The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) is pleased to announce that the dancers of Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) have won their union and that the Dance Theatre of Harlem organization is partnering with AGMA in furthering our mutual effort to protect artists and improve their working lives.
Just over one month after coming forward with their campaign, the Artists have prevailed in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election. Given the unanimous results, DTH management fully supports AGMA as the exclusive bargaining representative of the Artists.
"We are elated to welcome the Dancers of Dance Theatre of Harlem back into the AGMA fold,” said Ned Hanlon, AGMA President. "Their return strengthens our union and reaffirms our commitment to the wellbeing of dancers."
"Over fifty years ago, Arthur Mitchell encouraged the dancers of Dance Theatre of Harlem to join AGMA as a signal to a predominantly white performing arts field that the dancers of DTH deserved to be respected,” said Anna Glass, Executive Director. “Due to financial hardship, the Company went on hiatus for twelve years, severing our relationship with AGMA. Together with AGMA, we share a commitment to the wellbeing of our dancers, as well as to the strengthening of the field at large. We look forward to resuming our historic relationship."
Negotiations for the Company’s AGMA contract are expected to commence soon. Dance Theatre of Harlem is currently celebrating its 55th Anniversary Season and the inaugural season of its newly appointed Artistic Director, Robert Garland.