Taxi Dancers

[TiggsTours]

Hi,

I've been taxiing for a few years now, and wondered what people thought of the whole concept.

Personally, I love the idea of taxi dancers, I think that we do a fantastic job, but it frustrates me that there is alot of irregularities. For example:

There is no set guidelines of EXACTLY what is expected from a taxi dancer:

a. We're expected to be there for the beginner's class, yes.
b. We're expected to dance with beginner's until a set time in the class, yes.
c. We're expected to run a review class during the intermediate class, yes.

However, some venues also run improvers classes, but there is no guideline as to how this takes place.
Taxi dancers do not go through any intial training for their role.
We are not given any guidelines as to what to do if we are asked to teach privately, which happens from time to time.
Also, some taxi dancers, like me, are lucky enough to work for venues that give free or discounted entry to a large number of venues, some don't. We all work just as hard, and this seems unfair. I'm a firm believer that all taxi dancers should get free entry to all venues, and not because that means I would, just because it would be fair.
On that note, it is only taxi dancers for Ceroc London who are asked to staff the Ceroc Champs. As this is the UK Championships, surely taxi dancers from all venues should be given the same opportunities?

I'd be really interested to know what other peoples thoughts are on this.

[killingtime]

Originally Posted by TiggsTours

I've been taxiing for a few years now, and wondered what people thought of the whole concept.

As someone who didn't really start Ceroc that long ago I still have fresh memories of the beginners' revision classes. There were a lot of good points about it. First to improve your confidence in the moves and just dancing with people. Second as a forum for asking questions about the moves. Finally I found the taxis really good for handing out technique advice.

Finally I found dancing with the taxis a great experience as, obviously in the beginners revisited class, other beginners also tend to suffer the same issues as you do. The taxi, on the other hand, knows the routine that you are trying and is a strong dancer that helps you through mistakes that you are making and such.

So I think the taxi dancer idea is great and really appreciate the hard work they put in.

[Graham W]

..I do taxi-ing - rather then worry about how one is supposed to teach beginners in the extra class, I see it as an opportunity to develop your own methods,??

G

[Tessalicious]

Originally Posted by TiggsTours

Hi,

I've been taxiing for a few years now, and wondered what people thought of the whole concept.

Personally, I love the idea of taxi dancers, I think that we do a fantastic job, but it frustrates me that there is alot of irregularities. For example:

There is no set guidelines of EXACTLY what is expected from a taxi dancer:

a. We're expected to be there for the beginner's class, yes.
b. We're expected to dance with beginner's until a set time in the class, yes.
c. We're expected to run a review class during the intermediate class, yes.

However, some venues also run improvers classes, but there is no guideline as to how this takes place.
Taxi dancers do not go through any intial training for their role.
We are not given any guidelines as to what to do if we are asked to teach privately, which happens from time to time.
Also, some taxi dancers, like me, are lucky enough to work for venues that give free or discounted entry to a large number of venues, some don't. We all work just as hard, and this seems unfair. I'm a firm believer that all taxi dancers should get free entry to all venues, and not because that means I would, just because it would be fair.
On that note, it is only taxi dancers for Ceroc London who are asked to staff the Ceroc Champs. As this is the UK Championships, surely taxi dancers from all venues should be given the same opportunities?

I'd be really interested to know what other peoples thoughts are on this.

I've only started taxiing recently, so I don't feel particularly qualified to comment on the differences between what is stated as being expected of us and what we actually do, but I really enjoy it (most nights anyway) and agree that it is a really important role in keeping Ceroc friendly and getting people to come back week after week.

However I have noticed that as far as many beginners are concerned we are simply deputy teachers - so I always seem to find myself being asked 'can you show me that second move from the intermediate class' - well, actually, much as I'd love to help, firstly I'm here for the beginners, and secondly, no because I didn't see the intermediate class, what do you think I am, telepathic (or maybe telepathetic)?

As far as the free entry bit goes, it was recently pointed out to me that having 2 taxi dancers for every venue who taxi once a fortnight and allowing each of these individuals free entry to every night run by that franchise/group is very costly - I dread to think how quickly Ceroc would go bust if every Ceroc taxi dancer in the country could go free to every single class or freestyle. I know that it doesn't seem fair that taxis for small franchises get more limited freebie offers than others, but there doesn't seem to be a more practical way of organising this that would allow the business to keep running - and I for one would much rather continue to pay for entry to those venues not run by CerocLondon than for Ceroc to go bankrupt and no longer allow me to dance every night...

On another note, have any taxi dancers had the experience of taxiing for an intermediate class, in the same way as you would for a beginners class, or have any punters been in a class where this has happened? If so, what are the pros/cons of doing this and would it improve learning curves if this were to be brought in as a more general practice?

