- What is it that you do ? Misfit Gypsies are a professional belly dance troupe that teach and perform in venues ranging from intimate cafes to full-scale theater productions and festivals.
- Where are you located? Tri-Cities comprising the cities of Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol TN and VA.
- What got you interested in starting out in this business? Paula Nidiffer and I started belly dancing for fun in 1999 and have been obsessed ever since. We are the founders and troupe leaders of Misfit Gypsies and have been sharing our lover of Middle Eastern (fusion)dance in the Tri-Cities and surrounding region for over 20 years.
- When did you start selling or performing? We started teaching in 2001 and our first Ren Faire was Shakespeare and Friends Renaissance Faire in 2000. Needless to say both of us was hooked.
- What was your local faire or home faire? Appalachian Renaissance Faire of Tennessee, Greeneville, TN
- How are you compensating for this strange time we are in now? We have done some online classes and a Virtual Ref Faire. Last year we have been blessed to do live performances.
- What advice do you have to give to others that are just starting out in this business? Or how to stay in this business? Master your skills before you put yourself out there and learn to take criticism. Just remember not everyone is going to like it. Stay true to yourself and don’t constantly compare your business to another. Do your research regarding what others are charging in your area. Do not undervalue your talent or your dance. Value your time highly and never be upset to turn down a gig for a cheap client. The dancers I knew who took them often found that those jobs took place in less than ideal circumstances and were often treated less than respectfully. By sticking to my pricing and presenting myself as a professional that was well worth it, I believe I got a lot of quality gigs where I was treated wonderfully by clients. I have very few horror stories compared to some dancers I know. Contracts are a must when performing. This leaves no stone un-turned. How to stay in this business; Stay current with marketing and social media. Keep your skills up and network as much as possible.
- How do you handle thefts or copying of your works? Of course, It’s super frustrating when you’ve taken the time and energy to create something unique only to discover that someone else – your competitors, no less – have taken your ideas and called them their own. I will say that when the copycats come out, you know you are doing something right. We just keep hustling and focus on making the best version and providing an amazing audience experience because ultimately that’s what keep you on top. We focus on relating to the audience and their needs. Paula and I help each other stay grounded and focus.
- Are you doing any virtual performances? We have done a virtual performance in the past and would consider doing another.
- Why Renaissance Faires or theme? We love the atmosphere and it takes us out of the real world and we can escape from cars, computers, work and everyday reality. Renaissance Faires are like Disney World, but a fantasy/medieval version. Ren Faire people play characters the same way they do at Disney and they interact with you as if they really are that character.
- Are you creating more stock or more content? We are constantly working on our shows. Currently working on two pieces for this Faire Season.
- In five years (or less) my goal is to: Share our love for Middle Eastern (fusion) dance with as many people as possible, to perform at more Faires and expand our repertoire.
- What makes your act/wares unique or different? Our show offers the audiences a truly unique dance experience, which combines scripted comedy with belly dance along with a bit of audience interaction. It is a show for all ages.
- What makes you stand out? Our love for each other and our love to perform shows during our shows. Each member is a contributing artist and brings something special to the dance troupe. This collective approach allows Misfit Gypsies to offer a unique and powerful dance experience like no other.
- What education or training if any do you have that led to what you do? Our belly dance education began with classical Egyptian style. Over the years, we expanded our studies to include Persian, Tribal fusion, Turkish and continue to study other dance styles and different forms of dance. Through the years we have participated in various workshops to help strengthen our dance (Samara Iara, Alexandrea, Katayoun, Sadie, Jim Boz, Madame Onca, Zahira, to name a few). We are trained in numerous styles of bellydance and with a myriad of props (wings, sword, veil, fans, baskets, cane, etc.).
- Plug your website or fan page here (or both)
https://www.facebook.com/misfitgypsies
@misfitgypsies (Twitter handle)
A/N This is what their group is called. I want to thank them for contacting me in regards to being featured here. It is about woman empowerment too. I loved dancing with the belly dancers back when we were doing shows. Of course I did it to be a little silly, but it is a beautiful art and movement. If you, your group, your troupe or if you are a merchant or author, and you would like to be featured, please reach out to us on http://www.facebook.com/renperfmerch
