Ballet Faculty at The School of American Ballet (SAB) have taken a historic step by signing union cards to join the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). This marks a groundbreaking moment for AGMA as it organizes dance educators for the first time.
Expressing enthusiasm about this significant development, Griff Braun, AGMA’s National Organizing Director, stated, "This is a significant moment for both AGMA and the dance education community. I believe the unity and commitment shown by the SAB ballet faculty will pave the way for a new era in our union."
Founded in 1934 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, and affiliated with the New York City Ballet, the School of American Ballet is a renowned institution providing high level ballet training and consistently producing graduates employed by leading ballet companies worldwide, including numerous AGMA Signatory Companies.
In a letter addressed to SAB’s management, the ballet faculty highlighted their motivation for forming a union, stating, “We look forward to working together to establish policies that both allow us to help our students achieve greatness by understanding their lives in and out of the studio and create a safe and professional environment for everyone.”
AGMA has officially communicated with SAB management, expressing the hope that the school will honor its employees' wishes and voluntarily recognize the Union. SAB is expected to respond by the close of business on Friday, February 2. AGMA will provide an update with more information as it becomes available.