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DANCE NEWS: AGMA and Atlanta Ballet Announce New 4-Year Contract: A Milestone for Dancer Rights and Compensation

The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and Atlanta Ballet are proud to jointly announce a progressive 4-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that sets a new standard for dancer compensation, working conditions, and long-term security within the ballet industry. The AGMA Board of Governors ratified the CBA on August 12 after being approved by the AGMA Artists at the Ballet.

Atlanta Ballet Company. Photo: Shoccara Marcus

In 2022, Atlanta Ballet and AGMA came together to lead the industry in eliminating the long-held practice of Apprentice status for dancers beginning their careers, increasing entry-level salaries by nearly 40%.

This new CBA takes that bold step further, reflecting the mutual commitment of both AGMA and Atlanta Ballet to foster an environment where professional dancers are fairly compensated and supported throughout their careers. The negotiations, marked by collaboration and innovation, resulted in significant changes across multiple areas, including complete elimination of entry-level compensation rates, substantial wage increases across the company, the introduction of exit pay, enhanced parental leave, and new benefits that recognize the unique needs of professional dancers.

 

“We are thrilled to announce this landmark agreement, which reflects the dedication of both AGMA and Atlanta Ballet to ensuring our dancers are compensated fairly and supported holistically,” said Joshua Hong, AGMA Senior Negotiator. “This CBA not only addresses immediate financial concerns but also lays the groundwork for a more sustainable and equitable future in the ballet industry and sets a strong precedent for other dance companies.”

“We are proud to reach agreement on our new CBA with Atlanta Ballet,” the Artists of the Negotiation Committee said in a written statement. “Setting a precedent of collaboration and mutual respect, this milestone represents a significant step forward for our organization. United in our vision, we aim for a dance community both here and across the industry where Artists are valued and supported, ensuring that the beauty of dance can flourish for generations to come.”

 

“We have built a company of strong professional artists here at Atlanta Ballet, and we believe that nurturing the development of their artistry is as essential to a successful organization as dancers’ financial independence,” said Atlanta Ballet Artistic Director Gennadi Nedvigin.

“Under Gennadi Nedvigin's leadership, Atlanta Ballet has a strong history of prioritizing support of the dancers,” said Executive Director Tom West. “During the pandemic, he ensured that Atlanta Ballet was among the very few professional ballet companies in the U.S. that did not furlough its dancers, and he has championed in making entry-level positions a livable wage.”

This CBA also introduces several other provisions aimed at improving the overall working environment and securing the long-term well-being of Atlanta Ballet dancers. AGMA and Atlanta Ballet are committed to continuing their partnership to ensure that the voices and needs of dancers remain at the forefront of their work.