Ask Janie

Am I spinning my wheels, because I am dancing for free at some of the local events?   Joy in Arizona
 
No, you most certainly are not.  The best advertising in the world is 'word of mouth'.  I call dancing for free at local events 'word of hip'.   When you dance at one of these events, be it local Haflas or Renn Faire or whatever, you just never know who may be watching you.  There could be someone wanting to take lessons, or looking for entertainment for a party, or a sponsor looking for a workshop teacher.  Every time you dance in public, paid or not you build your reputation.  You become known.  And hopefully you make the most of every gig by bringing business cards as well as flyers for your classes or your next workshop .