I need an image consultant as a pro tango dancer/instructor in JAPAN
Budget: $250 – $750 USD
Having danced tango for 20+ years, the last 10 as a professional (including 5 years in Argentina) and now at the age of 45, I seek to establish my personal brand as a thought leader of tango and rework my image so that it is ideal for both the Japanese market and the US market (which can be QUITE different); for now, Tokyo/Japan takes precedent since I live here and must use this market to my advantage (as well as for work).
The main challenge is...I am not Argentine; it is convenient for my Argentine colleagues to collaborate with me when my participation would help in maintaining their monopoly on the market...yet when I wish to carve out a niche/ market myself, suddenly I am 'not Argentine). So, I must set out on my own and be willing to step on toes, doing projects that do not receive the blessing of Argentines, even if I were to 'kiss the ring'.
However, in Japan, stepping on toes (publicly/on SMN) / disrupting the 'wa' (social harmony) is a big no-no, and actually hurts one's brand.
Finally, as a former school-teacher who until recently suffered from codependency his entire life (not good in showbiz!), at times I do not 'exude' the attitude of a pro dancer (that is expected here in Japan). I do well/score points w/ the public for being self-deprecating, but as a former farmboy, although I do have nice clothes, image has never been hugely important to me, I have have made minor missteps in this area, which as added up over time.
So, I wish to establish an image that will be seen as 'non-belligerent' and 'kakkoi'/cool/handsome pro dancer....and highlight my background in pedagogy/teaching...tango is normally like 'eikawa' ....I want to be a 'juken juku' and not only allow students to relax/have fun...but improve without even realize that they are improving.
Concurrently, I am preparing to launch various projects on SMN, some with other pro tango dancers, but also with Japanese pro dancers in other genres who wish to learn/work in tango. (Possibly) most importantly, I will be uploading to SMN various 'video shorts' in the manner of a 'short commecial' (25-30 seconds each), to establish my brand.
The main challenge is...I am not Argentine; it is convenient for my Argentine colleagues to collaborate with me when my participation would help in maintaining their monopoly on the market...yet when I wish to carve out a niche/ market myself, suddenly I am 'not Argentine). So, I must set out on my own and be willing to step on toes, doing projects that do not receive the blessing of Argentines, even if I were to 'kiss the ring'.
However, in Japan, stepping on toes (publicly/on SMN) / disrupting the 'wa' (social harmony) is a big no-no, and actually hurts one's brand.
Finally, as a former school-teacher who until recently suffered from codependency his entire life (not good in showbiz!), at times I do not 'exude' the attitude of a pro dancer (that is expected here in Japan). I do well/score points w/ the public for being self-deprecating, but as a former farmboy, although I do have nice clothes, image has never been hugely important to me, I have have made minor missteps in this area, which as added up over time.
So, I wish to establish an image that will be seen as 'non-belligerent' and 'kakkoi'/cool/handsome pro dancer....and highlight my background in pedagogy/teaching...tango is normally like 'eikawa' ....I want to be a 'juken juku' and not only allow students to relax/have fun...but improve without even realize that they are improving.
Concurrently, I am preparing to launch various projects on SMN, some with other pro tango dancers, but also with Japanese pro dancers in other genres who wish to learn/work in tango. (Possibly) most importantly, I will be uploading to SMN various 'video shorts' in the manner of a 'short commecial' (25-30 seconds each), to establish my brand.