looking to start spinning professionaly, any advice?

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Permalink Reply by Lye on July 24, 2009 at 5:24pm

I do not perform professionally, but I know a lot of people who do. The best thing apparently to do is get some really good videos and pictures and make a website. My friends The Grasshopper Collective have a not so awesome website but it still scored them a job on Cake Boss (I apparently can't find the link). I would recommend taking more time to learn before performing for money... remember you're not only performing, you're establishing your reputation. Also doing a lot of free events is great publicity.

I went to wildfire and they talked about it a lot... almost all performances were choreographed, something I don't do. You should post videos here also.

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Permalink Reply by DyamiTK on July 25, 2009 at 12:50am

Create characters that you can embody through either choreographed or purposeful freestyle movement. Describe your show and what you offer and then put it out to any group that would hire live entertainment. Collaborate with other artists when ever you can. The most important thing for a performer or anyone offering a service is that people know to come to you. It doesn't matter how good you are if no one knows your name.

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Permalink Reply by Shauna Gavigan on July 25, 2009 at 1:21am

Excellent advice guys. Thank you very much. I think I will continue to learn and grow for a bit here, performing for friends and random public as I have been, just to get some "crowd time" in.

But ya, I definitely need to find my "style" and work on building a Spinning Character that I can market in the future as a "fire performer". I feel that a character or persona, really adds an element to spinning that gives you that performing edge you need to compete with other pro's. Not that im in it to be better than someone else, it just adds to the whole experience of your fire performance. And I would like to choreograph some routines as well, its one thing to go free style, but its entirely another to have a set routine.

Thanks again for the advice all :) Much Appreciated.

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Permalink Reply by Helen on July 26, 2009 at 1:45am

I just started talking to people in santa cruz that put on shows and they would ask me to perform. Its all about just getting to know as many people as possible, and putting yourself out there. It worked for me. Don't doubt yourself, just got for it :)

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Permalink Reply by Nikki (aka Muze) on July 26, 2009 at 8:25pm

I was only part of 1 professional fire performance group & it was all organized when I joined, but prior to that I did a few things with my dance group (I was just a kid, but it helped) & I was part of other artistic endeavors that never went anywhere.

My advise to you is simple: Please don't give up! Stay focused on what you want to do & keep your motivation close to your heart! You obviously love to spin & I believe that inspiring people is one of the best gifts you can give!

If you believe in what you're doing & you want it NEVER STOP DREAMING! Have a look at the local laws/insurance/permit procedures, so that you're covered legally (that's the sucky part). Then look to your strengths. Figure out what kind of image you want to portray (remember that your "image" & style can change every minute if you want it to) & start choreographing! Pick different music, different routines & different looks (all of these are optional & malleable, to your own agenda) & show your friends. Advise & reviews from your friends & family will help & go from there! Who knows? You might be the leader of a whole troupe of wonderful artists very soon!

If you ever want a long distance tarot reading, or just someone to chat with, HIT ME UP! New artists, motivated people & kindred spirits are my bread & butter!!! I wish you the best!!!

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Permalink Reply by Shauna Gavigan on July 29, 2009 at 11:18am

Thanks alot hun. I am definitely focused, I know this is something I want. I love spinning and I love performing. I will just keep practicing and putting myself out there and see what happens. My dream is to become a teacher/performer, after several years of practice of course. So thats what Im working towards :) And I would love a tarot reading :) I dabble in tarot as well, we should definitely chat some time.

Thanks for the advice everyone :) Appreciate it :)

Nikki (aka Muze) said:

I was only part of 1 professional fire performance group & it was all organized when I joined, but prior to that I did a few things with my dance group (I was just a kid, but it helped) & I was part of other artistic endeavors that never went anywhere.

My advise to you is simple: Please don't give up! Stay focused on what you want to do & keep your motivation close to your heart! You obviously love to spin & I believe that inspiring people is one of the best gifts you can give!

If you believe in what you're doing & you want it NEVER STOP DREAMING! Have a look at the local laws/insurance/permit procedures, so that you're covered legally (that's the sucky part). Then look to your strengths. Figure out what kind of image you want to portray (remember that your "image" & style can change every minute if you want it to) & start choreographing! Pick different music, different routines & different looks (all of these are optional & malleable, to your own agenda) & show your friends. Advise & reviews from your friends & family will help & go from there! Who knows? You might be the leader of a whole troupe of wonderful artists very soon!

If you ever want a long distance tarot reading, or just someone to chat with, HIT ME UP! New artists, motivated people & kindred spirits are my bread & butter!!! I wish you the best!!!

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Permalink Reply by Nikki (aka Muze) on August 21, 2009 at 11:33am

I've been out for a bit, the laptop had to go to the doctor for a week, but I'm back! If you're still interested in a tarot reading, or tarot advise, (I've been reading since I was a kid, 13 years now) & I love tarot readers like I love spinners & performance artists! I'll shoot you my Y! info so we can chat!

Shauna Gavigan said:

Thanks alot hun. I am definitely focused, I know this is something I want. I love spinning and I love performing. I will just keep practicing and putting myself out there and see what happens. My dream is to become a teacher/performer, after several years of practice of course. So thats what Im working towards :) And I would love a tarot reading :) I dabble in tarot as well, we should definitely chat some time.

Thanks for the advice everyone :) Appreciate it :)

Nikki (aka Muze) said:

I was only part of 1 professional fire performance group & it was all organized when I joined, but prior to that I did a few things with my dance group (I was just a kid, but it helped) & I was part of other artistic endeavors that never went anywhere.

My advise to you is simple: Please don't give up! Stay focused on what you want to do & keep your motivation close to your heart! You obviously love to spin & I believe that inspiring people is one of the best gifts you can give!

If you believe in what you're doing & you want it NEVER STOP DREAMING! Have a look at the local laws/insurance/permit procedures, so that you're covered legally (that's the sucky part). Then look to your strengths. Figure out what kind of image you want to portray (remember that your "image" & style can change every minute if you want it to) & start choreographing! Pick different music, different routines & different looks (all of these are optional & malleable, to your own agenda) & show your friends. Advise & reviews from your friends & family will help & go from there! Who knows? You might be the leader of a whole troupe of wonderful artists very soon!

If you ever want a long distance tarot reading, or just someone to chat with, HIT ME UP! New artists, motivated people & kindred spirits are my bread & butter!!! I wish you the best!!!

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