stella face

part 20

Whilst still teaching in the Country & Western clubs and bars, I started classes in my local city community centers in Miami Shores and North Miami Beach. It was not easy as I had to get licensing insurance and go under contract, with city as an independent contractor. I got license and insurance through American Callers and am still with them all these years later. I had to carry a million dollar umbrella insurance, and licensed to play music in public forum through B.M.I. and ASCAP. Also later on I had to additionally insure each city separately and then I would receive the fee for each student less percentage for the city that was 20% back then now it is 30%. If nobody came to class I made no money but still had to pay for insurance, licensing, advertising, etc.
When I first started had maybe 3 to 10 students, all of whom were my friends. I worked for a long time at a financial loss but eventually started to build it up and develop a solid class at each level. Being in the high profile clubs helped a lot to as I had a strong following at that time and they started to cross over from the clubs to my classes. They realized they could learn more in class and then do more dances at the Country & Western venues.
Through working at Davie junction with live bands every night, I was booked to do private gigs with the bands. This was a great partnership as I could teach the people attending the functions some fun easy dances to the music the band would play during the night.
More of the Stella Cabeca story to follow..
Thank you for following my story as it unfolds.
Love Stella