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Dancer Security
Hi my name is Pat and I have been hired to drive as a driver for dancers performing at private parties I would like input from any dancers who have done this type of work before as to the best way to allow the dancer to do her job in a safe and efficent manner while maintaining a low profile. due to extensive training i have had I am also going to be required to train the other drivers and possianly the dancers in some form of self defense My experience in this fiels is quite extensive but i would like to hear from any dancers who have ahd experiences they wouldhare about this topic
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Re: Dancer Security
Hi Pat!
First thing that I do when I get to a party is disappear into the bathroom to "freshen up" while my security guy sets up the room for proper dancer viewing. While he is setting up he acts like the party planner, and not the "big bad bouncer" so that the guys at the party have a certain commardorie and this also helps build expectations. I won't hire a driver who has a chip on his shoulder, as this causes the party goers to want to challenge that guy and just makes trouble for everyone.
When my security man goes over the rules with the group, the music is off, and there is usually quiet in the room because he starts by saying that it is time for the girl come out, or something like that. Then he goes on to say something like; "I know you are all gentlemen, and this probably doesn't need to be said, but that is what I get paid for." then he will state the rules of conduct expected from the men, and the consequences if the rules are broken. He will also strongly encourage generous tipping (I pay my security an hourly wage of $25 plus 20% of tips).
I ask my security to keep an eye on the crowd, and the guys will come to him to have me perform for special members of the group, and he can be my eyes, and point me in the direction of big tippers, of let me know who is a little too drunk etc. We will agree on a code phrase or word so that if I yell out something like "yellow Umbrella" he will know that I am indicating a problem customer. This allows me to continue to work the crowd without causing a big upset and the problem can be quietly taken care of and everyone will continue to have fun.
I also leave it up to my security to take care of my music, make change for the customers, watch my tips and costumes, set up props and have towels ready for the end of the show and get me safely to a changing area. I will always request a changing area with a locking door; like a bathroom and he will see me there, with my tip money, and then rejoin the party to clean up any mess I had left behind. While he is loading my personal belongings into the car, I will be changing. When he is finished he will knock on the door of my changing area, and escort me out to the party and I will say my good byes while having a drink and maybe 15 minutes later he will be rushing me out the door to "get to another party" even if it is 2:30 am. This gets us quickly away, and no one feels like I am just grabbing the money and running.
I guess you can tell from this post that I have done a private show or two, and the system that I have in place seems to work really well. I have never had a problem, and usually I am recommended to others for future parties. I never call my security my "bouncer", "driver" or "security guard". He is always my MC or my dj. But the underlying message is if you mess with the dancer, you have to deal with this guy as well.
I hope this has been helpful. It sounds like you have the other end already worked out if a major problem does arise, but the best is always if there is no problem in the first place.
Good luck and have fun!!
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Re: Dancer Security
:D Thanks is sounds like I am on the right track the only thing i had not thought of was the DJ or MC name that is better than driver and less intimeadting (SP?) Ok so I can't spell Thanks a lot and all the advice was sound and confirmed my thoughts about the training I should give.
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Re: Dancer Security
;D Also pre-arange what the dancer will and will NOT do..set limits and guidelines. SOME dancers we have worked with have set guidelines then drink and wish to push the limits set..thats not allowed. Your there to be more than a "bouncer" your a friend / babysitter / escort / and actually an employee of the dancer and your dress and actions reflect on her. Sit down with them and tell them what you expect and what do they expect, get to know your girls and see how they usually do things. Your part of a team and you have to relly on each other. Best of luck!
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Re: Dancer Security