Friday Night Transcript/Pics: Jan 9th 2009: Kiara Mazi: International Dancers Union.

JAN 2009: GUESTS

01/9/09/- Kiara Mazi:- International Dancer's Union

1/2/09

Scorpinosis Nightfire

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01/16/09- Samuele Shepherd:Overcomers Church WorldWide

01/30/09-Lia Chastity/Guns & Roses Tribute Band.

For More Info: IM Wurlitzer Seisenbacher

 Wurlitzer: What exactly is the International Dancers Union?

Kiara: The International Dancers Union is an organization created for the advancement and support of dancers. More than just a dance school, its a network of resources and support designed to help dancers improve their craft and meet like minds in the business. Dancers get better jobs, at better rates, improved working conditions and a better understanding of what is expected of them on the job.

Wurlitzer: What is the mission and story behind the International Dancers Union?

Kiara: Our mission is to raise the standards in the dance industry by establishing a proactive forum to learn best practices while building relationships with club owners to streamline internal management and professional protocols.

The idea of the dancer's union came about during my experiences as a dancer and a dance manager for some of the venues on Second Life, where I learned not only what it takes to be a dancer, but what it takes to market oneself to increase revenue for the clubs. One of the problems I encountered dealt with poor management on behalf of club owners with little business background role playing the big boss instead of running their businesses like RL business. I also saw dancers that didn't respect it the way I did and often ran off customers that came for the escape; the fantasy of being a tipper and being emoted in such a way that for the couple hours they fulfill that fantasy. It seemed inconsistent across the board, wherever I went. I also saw the need to help new dancers, prepare themselves for the world of virtual erotic dance so that wouldn't have to go through some of the obstacles that I went through, not having been properly trained in the beginning and having to learn through trial and error as to what works and doesn't work. Things like emoting in proportion to your tip, and how to deal with shy customers.

Wurlitzer: What are the various features of International Dancers Union?

Kiara: There are 3 sides to the business:

1. Dancers:We offer the ability for them to search and interview for competitive jobs all in one place. So there is no more wandering aimlessly for the right club to work.We offer job security; our clubs have all gone through a rigorous process whereby owners agree to offer our members minimum tip allowances which means you'll never go home empty handed.

2. Protection: Should you be involved in an employment dispute, we will act as a third party mediator to make a decision on your case. Our club affiliates have all agreed dancers will never be ejected from a club without warning and once a warning has been given, never to be ejected without cause.

3. Training and Education: The Union is also part dance school. We offer group courses along with private instruction.

Wurlitzer: Who are the members thats involved with the International Dancers Union?

Kiara: Our members are comprised of professional dancers, who take their craft seriously.

Because of the stringent guidelines set forth in Union bylaws, all of our dancers are required to act as professionals or be subject to discipline under these rules.

Wurlitzer: What are some factors that help to classify the International Dancers Union dancers?

Kiara: Factors used to classify Union dancers include, but are not limited to: level of experience; on the job evaluations by Union representatives; and how they have been rated by prior employers.

(A combination of these factors are used to determine their classification.)

Wurlitzer: What does each class represent for the International Dancers Union?

Kiara: Because our group is fairly young, we are still in the process of rolling out these variables to result in:

Class A: Advanced dancers with excellent emoting skills in good standing with the Union.

Class B: Intermediate dancers with good emoting skills in good standing with the Union.

Class C: Beginner dancer with average emoting skills actively enrolled in courses to improve their skills and is in good standing with the Union.

Class D: Beginner dancer with no emoting skills acquired, actively enrolled in courses to improve their skills and is in good standing with the Union.

Class F: Dancer now or previously enrolled as a member, who is not actively enrolled in courses and has had a complaint filed with the Union.

Wurlitzer: What other benefits do you receive while becoming member of the International Dancers Union?

Kiara: Member Freebies and Discounts: We offer designer freebies and discounts just for being a member that well exceed the cost of your yearly membership.

Monthly Dance Workshops: Helps to address and isolate issues and learn from the best practices in the industry.

