ASK AN AGENT
How should a new dancer go about getting an agent?
Dancers should do their homework about all the agencies that are in the specific city that they are located
in to ensure they find the right agencies for them. Each agency has their own submission policy, so ensure
to read all the information carefully to find out exactly what their policy is and how to submit your materials.
Once I am signed, how important is it for me to stay in classes
and what makes me more “bookable”?
What is DA?
“The mission of Dancers’ Alliance is to be the unified voice of the
national dance community and to improve the careers of professional
dancers and choreographers through education and solidarity. We
negotiate equitable rates and working conditions in non-union work
and represent the dance community on union boards and committees.
DA was formed over 20 years ago and now has branches in New York
and Miami. Dancers’ Alliance has come to not only be a valuable
resource in the professional dance industry, but has also grown to
represent positive activism across all industries, utilizing social media,
grass roots campaigning, and diligent organizing to create change.”
Why is DA important?
Since the 1980’s, DA has been responsible for getting dancers equitable
working rates and for defining and upholding standard working
conditions. DA’s partnership with SAG-AFTRA was the defining
factor in acheiving a historic union contract for music videos and tours.
DA is the liason between the union and dancers, the union and agents,
and agents and their clients. Without DA, dancers and choreographers
would not have many of the rights and contracts that they have today.
Our profession can only progress with organized education and
activism.
If your agent doesn’t know you are in class and working on your skills, they won’t know what auditions are
best suited for you. Networking is key in our industry. We always let our clients know about opportunities
to be seen outside of auditions. If you are taking advantage of these, you are automatically maximizing your
exposure and will increase the value of you being a bookable Dancer.
What are the responsibilities of a signed dancer?
Dancers are fully responsible for their own success of their career. Many Dancers think once they get an agent, their
agent does everything for them and they just have to show up to an audition. This is not the case! Once you are signed,
you have to think of yourself as a business, and your agent will help provide you with the tools that you need
to become
successful. Ensuring you stay on top of your materials and always have them prepared
when you
show up to an audition, responding to your agent in a timely fashion (which could
be the difference between you booking and job and not booking a job), taking advantage of
networking
opportunities to get yourself seen by Choreographers and Casting Directors, and
staying on
top of your craft by getting in class and working on and broadening your skills.
Attending auditions, showing up on time and being prepared are top keys of being a
responsible client. Keeping in touch with your agent
whether it be stopping by the office, an email or phone
call, a chat at
an event; letting your agent know
that you are
present and working hard and are
truly invested
in your career.
Contact?
To find out about rates, our victories in music videos and tours, to
donate, or to contact DA, visit DancersAlliance.org. Be sure to follow
@DancersAlliance on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook to stay up to date
with the latest. There is no membership needed for DA, but you can
give us your email to be registered to receive info if you don’t have
social media.
www.DancersAlliance.org
@DancersAlliance
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