Many people were surprised when the American Ballet Theatre posted that on February 7th they teamed up with the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) to vote in favor of a strike.

Many dancers within what many consider to be America’s most prestigious dance company are not making a livable wage. If America’s top ballet company isn’t making living wages, what are the dancers in companies under them making? Even less.

The Royal Ballet is Britain’s most prestigious ballet company. However, they don’t have this problem. This is due to the fact that the British government and general donations fund the company, giving it enough money to pay for the costumes and sets while still having enough money to pay the crew/dancers a livable wage.

While ABT did come to an agreement and will not strike, recently it has been brought to America’s attention how underfunded the arts are. With the SAG-AFTRA strike and what seems to be the downfall of Broadway since the pandemic, the arts in America are struggling. 

Part of it could be that people don’t go out the same way they used to before the pandemic. However, should that result in many people becoming unemployed? Should it result in many people losing their dream jobs? Being a part of the American Ballet Theatre is a huge accomplishment, even if you are just a part of the corps (the dancers who are not principal ballerinas).

I’m sure that it doesn’t feel like an accomplishment when you are meant to endure lots of physical labor, and yet you still need to have a second job to be able to live comfortably because it only pays the minimum wage.

This decline in going to see the arts (Broadway, ballet, movies, etc.) could change the industry. So, during spring break or summer, go to the ballet, see a musical/play, or find any other way you can support the arts. I promise it is worth going to see something live vs. seeing it playing on a TV screen.

The feeling of watching a live performance does not compare. Not only is it enjoyable for you, but it helps support the artists who are living their dreams and doing what they love.