Wurlitzer: What are some of the issues you've seen club owners facing in Second Life?

Kiara: Much of the problems affecting a club owners overall return on the investment centers around poor management, time constraints or a lack of sound marketing plan, one which must absolutely include the dancers because they are they key component; everything else is icing on the cake.

Club owners cannot be all things to all people, and they can’t be everywhere in a given moment. Tipping is critical to a club’s survival, and often club owners are left wondering why their club isn’t producing the kind of results they had hoped.

Wurlitzer: What do you suggest, for club owners to better motivate customers?

Kiara: Dancers are key in motivating customers. Their performances are substandard, the feel no sense of obligation to teleport new customers, leave events before the event has actually ended, or simply find other jobs when the traffic gets slow. There is little commitment on their part and a lack of professionalism that is driving the industry right to the ground.

Wurlitzer: What does the Union Club Affiliate help provide?

Kiara: As a Union Club Affiliate we will help ensure:

1. You get the management training you need to streamline your current business situation so you can spend less time at the club worrying whether it’s going to succeed and spend more time getting back to the reason you started SL in the first place; to have fun enjoying the game.

2. Your relationships with your staff improve dramatically thanks to the Union’s involvement in guidance, support and mediation should when issues arise or there is a history of negativity within your group.

3. Access to dance training for all of your staff (there are additional costs for “staff” training sessions, however, you are required to be an active Union Club Affiliate in order to receive this benefit.

4. Access to hundreds of dancers actively looking for work. (You get 4 notices included with your membership, a $L1000 value!)

5. Network with vendors and other club owners to combine resources and learn best practices.

6. Announcements on “A-List” events not available to the public, such as magazine launches, fashion shows and other activities showcasing SL celebs and some of the movers and shakers that can help you bring in better tippers and quality clientèle.

7. Freebie member gifts from top designers.

Wurlitzer: Would you ever consider the idea of having advertisers or vendors?

Kiara: Yes. Anyone and everyone who wants to reach our target markets; which are dancers and club owners, if possible.

Wurlitzer: Does the International Dancers Union feature any training?

Kiara: Yes, we offer training primarily in the areas of:

1. Emoting: (Levels 1-4)

2. The Art of Escorting: (Chat Levels 1-3, Audio Level 1-2 and an Intro Web Camming)

3. Groupie Development and Promotions

4. Dance Bits and Freestyle Dance

5. Chims and Choreography

6. Advanced courses for Union Trainers

Wurlitzer: How much does it cost to be involved in the International Dancers Union?

Kiara: 250L a year, courses start at 500L.

Wurlitzer: Who are the staff involved with International Dancers Union and what are their roles?

Kiara: We have a fashion consultant on staff Iole, who owns 3 muses to help with skins, shape and hair to improve the overall appearance of the dancer or make tweaks if necessary.

We also have several union representatives involved in membership development.

We also have a press person in charge of media outreach.

Wurlitzer: Has there been any press releases or reviews written about International Dancers Union?

Kiara: We have been published in the Second Life Herald and are going to be featured soon in the SL Enquirer. There has also been a lot of buzz surrounding the union in the blogger circuit.

Wurlitzer: Who should you contact for more information on International Dancers Union?

Kiara: I am usually your primary contact but that all depends on whether you are a club, advertiser or a dancer. At the moment I am the only trainer on staff but we are bringing 3 additional trainers to help me with the volume of members.

Wurlitzer: What are some good reasons why a club owner should join International Dancers Union?

Kiara: 

1. you get better results from the dancers on staff

2. you get access to a steady pool of qualified candidates pre-screened by me personally and you get a match between the dancer and the venue.

Ex #1: BDSM venue matching a BDSM style emoter.

Ex #2: An upscale lounge matching a classy emoter.

3. We help you isolate pain point and provide practical solutions to help your club grow and succeed on second life internally; something I don't think anyone is doing. There are a lot of business network groups, but nothing that can truly help you address internal issues.

Wurlitzer: Where is the main location for the International Dancers Union?

