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Permalink Reply by Jade Lilian White on July 3, 2012 at 6:34pm

yes.

i have been pulling teeth to get performing gigs but unfortunately everyone is just wanting me to do stuff for free because event coordinators want all the money, it's really annoying, and then i am competing against drunk stripper type girls

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StudentPermalink Reply by Sarah Maccarelli Jordan on July 3, 2012 at 6:36pm

Jade, 

Be persistent. I target a completely different market because I cannot tolerate loud music or smokey bars: kids parties! And let me tell you they are super fun and pay really well. 

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Permalink Reply by Moon Momma In Motion on July 3, 2012 at 9:40pm

How much does a professional hoop dancer make for a gig?

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Permalink Reply by Moon Momma In Motion on July 3, 2012 at 9:40pm

How much does a professional hoop dancer make for a gig?

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StudentPermalink Reply by Sarah Maccarelli Jordan on July 4, 2012 at 10:02am

It really depends on the gig...some gigs I have made $150 for a half an hour...others a lot less. Keep in mind I have been performing for years. I did not start out making that much $$$. I'll be working on other articles about how to break into performing. A lot of helpful resources can be found on my blog at http://www.sarahmacjordan.wordpress.com

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StudentPermalink Reply by Nicole Colindres on August 10, 2012 at 12:21pm

I'd love to hear how you broke into the kids parties. That is what I am currently persueing too but don't seem to be very good at making it happen.

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StudentPermalink Reply by Sarah Maccarelli Jordan on August 11, 2012 at 5:03pm

Well, in my town there are lots of kid-friendly events that I have volunteered for in the past (parades, kids day, farmer's market), that sort of thing. While hooping there, I would hand out my card to people who asked and mention that I do kids parties. 

I mostly teach children's classes as well, so a lot of parents know me from the classes that I do. 

It's also a good idea to ask your best customers for a referral. For example, "do you know anyone whose kids are having a birthday party? I'd love to give them a deal on a hooping party."  Hope this helps!

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StudentPermalink Reply by Sarah Maccarelli Jordan on August 11, 2012 at 5:03pm

My pleasure! :)

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StudentPermalink Reply by MichelleBell on August 12, 2012 at 9:48am

never heard of gigsalad...thanks for the tip :)

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StudentPermalink Reply by jyen on August 22, 2012 at 2:31pm

I wonder if there is a market for dance performances featuring hoop dance.  I'm a ballet and modern dancer by training.  Very interested in starting to perform as a hooper as I'm not performing any other dance right now.  I'm not interested in working with kids and I don't mind the club/events circuit although that's probably not really my style either.  But I've been thinking for some time to create a show featuring hoopers.  Have you performed in something like this?  Maybe it doesn't exist and I have to create it.  Thoughts?

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StudentPermalink Reply by Sarah Maccarelli Jordan on August 22, 2012 at 2:42pm

Jyen, we have a similar background. I'm not the club dancer type of hooper either, but I love performing at Casinos...you should look into it! They're are 70's and 80's themed Casinos that I perform at...it's super fun!

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