Earning a Crust or two.

Amazingly I have had all of Friday off, half of Saturday and all of Sunday- Wow! And for those of you for whom the weekend is usually an oasis of calm, lucky you! Most weekends I am doing something belly dance related- either performing, rehearsing, teaching, going to an event to trade, perform or teach, organising my own event or shopping for work related stuff. And don't get me wrong...I love it...but occaisionally it's nice to have a bit of work-free time off...lovely! But if you are self employed (like moi) then you are never truly off duty...and, especially at the moment when everyone is struggling to make a few bob, you can't afford to turn down any opportunity. I guess you could well now be saying how on earth does a belly dancer make money anyway? Weeelll, there are all sorts of ways and means, but it all largely depends on whether you already have another job or not. Many teachers and performers I know have part-time or full time jobs (as well as having a family), so belly dance is a 'paying hobby', but for a few of us, belly dance is our only source of income...and although earning your living dancing is hugely satisfying, it can also be very tough. So, as I had to cancel a workshop I had planned for today (not enough participants), I started tlooking around for another opportunity and found a Christmas Fayre in Shipston. I make and sell my own belly dance related jewellery (mostly to the dancing sorority), but I've recently started making stuff that is more mainstream and suitable (I hope) to the general public. Well, I'll soon find out if that's true, as I'm displaying my wares today between 2-4pm at the Townsend Hall , Shipston on Stour.
But back to earning a living....most belly dance teachers have classes, teach workshops and perform for money, but unless you are able to work all the hours God sends, it's often not enough. Some teachers are also traders, that is, they sell costumes, jewellery and accessories, and organise events...so I guess we have to be Jills of all trades, good at spotting up and coming trends, and very adaptable. Mind you, having been self employed most of my life, I've found that adaptability is the name of the game, and to keep going you have to be prepared to change direction or grab an idea or opportunity when it comes your way. But more of this another day- it feels as if it's about time I went as I'm even beggining to bore myself! *sigh*! Ta taaaa.