Kiara: Our offices are located at Beachwood an amazing skyscraper building that offers all of the space we need to conduct out classes and hold meetings.

Wurlitzer:What is the difference between the International Dancers Union and a Union Club Affiliate?

Kiara: A Club Affiliate is a member of the union but owns a club. Their membership is different than that of the dancer because of the services we provide them. Their fees start at 1000 Lindens a month.

Wurlitzer: What does becoming a Union Club Affiliate help promote and ensure and how do you get started?

Kiara: Simply pay the fee and then I along with my union reps give a thorough review of the venue and the dancers performance; normally this is done without notice.

Wurlitzer: Who are the members of the Union Club Affiliates and what are they comprised of?

Kiara: Clubs, lounges and bars.

Wurlitzer: What are the Union Club Affiliates Bylaws, who wrote them and why did you decide it was necessary to include it?

Kiara: Unfortunately I cannot disclose this because we have agreed as a group not to disclose it to the public.

Wurlitzer: What are some factors that are used to classify Union dancers?

Kiara:

1. Physical Appearance

2. Personal Style

3. Personality

4. RL Commitments

5. Emoting Abilities

6. Limitations; language or time.

7. Work ethic

Wurlitzer: Are Club members eligible for Union Certification? If so, how and what is the process?

Kiara: This is a very lengthy process we don't like to disclose for proprietary reasons but generally, its an audit.

Wurlitzer: How much does it cost to be involved for Union Certification and how can you get started?

Kiara: Once you become a member, you become eligible for Union certification.

Wurlitzer: What does it mean to be certified by The International Dancers Union?

Kiara: Well, it’s like our group’s very own stamp of approval. It is an honor that is not freely granted and only the best clubs meeting the standards we set forth during the audit receive it. Its kind of like a good housekeeping seal.

There is an application process followed by an audit of your club. The best thing about becoming certified is that you will receive a logo you can use in your own marketing. Certification is renewable annually.

Wurlitzer: What are your favorite ways of promoting the International Dancers Union?

Kiara: Word of mouth and grassroots contact by union reps.

Wurlitzer:What are your future plans regarding the International Dancers Union?

Kiara: Dance competitions; Grid wide demonstrations; Increased certifications.

Wurlitzer:What are some groups that members can join regarding International Dancers Union or becoming an affiliate?

Kiara: Dance schools are ill equipped to cover all of the problem areas involved in dancing.

You are you own brand so other than joining our group we recommend our dancers create a group or their groupies.

Wurlitzer: Does the International Dancers Union have any sponsors?

Kiara: Some of the names I can think of off the top of my head are: Musashi-Do, BlackLace and Alpha Male and Mudd Honey Furniture.

Wurlitzer:What are some your goals for the future of the International Dancers Union?

Kiara: Increase awareness and make a large scale impact on the industry.

Wurlitzer:If you weren’t involved with International Dancers Union, what you have been doing?

Kiara: Interior design and Fashion Design.

Wurlitzer:What do you like to do in your spare time in SL away from International Dancers Union?

Kiara: Tera forming, Photography and Art.

Wurlitzer:Where do you see International Dancers Union 6 months from now?

Kiara: Increased memberships, more awareness and a stronger group.

Wurlitzer:What would you like International Dancers Union to be known for in Second Life?

Kiara: Like any union there will be some positive and some negative views but in general as a place for dancers to connect, grow and succeed. And for clubs, a way to set their venues apart from the rest.

Wurlitzer:What would you like to be known for in Second Life?

Kiara: As the one person that helped standardize best practices in the erotic dance industry so that this side of the game is more enjoyable for the Second Life community.

Wurlitzer:Whats your avatar history been like in Second Life?

Kiara: This is my second avatar. I'm absolutely obsessed with erotica so my interests naturally wavered in that direction.

Wurlitzer: What were your desires for joining Second Life?

Kiara: Curiosity and business development.

Wurlitzer:How do you see the future of Second Life to be?

Kiara: More interconnection between RL and SL so that everything you can do online you can do here, including purchasing RL goods, and getting RL support.