain them in your own unique way. Give them something worth remembering and many good patrons will pay you for your courtesy.

Tips and Tricks

• We're not obligated to cantinas anymore. While they are still a core venue, a cantina is no longer a 'mind hospital', its a hangout. Dancing in cantinas is still great fun, but explore more of the galaxy. Dancing outside of cantina front doors, starports, in med centers, public points of interest, on starships, etc. are all perfectly excusable places to entertain, there's no concern about battle fatigue to keep people from watching you anymore. With the focus off of healing people think of entertainment. Medical centers are great because many people have to spend long hours letting wounds heal and could use some entertainment during that time. Advertisers and recruiters wait outside of starports for logn periods and could use some entertainment. Dancing outside gives you mroe options of catching attention of passer-byers. Use the same tools you would in a cantina, just adapt them to your environment.


• Groups: groups outside of cantinas and starports are common now, many appearing simply as a celebration of the new changes of sorts. A well organized group, ranging from two to an infinite number, can definitely catch attention. Utilize bandflourishes, they look great and they catch people attention. They are definitely entertaining. Use the same tools, be individual by coordinating costumes and props, greet people passing by and stopping to watch. Have fun and be creative, this is a great way to get attention and it works if you put on a good show.


• Don't beg. Again the day of the afk-dancer is over. People aren't entertained by repetition and robotics, they want something interesting. Begging won't grab attention it'll take it away.


• Be creative! Find out who in your particular region of the galaxy does events. Offer your services for get togethers, parties, etc. I do recommend filtering requests, as I have gotten multiple requests for 'private dancing' of a rather unsavory nature, but there are plenty of legitimate gigs. Start your own events and make openings for donations for the entertainers. Advertise amongst other dancer and non-entertainers. Start a band or dancing troupe. The sky is the limit, don't be afraid to try something different or new.


• Don't give up: It takes time. None of these methods are guarantees and they certainly aren't 'get-rich-quick' techniques. You'll win some and lose some. Some days you'll be thriving with patrons other days you won't. Part of it is right place, right time. The rest is up to you. Don't give up if things aren't working out, they still can. I know one good dance that lead to one great tip turned my financiallife from unspeakable poverty (losing my house and having almost nothing) to manageable challenge, to successful master dancer. The only difference between regular men and great men is that great men never quit. Same goes for us.

During this time of change, things are challenging, but not impossible. With an extended effort on our part, the art of the dance and entertainment can go on holding its unique and special place in the galaxy. If anyone has further suggestions to add to this, let me know and I'll see about attaching them to this guide.

Esharra ěsh-äŕ-rä, noun
1. Entertainer
2. Bounty Hunter
3. Smuggler

"One man's oddity is another man's routine." -Bertos Goodner (a dancer)