My thoughts on dancing in Japan

I was talking to a friend last week about dance professionally. I'm sure every dancer in ever country has this same thought...

Too many dancers. And when you have too many dancers, the price that is paid can be really low. I know some dancers, who are pro, stick to their price because they work really hard and deserve that amount of pay. I totally defend talented dancers to charge what they are worth.

Even though I'm American, I can't speak for the dance scene over there. Here in Japan, it feels like there is a lot of undercutting and talented women who should charge what they are worth are being paid very little. It's really troubling for me. I've only been dancing for two and a half years and I'm a long way from pro but I'm not going to charge a restaurant $60 for me to dance. With the studio rentals, costumes, workshops, lessons, etc. I, and other dancers, deserve no less than $100.

Even if I charge what I'm worth, building up a relationship with clientele is really important in the beginning. But here, I feel it's all undercutting...

I guess I can't say I'm too surprised by it but I'm glad I discovered it before I was pro. At a hafla, I expect that I must pay my way to do it. However, at a restaurant or event, I expect to be paid for whatever I may do, solo show or with some groups. To be paid so little makes me feel I don't have to dance or practice that well. I don't have to try hard to look nice.

These are just my feelings but I feel there are just too many dancers now... It's over saturation... and eventually I need to set myself apart from the rest.