[David Bailey]

Originally Posted by TiggsTours

Hi

Hi TiggsTours, and welcome!

Originally Posted by TiggsTours

However, some venues also run improvers classes, but there is no guideline as to how this takes place.

Totally agree - there's a discussion about consolidation classes here

Originally Posted by TiggsTours

We are not given any guidelines as to what to do if we are asked to teach privately, which happens from time to time.

Well, I don't believe that even ceroc teachers get such guidelines, for what it's worth.

Originally Posted by TiggsTours

Also, some taxi dancers, like me, are lucky enough to work for venues that give free or discounted entry to a large number of venues, some don't. We all work just as hard, and this seems unfair. I'm a firm believer that all taxi dancers should get free entry to all venues, and not because that means I would, just because it would be fair.

Again, there's a recent-ish thread on "Demo / taxi payment" about the whole recompense issue - I totally agree that all taxis should get in free at every regular venue. And I'm not a taxi, so I'm not getting anything out of it.

[MartinHarper]

Originally Posted by TiggsTours

There is no set guidelines of EXACTLY what is expected from a taxi dancer.

I'm told that this varies between franchises and organisations. I suggest talking to your employer, and asking them what you're expected to do.

[El Salsero Gringo]

Originally Posted by TiggsTours

There is no set guidelines of EXACTLY what is expected from a taxi dancer:

I suspect that most of the variation comes about because of one franchisee's ignorance about how other franchisees run their evenings. Do Ceroc venue owners ever go to each others classes? I suspect not. Whereas most dancers are a bit more promiscuous and attend several venues. That means that it's actually the dancers who have the best idea about what you can expect from a good Taxi and not their bosses.

[Damien]

Think taxis do a great job My only problem as a beginner was there just was't enough of them. Two say at a large venue just isn't enough. I've only ever danced with a taxi on one occassion and found her very helpful (tall, blonde lady at Hyde, sorry don't know your name but thank you)

Been dancing about ten months (and know I don't know it all ). However, think I know all the beginner moves really well (with my eyes shut lol). I never hesitate to help newbies. Think I'd be a reasonable taxi for beginners.

But I wonder if there needs to be two levels of taxi, one for beginners and one for intermediates? I'd feel very able with the former but not the latter. Maybe if you could identify more individuals who are prepared to formally help newbies would be useful? I would be happy to do this without any compensation/free admission etc. The more that helped the less onerous would be the commitment.

[El Salsero Gringo]

Originally Posted by Damien

Think taxis do a great job My only problem as a beginner was there just was't enough of them. Two say at a large venue just isn't enough.

Both venues I attend often have six taxi-dancers each evening.

[Damien]

Originally Posted by El Salsero Gringo

Both venues I attend often have six taxi-dancers each evening.

That sounds great. Thinks its great they give up so much of their evening. Just hope the operator doesn't go bust Like every service the better you look after your customer the more successful it will be - well at least in theory.

[TiggsTours]

If there were definate guidelines, I think it would improve things. I've been to some venues (not naming any) where the taxi dancers just seem to be doing it to get free dancing. One venue I went to I was actually told by a beginner that I was far more helpful, and approachable than the resident taxi dancer, they didn't even know I was a taxi at a different venue!

Also, where do your duties end? I personally think that, as staff, I have a responsibility to help clear up at the end of the evening, to report spillages of drinks, and clear up myself in venues where there is no official bar, etc. Generally be an ambassador for Ceroc.

If guidelines were in place, and initial training given, perhaps regular meetings to discuss how the venue can be improved etc. I think there would be a more professional level across all venues, and the beginners would benefit. Also, if a taxi dancer wasn't then living up to the required level, it would be possible to replace them with someone who would!

I personally don't think that getting free entry into every venu would bankrupt Ceroc, as you would generally stick to your regular venues and nights, and maybe have the odd night you might go somewhere different. It would be interesting to know what Teachers, Venue Managers, and other taxi dancers think.

[David Bailey]

Originally Posted by TiggsTours

I've been to some venues (not naming any) where the taxi dancers just seem to be doing it to get free dancing.

Well, errr, that's why I did it - what's wrong with that? Doing a job of work for financial recompense seems to be a reasonable attitude. Of course, professionalism means you do the best job you can, but it doesn't matter what your motivation is, surely? I'd rather have that motivation than some of the more shady ones I've heard...

Originally Posted by TiggsTours

Also, where do your duties end? I personally think that, as staff, I have a responsibility to help clear up at the end of the evening, to report spillages of drinks, and clear up myself in venues where there is no official bar, etc. Generally be an ambassador for Ceroc.

Good God - all I can say is and - that's way more than most taxis could ever do.

