In February, Equity brought together dance companies from across the independent sector to call on them to use union collective agreements for every show they produce. The event also encouraged companies, if not already a member of a management association, to join the ITC (Independent Theatre Council) and benefit from the important support, advocacy and advice it offers.
Equity’s General Secretary urged every dance company to engage dancers on collective agreements, meaning decent pay and conditions for all those in the sector. Attendees heard from Equity members and staff, as well as dance companies who use the collective agreements, on both the benefits to dancers and choreographers and to the dance companies themselves.
ITC Ethical Manager members pointed out that productions are far more likely to flourish when workers have fair terms and conditions for work, and clarity on what’s expected of them
Breakout sessions helped companies discuss challenges and share solutions. They also underpinned the importance of using a collective agreement, such as the ITC/Equity Ethical Manager Agreement, to help prevent problems occurring in the first place and to address them swiftly if they do occur.
The day was organised together with ITC, a membership organisation of over 450 performing arts companies and producers. Representatives of Equity’s dance committee also attended to share their views and experiences as performers.
Equity and ITC pledged to bring the existing Dance appendix (which was a special negotiated part of the performer and stage management agreement) into its own separate agreement. This would make it far clearer and easier for both dancers and producers to understand and demonstrates better visibility of dance and dancers within the Equity and ITC agreements. Equity and ITC also acknowledged that the Dance Appendix (soon to be Agreement) is an iterative process, with longer-term plans to negotiate and secure improvements to the agreement following consultation with respective members. Some of the feedback at the event will go towards this process.
Dance Committee
Representing Dancers in Equity
