Booked DIs: Dance Addict's Guide

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The BOOKED DANCE INSTRUCTOR

by Vikky Bondoc-Cabrera
Published March 3, 1997 ISYU as
Coping with DIs and other Ballroom Nuances PART II

While a number of dance outlets have available 20 or so 'roving' dance instructors who earn their keep by dancing with the guests, many new outlets would rather that guests book their dance instructors (DIs) on a per hour basis. The managers say that with the tipping system, the DIs are left to the whim of many stingy guests who pay as low as P50 ($1) for 3-4 sets of dances.

The outlet similarly maintains a stable of 10-20 in-house DIs who are given a free dinner but no allowances. None of the DIs though are 'roving'. You gotta book them for at least one hour at the fixed rate of P300 per hour. They ask you to sign a slip with the DI's name, and later include his fee in your bill for the night. The outlet subtracts P60 for each hour's booking.

So, to dance with a partner, ask the waiter or the ballroom manager to give you a DI. Specify your preferences since you're already committed to burn your 300 bucks and will be stuck with him for the next hour.

At this classy outlet at the Greenhills Shopping Center area, I once asked for an experienced DI, at least 5'7" tall, who is well versed with the Rumba. Not very picky, eh. Yeh, he was 5'8" and just the right body built. Face was OK too. Rumba's on, so we dance, and then trouble starts. He couldn't even step in time. "Sorry, Ma'am, hindi pa ako sanay sa Rhumba" (Sorry Ma'm, I haven't learned the Rumba yet). I asked him how long he'd been dancing. Two months. Grrr!#%!!*@#!

I felt cheated, but kept my cool. (How can he be experienced when he's been dancing only for two months? If I have to lead and teach him, then he should pay me.) We rest and he excuses himself to freshen up. I call the waiter, and tell him I want a more experienced partner. "But Ma'am, you've booked him already." No way!!! (Grrr!#%!!*@#!) They gave me a much better one this time, and I danced with him till dawn.

When the first DI was back at his seat, I apologized and said I was more comfortable with the new one, and with a thank you, handed him a hundred bucks.

Frustration is never an excuse for insult. So guests have to find ways to reject nicely. If the DI seems open enough, suggest that he practice a little more, and he can invite you to dance next time you visit.

Outlets probably have realized the trouble they give the guests with this 'assured' system, so many of them now allow guests to "try out" the DIs for free. If you like his style and if he fits your dance level, go ahead and book him for the hour or longer. If not, then give him a tip and a thank you when you leave. He'll remember you when he's much more experienced, and may ask you for a dance. Maybe then he'll be in tune with you.

How I wish though that all ballroom outlets train their DIs before letting them loose on the floor. They should set a standard of competence, acceptable to the average regular dancing guest. My ballroom manager friend sometimes asks me to try out her DI applicants. If he passes my critical assessment, then I'll more likely see him as an in-house DI next time. Thank you.

Anyway, ballroom enthusiasts still have another option. When my friends and I want to relax and enjoy dancing without the hassles, we bring along our own regular DIs, those with whom we're comfortable with, and who can approximate our dance level, yet can still teach us a few new tricks. That's when we explore new places, and wow other guests with our smooth execution, spontaneous syncopations and almost professional form. It sure is fun to be the star on the floor.

Booked DI rates now average P1,500 per night, but these can vary depending on:

length of booking time --
P1,000 for 1-3 hours of dancing P1,500 for 4-5 hours
P2,000 - P2,500 for longer hours
proficiency level, training and experience --
It is really isn't fair to pay an amateur young DI who's been dancing only for 6 months the same rate as one who been there for 7 years. Hey, guys, let's treat our established and better DIs fairly.
number of guests he'll dance with --
The above rates are normally based on an average or 1-3 guests. Please be more considerate with DIs who have to dance 4-5 guests in succession with little rest.

Do you have your own interesting stories to tell? Share them with us, pleeaasse.....

If you think your DI has the right attitude and knowhow, let us know or apply for his inclusion in our DI list.

Some of your comments

"Roving DIs shouldn't insist on sitting with a guest unless asked to."

"I'd rather not have a regular DI. They tend to expect regular bookings. But what if my budget does not allow it?"

"DI's have it so good. Many who aren't even high school graduates and have been dancing for only 3 months can command P1500 a night from gullible matronas."

"A professional DI does not demand a minimum rate. His guests realize he's worth much more than the amateurs."

"Professional DIs tend to give way to the amateurs."

"Lonely matronas spoil their amateur DIs, trying to buy them off with a new car, a condominium unit, or capital for a business. Tsk, tsk. I wonder what else they get in return aside from dancing."