Originally Posted by TiggsTours

If guidelines were in place, and initial training given, perhaps regular meetings to discuss how the venue can be improved etc. I think there would be a more professional level across all venues, and the beginners would benefit.

Totally - hence my suggestion of "super-taxis" (stretch limos - I love that term ), or at least taxis for intermediate classes / dancers.

Originally Posted by TiggsTours

I personally don't think that getting free entry into every venue would bankrupt Ceroc,

Again, I agree - even assuming that your average taxi goes 3 extra nights a week, that's only, what £15-£18 maximum revenue lost. And that both assumes the taxi dancer would have gone to those other nights without the free entry, and ignores the bonus of attracting a good dancer to a venue.

I don't believe it's a financial problem, but an organisational one - the franchise model makes it tricky to have standard "terms and conditions of employment" across the board. Even different London franchises have different conditions, it's all a bit of a mess really...

[El Salsero Gringo]

Originally Posted by TiggsTours

Also, where do your duties end? I personally think that, as staff, I have a responsibility to help clear up at the end of the evening, to report spillages of drinks, and clear up myself in venues where there is no official bar, etc. Generally be an ambassador for Ceroc.

I think if someone expected me to skivvy at their venue for the entire night for the reward of, ooh, six or seven pounds entry money - I'd tell them where to shove it, and faster than you can say "Ceroc Scotland Forum". Whereas I'm happy to do all those things as and when they need doing purely on the basis that I'm a nice guy. In fact, I've even been known to clear up venues at which I wasn't a taxi dancer - shock horror.

[Russell Saxby]

Originally Posted by DavidJames

Even different London franchises have different conditions, it's all a bit of a mess really...

I have to disagree. Our taxi dancers are told what we expect of them and wot the benefits / perks are in return - it is their choice whether or not they decide to take on the role of taxi.. the fact that other franchises offer different perks does not make it a mess.

If however, some franchises have not set out clear guidelines then that is different, and if you are a taxi in these circs then you need to raise this with the Franchise Owner / Venue Manager.

Russell

[under par]

Originally Posted by El Salsero Gringo

I. In fact, I've even been known to clear up venues at which I wasn't a taxi dancer - shock horror.

Me too, on occasions........and I've never been a taxi dancer and I'm not even a nice guy!!!

[Lou]

Originally Posted by DavidJames

Again, I agree - even assuming that your average taxi goes 3 extra nights a week, that's only, what £15-£18 maximum revenue lost. And that both assumes the taxi dancer would have gone to those other nights without the free entry, and ignores the bonus of attracting a good dancer to a venue.

Plus, £15-£18 sounds like a fair rate for an evening's work for an assistant teacher.

And the majority of taxis probably wouldn't venture often outside their franchise.

You've got to admire the sheer cheek of Tessalicious' Franchisee, though Have they, by any chance, told you it's a vocation?

Paying taxis their weight in gold - now that would bankrupt Ceroc™.

[David Bailey]

Originally Posted by Lou

You've got to admire the sheer cheek of Tessalicious' Franchisee, though Have they, by any chance, told you it's a vocation?

No, no - that's after they say "Well, there's plenty of other people who'd love to be taxi dancers, you know..."

[Donna]

Originally Posted by TiggsTours

Hi,

I've been taxiing for a few years now, and wondered what people thought of the whole concept.

Personally, I love the idea of taxi dancers, I think that we do a fantastic job, but it frustrates me that there is alot of irregularities. For example:

There is no set guidelines of EXACTLY what is expected from a taxi dancer:

a. We're expected to be there for the beginner's class, yes.
b. We're expected to dance with beginner's until a set time in the class, yes.
c. We're expected to run a review class during the intermediate class, yes.

However, some venues also run improvers classes, but there is no guideline as to how this takes place.
Taxi dancers do not go through any intial training for their role.
We are not given any guidelines as to what to do if we are asked to teach privately, which happens from time to time.
Also, some taxi dancers, like me, are lucky enough to work for venues that give free or discounted entry to a large number of venues, some don't. We all work just as hard, and this seems unfair. I'm a firm believer that all taxi dancers should get free entry to all venues, and not because that means I would, just because it would be fair.
On that note, it is only taxi dancers for Ceroc London who are asked to staff the Ceroc Champs. As this is the UK Championships, surely taxi dancers from all venues should be given the same opportunities?

I'd be really interested to know what other peoples thoughts are on this.

Well hang on a sec, but if people are helping to run a business, then why should they have to pay to get in??!!! I'm a demonstrater and I don't have to pay!! They should consider the fact that they don't have to be a taxi dancer if they don't want to, and they aren't being returned a favour then why bother?? That's my theory anyway.