What
You Need To Know
Mirault continues...
I flew home relieved but angry. Angry with the Producer, but surprisingly, angry with
myself. How could I have let this happen? Of course, I had never worked out of the country
before, never had a work visa, so it never crossed my mind that only the original was
valid. I had trusted the Producer for information I should have known. I've found that
many Producers try to hold work visas or passports of their dancers in foreign countries
because unhappy dancers have been known to fly home in the middle of a run. The producers
are left with their show closing and the loss of capital. They are trying to protect their
investment.
I feel we should try to protect our investment... ourselves.
Although Dancing…For A Living-Two is a completely revised edition with new and
updated information, I felt it was important to share with you the story that started the
ball rolling. My Mexico story is funny now but it wasn't at the time. So, what do I want
you to learn from it? If you are thinking about a career in dance or if you already have
some professional experience, you should get a passport now. If you're going to be working
in a foreign country, keep your passport with you at all times. You may have to give it to
your Producer in order to obtain work visas but this should only take an hour or two.
Demand it back! It is your identification in another country and your right to keep it
with you at all times. Also, you may audition for a job that requires a passport, IE
foreign countries, cruise ships, commercials or film. Many times these shows will be
starting in a day or two. If you don't have a valid passport, they may have to hire
someone else.
In upcoming articles on DanceArt.com I will tell you more about dancing in foreign
countries and about a terrific dance job going on right now in Guam. That's right Guam!
It's a great place to work and I'll tell you why. If you have any questions about working
in foreign countries or any other dance related job, feel free to email me at askdon@danceart.com
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