Having been a belly dancer for the last 20 years and performing at engagements that ranged from house parties, backyards and garages, to banquet halls, nightclubs and theaters, I find it remarkable to state that most belly dancers, myself included, often accept gigs without ever having a written contract. While normally there’s no problem, there comes the occasional gig that does present a situation in which there was a misunderstanding of terms.
Has it ever happened to you that you have gone to a job, completed your show, and then found that the person who is supposed to pay you doesn’t give you the money you thought you agreed on? It could be for any reason. Maybe it was a misunderstanding that the tip money is not included in the fee. Maybe it involved a clever nightclub owner who decided he is going to cut corners and finagle a few bucks off your pay. Maybe someone thought you were supposed to perform longer than you did, and argues that because the show was shorter than expected, the fee should be lower. What do you do then?
A talent agency or a singing telegram company never provides any type of entertainment without a written agreement. Arts councils, theaters, non-for-profit organizations, and educational venues never hire anyone without a contract. Why? Because no matter how informal, the situation is actually a legal agreement between two parties. It should be clearly stated so that everyone knows what to expect. All details are confirmed, especially payment terms. This avoids any misunderstandings and usually reveals problems in advance of the actual date of the show. Liability issues are also addressed. Without question, it is a good idea for you to have a written contract for even the simplest gig.
This is not to imply that you should be paranoid and people cannot be trusted. Most of the oriental dancers I have ever met are good for their word. However, it is the client that is usually the entity in question, and as they hold the purse strings, it is in your best interest to make sure they hold true to their end of the bargain.
You don’t need to have a lawyer draw up a formal contract. All you need is simple wording that concisely lists the details with a place at the bottom for two signatures, yours and the client’s. A written contract can even provide you with the possibility of getting an advance deposit on the fee. If nothing else, it makes you look like a true professional.
So next time you are discussing a performance with a client, making an arrangement to teach a dance seminar, agreeing to write for a magazine or dance on a television program, remember the old saying: “Never assume. It only makes an ass out of u and me.” Get it in writing first.
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©2002 Jasmin Jahal