Can’t we do better for our dancers?
RE “Losing the Lion’s Share,” by Diane Haithman, Nov. 28: It would be enlightening to read a follow-up article taking a look at why dancers are pushed to make the choice between an artistically rewarding career and a contract that will allow them to earn enough money to pay their bills.
In the past years, the financial situation of dance companies around the United States has become critical. The boards of directors of these dance organizations, state agencies such as the California Arts Council and the federal government are all responsible for the situation. Artistic directors, choreographers and company administrators share the responsibility too, in promoting the idea that asking a professional dancer to rehearse and perform for little to no money is OK.
Dancers are young and their career is short. They do not have a strong union to defend their rights, and it is up to the people in charge of dance companies to guide and support them in fighting for their rights.
YVES DE BOUTEILLER
Ventura
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