12/6/2021 – The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and Ballet Idaho are pleased to announce that the dancers of Ballet Idaho have voted to join AGMA, the labor union of the finest dancers, singers, and staging staff in dance, opera, and concert choral performance throughout the United States.
A vote was held on Tuesday, November 30, based upon mutual agreement between AGMA and Ballet Idaho. Given the results, Ballet Idaho has recognized AGMA as the exclusive bargaining representative of the dancers.
“AGMA is thrilled to welcome the dancers of Ballet Idaho into the Union,” said Leonard Egert, National Executive Director of AGMA. “We look forward to a collaborative process with the management of Ballet Idaho, as the safety, wellbeing, and long-term success of these Artists remains a top priority for both parties.”
“Joining AGMA gives our dancers an endorsement within our industry,” said Ballet Idaho Artistic Director Garrett Anderson. “The Ballet is proud of the long, positive working relationship that it has had with the dancers. That relationship was built on mutual respect and trust, and we look forward to further strengthening it through our work with AGMA."
Negotiations for a first contract are expected to commence in the new year. Ballet Idaho’s 2021-2022 season includes The Nutcracker, The Stories We Tell, Anthology, and Beauty and the Beast.
“We are thrilled to support the Dancers of Ballet Idaho as they begin this journey,” Griff Braun, Director of Organizing and Outreach at AGMA, stated in October.
Please join us in welcoming the dancers of Ballet Idaho into the AGMA community!
About AGMA
The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) is the labor union of the finest singers, dancers, and staging staff in opera, choral performance, and concert dance in the United States. AGMA negotiates and enforces over 65 collective bargaining agreements throughout the country, ensuring fair and safe working conditions and enhancing the quality of life of its members. www.musicalartists.org.
About Ballet Idaho
Ballet Idaho has been performing in Idaho since 1972. As the only professional ballet company in Idaho, Montana, or Wyoming, Ballet Idaho’s mission is to engage with Idaho communities to create immersive dance performances and educational experiences that are accessible to all.. Ballet Idaho offers a full season of 23 performances from November through May and offers a professional Academy of Dance, training students in classical ballet and extensive educational outreach programs for students in Boise, the Treasure Valley, and throughout Idaho.