Going to these dance conventions was getting a little pricey. Buying the passes, entering the competitions, airfare, hotels, food, time off work; it was starting to be prohibitively expensive. I won a couple of competitions and earned some free passes, but I still want more. Going to a few events each year is fun, but as I get more serious, I want to go more like once a month, maybe even more- there's just no way I can afford it.
That's when I hear about a special deal. Anyone who volunteers to keep the pro dancers "relaxed" and "entertained" in their hotel room for the whole weekend at one event, gets free passes and rooms at as many events as they want for the next year. One weekend to pay for a whole year? It definitely doesn't sound easy, but so worth it. With free passes and rooms, all I'd have to pay for is airfare! This is too great an opportunity to pass up.
When I get to the hotel, I check in with event registration first. "You have a pass reserved, but it hasn't been paid for yet. Would you like to use cash or card?" I shift my weight uncomfortably. "I actually have a, uh, arrangement..." The volunteer looks at me blankly. "The um... Yearly Special?" Her supervisor looks up at the words, and comes over with a pink wristband for me. "Yes, here you go, come with me and I'll show you to your room."
The supervisor introduces herself as Holly. As we go up to the room, she explains the expectations. I'll be working three 8-hour shifts "keeping company" in the pro's lounge. I have my own room down the hall, that I share with the other newbies who have agreed to this arrangement. In my downtime, I can attend as many workshops and as much social dancing as I have time for. She tells me I'll want to make sure I get plenty of rest as well, and gives me a water bottle.
She tells me the pros with passes to the lounge all have black wristbands. They are not supposed to do anything violent, or that might cause me undue stress of bodily harm, but otherwise I am to be eager and obedient. I'm able to come and go and take breaks as I need to, as long as I finish all my hours. The only thing is that I am not allowed to say no to anyone with a black wristband.
We drop off my bags in my shared room. One person's things are already on one of the queen beds, so I put mine on one side of the other. Holly shows me down the hall to the private lounge. It's spacious room with several couches and chairs, and a cleared space for dancing. A man with his back to me is unpacking a bag near one of the two beds, and a couple is talking quietly in the kitchenette. Additionally, there is what looks like a massage table, and a stand rigged up with a pair of handcuffs hanging from it. I gulp and hope I haven't gotten myself in too deep. Holly sees the look on my face and explains that if I complete at least one of my shifts, but not all of them, I can choose two more events to get free passes. That doesn't seem as good of a deal, so I resolve to make it through the weekend.
"One last thing," she says. "I need you to sign this contract, consenting to everything we've discussed. My number is at the top if you have any questions!" She goes back to the front desk downstairs, and I head back to my room to look over the contract and freshen up.
The contract matches everything Holly said, so I go ahead and sign it. I touch up my makeup and change into a flirty dress and strappy heels. I take the contract back down to the desk and noticing my wardrobe change, she says, "You look like you're ready to start!"
"Yes, is that ok? I figure if I start now I can still catch some social dancing tonight."
