Menu
Log in


Log in

Professional Standards for Dance

Section 2 - Rights & Responsibilities


2. Rights & Responsibilities

2.1. Rights & Responsibilities of the Dancer
2.2. Rights & Responsibilities of the Choreographer
2.3. Rights & Responsibilities of the Producer
2.4. Rights & Responsibilities of the Presenter
    -> Back to Table of Content


2.1. Rights & Responsibilities of the Dancer

2.1.1 Overview

The Dancer agrees to be prompt and punctual at rehearsals and costume fittings; to attend all rehearsals as required; to appear at the venue no later than the show call; to pay strict regard to stage make-up and stage dress; to perform their services as reasonably directed and execute the choreography to the best of their ability under the direction of the Choreographer, Stage Manager, Rehearsal Director or Artistic Director; to maintain the original intent of the Choreographer throughout the run of the show; to learn their role within a reasonable time period set by the Choreographer or Producer; to properly care for their costumes and props; to use, when required by the Producer or Presenter, safe electronic equipment and to respect the physical property of the Producer or Presenter and the venue.

2.1.2 Specifics

1. The Dancer agrees to abide by all obligations stated in their Agreement and all riders attached thereto.

2. The Dancer is responsible for having warmed up for commencement of rehearsal unless otherwise negotiated.

3. Outside of rehearsal hours, the Dancer will be available for costume fittings, photo calls, publicity or video documentation, and other duties that fall outside of the contract agreement with the Engager, given a minimum of 48 hours. 

4. The Dancer will not present themself during scheduled terms of work while intoxicated from alcohol or drugs.

5. If the Dancer is unable to rehearse or perform due to intoxication or similar impairment, the Engager may determine that the Dancer will not rehearse or perform. 

6. Under the terms of each Agreement, the Dancer has a right to be kept informed and updated, within reason, as to the Producer or Presenter’s rehearsal dates and times, performance times and touring plans. 

7. The Dancer contracted by the Engager is not required to fulfill any role (i.e. company teacher, rehearsal director, administrator, publicity assistant, janitor, wardrobe, or any other duty) other than as a Dancer, unless otherwise negotiated and specified in the Agreement. The Dancer will not perform any additional duties that are not specified in their Agreement unless they negotiate additional compensation, which will be to their satisfaction. If such additional duties as stated above are agreed upon, compensation will be specified in a rider attached to their Agreement and will constitute part of their fee.

8. The Dancer will provide their own basic make-up, undergarments (except those required as a costume), standard rehearsal clothing and basic hair care. The Engager will provide all specialized make-up.

9. The Dancer may only be requested to use body make-up where suitable bathing facilities (hot and cold running water) are available at the venue.

10. Footwear that is additional to what the Dancer normally wears to train or rehearse will be provided by the Engager as rehearsal footwear and will be used only in rehearsals. Where special or specific footwear, satisfactory to the Dancer as to fit, quality and safety, is required for performance, such footwear will be provided by the Engager as costuming. The Dancer and Engager will define a mutually agreed-upon time period during which the Dancer may rehearse in such footwear.

11. The Dancer has the right to a reasonably safe rehearsal time period for extraordinary costuming, footwear, masks, headdresses, wigs, jewelry, etc.

12. A Dancer has the right to refuse to perform any act they deem unreasonable or unsafe, at any time.

13. During rehearsal and performance, necessary protection for the Dancer (i.e. knee pads, bandages, braces, ice, etc.) will be allowed if required by the Dancer. The Dancer will inform the Engager at the earliest possible time if such protection is necessary.

14. The Dancer’s requirement to attend classes and warm-ups will be determined and agreed upon by the Dancer and the Engager prior to the commencement of the engagement period. It is to be made explicit in any contracted agreement as to whether company class/warm up class will be included in the compensation and/or required by the engager.

15. The Dancer agrees to abide by all rules of the venue that are not in conflict with the provisions of the Agreement.

16. The Dancer is not liable for any costs if a Producer or Presenter declares bankruptcy.  If the Producer or Presenter declares bankruptcy or near bankruptcy, the dancer will be compensated an appropriate severance, reflective of the time and services rendered.

17. The Dancer is responsible for their own health and personal injury insurance unless otherwise negotiated and specified.


2.2. Rights & Responsibilities of the Choreographer

2.2.1 Overview

The Choreographer agrees to be prompt and punctual for all scheduled rehearsals; respect the physical property of the Producer or Presenter and/or venue; conduct rehearsals in a respectful manner; and to abide by artistic policies of the Producer or Presenter as specified in the contract. In addition, the Choreographer agrees to make reasonable personal publicity appearances and participate in media interviews for the purpose of promoting the production, that are specified within the contracted agreement.

