pole superstar show...?

amy started this discussion · 12/18/2009

hey ladies. i'm hoping to get some advice. my friend and i recently tried out for a show that pole superstar is putting on at a nightclub in jan and feb (3 show dates). we did it just for fun, but i got a call asking me to be a backup dancer. the leads will be marlo, barbara dial, diane passage, someone they found auditioning, and they are still looking for one more. there are three backup dancers total. if i were to do it, we would do an opening and closing act and possibly participate in the leads' acts-- they are each dancing 2x and all the choreo is collaborative, so i may have a say in what we do. also, it would be a lot of fun to be on stage, performing, and i really admire marlo (i've been taking class with her recently! FUN!) and barbara as dancers. i'm hesitant to participate for a few reasons: 1- we are required to wear shoes. i'm not sure i want the connotation that comes with shoes. 2- there is no pay. this wouldn't bother me much except i know that the show will be charging admission. i feel like they are sort of taking advantage of the newness of pole by not offering to pay anything at all. 3- i'm not sure how i feel about pole superstar as a brand or an organization. i know a lot of people have a bad taste in their mouths about the way the competition turned out. 4- the show is basically a showcase for the leads and so the structure isn't set yet-- they will determine it at a meeting when they all sit down in jan. none of the choreo, outfits, or dance is set yet. i would be essentially signing up for something compeltely blind. i would love to perform pole on a stage. i think it's beautiful and i'm proud of what i do. but i'm not sure if this is a good opportunity or not. does anyone have any thoughts? any comments are appreciated--- thanks in advance!

6 replies

chemgoddess1 · 12/19/2009
Follow your gut Amy. As cool as it may be it sounds like you have some serious doubts. If those are true and not just nervousness then you already know your answer. Oh, and so jealous of you taking classes with Marlo.
ottersocks · 12/19/2009
Hi Amy, I think it sounds like a really cool opportunity. I also think that, if you get further along into it and they want you to do things you aren't comfy with (costumes, choreo, etc.), you can express your concerns. If they fall on deaf ears, you can walk away, knowing you did the right thing. That said, if they want you to sign something agreeing to do this blindly and with penalties for pulling out, then don't do it. The pay thing wouldn't bug me too much. You're in town so it won't cost you anything--assuming they are covering the costs of whatever costumes they want you to wear. And I think the shoe thing is fine. You can wear the shoes and still make your dancing classy. You can also dance barefoot and look like total trash. (Not YOU, but I should say "one can...") Look at it as a chance to do something very fun and to add to your resume that will be rather impressive. I'd say go for it! Ottersocks (Ellen)
Judy Jovanelly · 12/19/2009
hi amy, coming from a former dancer with a bunch of performances under my belt from way back when, i say go for it. you can always pull out if you hit a point that goes against your grain. besides, -- if you don't, you will probably wonder if you woudla/shoulda/coulda. plus -- you just never know who else you might meet thru this event that will become someone important or influential in your pole career. godspeed my dear ! 😀 jj
PhillyPoleJess · 12/19/2009
even if they are charging for admission to the show often it doesnt cover much (unless tickets are outrageous). Producing a show costs a lot of money and if you do it now for no pay who knows what you may make in another season. 1. It gives a great chance to network with people who are obviously DOING things! 2. Could lead to future paid gigs. 3. Think of it as an internship! You get to see how it is to work with a choreographer and many girls that you don't know. After you see the initial choreo, if it is in bad taste you can decline then, without too many hard feelings since they will still have time to find someone. Also you may not have to do certain numbers. 4. If they start to be UNPROFESSIONAL in anyway during practice (changing a lot last minute, expecting you to buy costumes, distasteful dancing) it is completely professional to apologize and part ways amicably. 5 If you have been taking class with marlo ask her if you can take her out for coffee, drink, etc to talk about your concerns pole dancer to pole dancer. She will understand and i am sure everything will be in good taste!
amy · 12/21/2009
thanks for all your feedback ladies. i'm still wavering back and forth on this but i think i may decide to do it after all. i don't see myself ever competing in anything, but i would love to perform.... and this may be a good first opportunity to do that.
chemgoddess1 · 2/1/2010
How did it go Amy?? I know there is another this Friday but I want to know how your first performance went!!!