In New York on the Avenue at that time, there were 8 clubs in a two block strip. Each club had 3 belly dancers and a live band. The belly dancers came and went. The owners sometimes kept a dancer just to fill the stage but only the best stayed. At this point in my belly dancing career, I had no idea if I was a stage fill or what. I was clueless.
Filling the stage! Now that is more trivia. We all had to sit on stage because of the “Cabaret Law” We had to have a Cabaret License to work in New York City. You know the license Billy Holiday had revoked because of felony charges. Watch the movie “Lady sings the Blues.” During that time, there was NO talking or fraternizing with customers and NO going around for tips. You could have your license pulled along with the owner, fined or both.
Years later “The Rat Pack” Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop were directly instrumental in getting the “Cabaret Law/License” thrown out.
Grecian Gardens was the second club I worked. I left very soon after because of reasons I will not disclose, but as much as I loved belly dancing, the harassment and unethical behavior that existed at that place was unbearable.
As I was walking down the Avenue “jobless” carrying my pitiful costumes and in a funk, I see three men, standing in front of the Britania. They were the Britania owner “Backus,” the musician “Eddy Kojak” (know as “Eddy “The Sheik” Kojak”) and a customer that was always around the clubs, “Kazar.”
I said “hello” and they said “hello.” I told them I was looking for work as a belly dancer, and I was hired. Wow! I was so “Blown Away.” I felt like I just graduated from something. Backus, Eddie Kojak and Kazar became so instrumental in my belly dancing career.
Very cool! I’m not surprised at all that you weren’t in the least bit shy about asking them for a job.
So were the belly dancer who were filling the stage dancing, or just sitting around while another dancer danced?
Good question Haleemah! We SAT, played drum, waited for our turn to dance. It was hard night after night but it was the way, you got used to it. With the band right beside and behind you was also hard on your ears. There is more about this in my next blog along with a couple of old pictures sitting on stage.
But, it was my school!
I had to re-read your question Hallemah. If you meant were the “fills” dancers? Yes.
There was the “permanant house” dancers and then fill- in’s. Dancers that would fill in
on our nights off or if someone was sick or had a club date with Eddy Kojak.
And yes, they took their turn dancing. But if a good dancer came along they
were gone, no notice, nothing. It was common.
Wow, I never knew there was a time when interacting with customers was more or less illegal. It’s such an integral part of what I do that I can’t really imagine doing a show without it! I’m also very thankful to dance under someone like Neenah, who is very careful to put her dancers in venues, restaurants, and events where we don’t feel harassed or uncomfortable. I feel lucky that I don’t have to make those calls on my own, and I’m sure it was intimadating walking away from it, knowing you didn’t have a job. But as you shared, there was something better just down the street!