8 things to know when considering becoming a go-go dancer

Go-go dancing might seem like an easy job. You just get in front of people at a club or party and dance, right? Wrong. There is so much more to it than just moving around. As a former go-go dancer I learned the hard way that it takes more than just looks and moves to succeed. But after figuring it out. I made good money and enjoyed the experience. Here’s what you need to know before becoming a go-go dancer.

1.Train for the Job

Dancers can dance up to 4 hours at a time. Cardio workouts help build endurance. Photo credit: Jeraldine Ramos

Practice dancing and do lots of cardio. Endurance is needed because go-go dancing involves dancing with high energy for long periods of time. If you’re not used to this type of physical workout you’ll tire out easily. You also might also have difficulty breathing and wake-up sore the next day.

2. Take dance classes

Youtube videos are very helpful when learning how to dance or new dance moves. Photo credit: Jeraldine Ramos

In go-go dancing you don’t get to choose what music you are dancing to. The DJs play whatever music they want depending on how the crowed reacts to the mix. The music may change tempo and even style. A go-go dancer must be able to improvise moves depending on the music that is being played. Dance classes or even watching Youtube videos can help you learn different ways to move your body and how to dance to different tempos without looking silly.

3. Connect with go-go groups

Diable Chaton (El Paso/ Las Cruces go-go group) and I, go-go danced when Kaskade a well known music producer and DJ came to The Plum City Lounge in El Paso, Tx. Photo by Mario Arizpe

Go-go groups help dancers find gigs. Check out the go-go groups in your local area, through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. What they post online can give you a glimpse on what type of venues they perform in, if they get a lot of gigs and if they perform for well-known DJs. Pictures can also show you what types of work they do so you can know what to expect. You don’t have to connect with a group. You can work as an independent go-go dancer and track down jobs on your own.

4. Think like a businessperson

Knowing how to negotiate can get you high paying gigs. I was once paid $100 for thirty minutes of dancing through negotiating. Photo credit: Jeraldine Ramos

When considering a job you need to know how to negotiate your pay according to how much you will be working and how much you will need to be investing in costumes, hair and make-up. Get everything in writing. Having a written contract helps make sure you get paid for services provided. Go-go dancers can earn between $10 to $100 an hour depending on what they negotiate. I have been able to get high paying gigs through negotiating.

5. Promote yourself and the venue

Promoting can not only get people to go to the venue but also get you more jobs while establishing yourself as a go-go dancer. Photo credit: Jeraldine Ramos

You can promote yourself and the venue using social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Letting people know what days you are available for bookings and when and where you will be dancing is one way of promoting yourself. Promoting yourself and the venue can help you establish your name in the industry and possibly get you more jobs because it shows you can help bring in a crowd.

6. Be Creative

Venues like creativity. I have created many looks from adding gems to my face to doing my make-up like a doll. Photo by Mario Arizpe

With go-go dancing you must be creative. Go-go dancers are often asked to create themes and dress accordingly for an event the venue is promoting. You can get creative through costumes, make-up, and hair styles. Use the Internet to look up pictures for inspiration or watch a video tutorial on how to do your make-up or costume.

7. Be aware of your surroundings

It is important to be aware of your surroundings when people are drinking. People can become violent and if you are drinking it can be easy for one to slip in a drug into your drink. Photo credit: Jeraldine Ramos

In most venues alcohol will be sold. This means that there might be some drunks that will be disrespectful. And, if you are drinking along with the patrons it can be very easy for someone to drug you. Make sure you know where the nearest bouncers are in order to signal them when someone gets out of hand or if you feel uncomfortable. Be sure to never let your beverage or water bottle out of your sight. Don’t take a drink from anyone you don’t know. Instead insist on being served only by the bartender or event organizers.

8. Have fun and smile

Smiling and having a good-time sets the mood of venue which can make it look like people are enjoying themselves. Photo by Mario Arizpe

Go-go dancers put the energy in the party. Not smiling puts out the vibe that you are not having fun and can make people leave. People come out to enjoy themselves so be sure to keep their spirits up. Besides, why not have fun when you are dancing!