Strictly basic minimum standards of care agreed
 for commercial dancers

Leading dance agencies will ask clients to agree to a basic minimum standard of care when booking commercial dancers, the actors’ union Equity reports. 


The union has been working with agents and the Dancers Network, many of whom are Equity members, to improve working conditions and health and safety in the commercial dance sector. 


The standard minimum “asks” cover areas including hours of work, breaks, holiday, inclusion of warm-ups, meals, late night transport, changing areas, toilet and washing facilities and a decent working temperature. Clients should also alert the agency and dancer to any significant risks involved in the work and whether nudity or semi-nudity is involved. They will also be asked to confirm all relevant insurance policies are in place. 


Equity head of live performance Hilary Hadley said those who engage dancers must make serious attempts to ensure risks are minimised and dancers have the same protections as any other worker. 


“Agencies providing decent booking terms to their numerous clients is a first step in this process,” she added.

https://www.equity.org.uk/news/2020/march/dancers-network-leading-dance-agencies-and-equity-working-together-to-improve-standards-in-the-commercial-dance-industry