Why Be Good When You Can Be Great?
A workshop series to master the circuit, tighten your set list, and handle negotiations—so you can finally get better stages, better gigs, and better pay.
“Why be good when you can be great?” — Ibrahim Farrah’
October 12, 19, & November 2: 11am to 1pm
Why this matters (and why it probably stings a little)
On Instagram it looks effortless. You post, you perform, you glow. In real life? You put yourself out there and suddenly it’s Mean Girls with hip scarves. You can’t tell if you’re breaking rules you didn’t know existed. You’re working your butt off, yet the invites and rates don’t match your effort. And every new piece gets over-choreographed to death or thrown together at the last minute because you feel like you must show something “new.”
You’re not the problem. The context is. Once you know the rules of each arena, you can stop second‑guessing and start making clean, confident choices.
You don’t need another combo. You need someone to tell you what actually works on a festival/workshop stage and what actually books in restaurants and private events. No gatekeeping.
I’m Jacqueline (Nadirah Johara). 25 years in. I’ve done the gala nights, the sticky restaurant floors, the private events where Auntie tries to tip you in coupons — all of it. This is the playbook I wish more dancers were handed before they learned the hard way.
What you’ll walk away with
Authority without the apology. How to speak to sponsors, restaurant owners, and clients so they respect your standards and your rate
Opportunities that match your skill. A package that reads professional — so gala spots and higher‑end events make sense for you.
Recognition for the dance, not the dress. More “That set was 🔥” and fewer “I loved your veil.”
A repeatable creative process. Music, show flow, entrance/exit — decisions that make every performance feel intentional (and more fun).
Your signature you‑ness. Not a copy of your teacher. Not an aesthetic. The whole way you carry yourself on and off stage.
The Workshops
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Workshop #1
The Circuit — Festival/Workshop Stages
October 12 · 11am - pm (live online)
Inside:
-Choosing music that reads on stage (for this audience).
Prep & choreography that entertain from first beat to bow.
Entrance/Exit craft. Arrive like you mean it and leave like a pro.
Stage expectations no one explains — and how to be taken seriously.
Talking to sponsors: lighting, backdrop, run‑of‑show (and getting what you need without being “difficult”).
Gala night realities. Paid vs. invited and what actually moves the needle.
Costuming that photographs well and doesn’t fight the lighting.
Standing out without gimmicks.
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Workshop #2
The Scene — Restaurants & Private Events
October 19 · 11am - 1pm (live online)
Inside:
Building an entertaining set without a prop pile.
Music choice & show flow (no, not eight drum solos in a row).
Getting gigs the smart way + what to say to owners/hosts.
Prepping for different venues (restaurant vs. private event).
Pricing & negotiation. What’s your put‑on‑your‑lashes rate — and how to back it up.
Audience participation that makes families and women comfortable (and starry‑eyed).
Cultural expectations: Turkish vs. Lebanese vs. Egyptian (plus diaspora nuances). Know your crowd.
Costuming for gigs (workhorses vs museum pieces).
Standing out for the right reasons.
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Live Follow‑Up
November 2 · 11am - 1pm (live online)
Two weeks to implement. Bring questions, clips, and “this client said X, what do I do?” scenarios. We’ll troubleshoot, refine, and lock your next moves.
Investment & Enrollment
Early Bird (through October 1):
$50 for both workshops + the 2‑hour follow‑up
$30 for one workshop + the 2‑hour follow‑up
After October 1:
$70 for both workshops + the 2‑hour follow‑up
$40 for one workshop + the 2‑hour follow‑up
How it works: You’ll get a Google Meet link in your Acuity confirmation email.
No‑Mean‑Girls Policy: Direct, supportive, and standards‑forward. We raise the dance and we raise each other.
This is for you if…
You’re ready to be treated like a pro and paid like one.
You want fewer mystery rules and more clear, doable standards.
You’ll implement between sessions (even if it’s messy)
This is not for you if…
You want a cookie‑cutter combo class.
You’re committed to undercutting the community rate.
You want praise without effort.
About Me
Since 2001 I’ve danced, taught, produced, and sponsored across the spectrum — from nonprofit theater shows to weekend intensives, from restaurant residencies to private events. My bias is simple: high standards, clear context, and sustainable work. I’ll give you the exact language, decisions, and checklists that keep your artistry respected and your calendar sane.
FAQs
Is there a recording? Live is best for nuance and feedback. (Recording & Transcript details will be in your confirmation.)
Do I have to take both? No — you can take either one. You’ll get the biggest shift by understanding both arenas. Both include Q&A Session
Will I get feedback on my performance or set? Yes — the follow‑up is built for that. Short clips welcome.
What should I bring? a notebook, a current set list or draft choreography and its vision (if you have one), and your questions.
Ready to be great?
[Register for Both — $50 Early Bird, $70 after October 1]
[Workshop 1 Only — $30 Early Bird, $40 after October 1]
[Workshop 2 Only — $30 Early Bird, $40 after October 1]