2.2.2 Specifics

1. The Choreographer agrees to abide by all obligations stated in their Agreement and all riders attached thereto.


2. The Choreographer accepts the same rights and responsibilities as the Dancer in regard to 2.1.2.-1-7 and 10.


3. The Choreographer will terminate rehearsals at the designated time.


4. The Choreographer will not make demands on the Dancer that place the Dancer’s health and welfare at risk.


5. The Choreographer is responsible for providing the Engager with information relating to time and resources required to complete their work. The Choreographer is obligated to meet schedules and budgets provided by the Engager and communicate with the Engager any variances in a timely manner.


6. The Choreographer will maintain rehearsal, production and performance schedules in conjunction with the production team.


7. The Choreographer has the right to cast the Dancers who are suitable in fulfilling the specific needs of the production and will inform the Dancers of all casting and casting changes in a timely manner.


8. In the event of a re-mounting of the production, the Choreographer has the right to re-cast the Dancers, as they deem fit, after appropriate consultation with the original cast, in accordance with the right of first refusal (see Equity’s INDIE 2.2 policy, 17.B.v, for more information).


9. Other than an emergency change, the Choreographer will post any cast change during a performance season at least 2 days in advance of the implementation of such change.


10. The Choreographer has the right to negotiate with the Engager the terms of payment of royalties and the licensing for the presentation of works choreographed by the Choreographer. (See Sections 4.7, Royalties, for more information on the payment of royalties, and 11, Copyright, for choreographic copyright and licensing.)


11. The Choreographer is not liable for any costs if a Producer or Presenter declares bankruptcy. If the Producer or Presenter declares bankruptcy or near bankruptcy, the Choreographer will be compensated an appropriate severance, reflective of the time and services rendered.


2.3. Rights & Responsibilities of the Producer

2.3.1. Overview

The Producer agrees to provide the Dance Artist with a safe and sanitary working environment during production. The Producer will be responsible for all costs of the production, unless otherwise negotiated and specified in the Agreement, and for the fulfillment of all legal and engagement obligations stated in their Agreement and all riders attached thereto.


A Dance Artist may fulfill the role of Producer themself, or, share responsibilities as Co-Producer. Whenever there are Co-Producers, specific responsibilities should be confirmed in a written letter of agreement or contract.

2.3.2. Specifics

1. The Producer agrees to abide by all engagement obligations. The Producer will secure copyright permissions and licenses as required by the Choreographer and ensure that payments for royalties are directed to the appropriate individuals, unless otherwise negotiated and specified in the Agreement and/or confirm that the appropriate umbrella licenses of presenters are in order.

2. The Producer will maintain the budget and have final approval of expenses incurred for the production.

2.1 The producer will allocate budget space for honoraria for guest speakers, Elders, personal support workers and gifts in exchange for knowledge or lived experience, as necessary.

3. The Producer will maintain rehearsal, production and performance schedules in conjunction with the production team.

4. The Producer is responsible for publicizing the production as negotiated. (When the Producer is working with a Presenter this responsibility may be that of the Presenter.)

5. The Producer will obtain, or ensure that, adequate liability insurance is in place for the rehearsal and performance venues, including that required for outdoor performances or other alternative performance venues, unless otherwise negotiated and specified in the Agreement. The insurance will indemnify the Dance Artists from damages to the venue, other artists, members of the audience and the public at large. (Note: liability insurance is not the same as personal injury insurance, see 2.1.2.17.)

6. The Producer in conjunction with the Choreographer will outline a detailed schedule of the number of hours required for each aspect of the production, including development, rehearsal, performance, workshops and other required work.

7. The Producer will outline a detailed schedule of the confirmed performance dates and possible or to-be-confirmed performance dates for the production team.

8. The Producer will obtain specific permits as required by provincial or municipal by-laws or confirm with the Presenter that they are in place (when applicable).

9. The Producer is solely responsible for all costs if the Producer declares bankruptcy. If the Producer or Presenter declares bankruptcy or near bankruptcy, the Dancer(s) and Choreographer(s) will be compensated an appropriate severance, reflective of the time and services rendered.


2.4. Rights & Responsibilities of the Presenter

The Presenter agrees to provide the Dance Artist with a safe and sanitary working environment subject to the health and safety standards applicable in the location of the performance. The Presenter is responsible for fulfillment of all legal and engagement obligations stated in their Agreement with the Producer and all riders attached thereto.

In addition, the presenter is responsible for the provision of a culturally sensitive and culturally appropriate workplace, in accordance with the stated needs, wishes, and cultural practices of the Dancers and/or Choreographers and other contractors. 


CADA/East Gratefully Acknowledges the Generous Support of




Email Us

cadaeast.office@gmail.com

cadaeast.membership@gmail.com

Address
410 Jarvis Street, 2nd Floor
Toronto, O.N.,
M4Y 2G6

 © 2023 Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists - East Chapter (CADA/East)

Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists - East Chapter is a not-for-profit organization. 410 Jarvis St., 2nd Floor | Toronto, O.N., M4Y 2G6

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software