In the dance industry today it is standard practice to cut costs by not compensating your dancers a legal wage, via providing an insufficient stipend, or basing pay off of ticket sales. As a dancer and choreographer, I hope to begin a wave of change where dancers who have dedicated their lives to this craft can be properly compensated for their time. All my dancers will be paid $16.20 (Chicago Minimum Wage) an hour and a $25-$50 per show stipend.
Part of the vision of my work is labor equity because I understand more than anyone that to be an advocate for mental health means not only advocating for medical care and acceptance but a real close look at the underlying issues of our society that intersect with mental illness. Part of this project is providing an example to the public and dance community that there is a possibility of better business and interpersonal relationships in the dance industry. The first step to solving a problem is pointing out a problem. The second is positing a solution. This is one aspect of a solution I am poisiting to the issue of both mental health (recognize and acknowledge and process your emotions) and the dance industry (dancers & independent contractors deserve respect and fair labor protections.)
Learn More: https://robinsherrelldavis.wixsite.com/thepursuitofjoy/strangebird