The Dancers of Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) have signed cards to form a union and join the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA).
Established in 1969, Dance Theatre of Harlem holds the distinction of being the first Black classical ballet company. Formerly an AGMA company, DTH closed its doors in 2004 and resumed operations in 2012 as a non-union company.
"The Dancers of Dance Theatre of Harlem are united and ready to become a part of AGMA again,” said Griff Braun, AGMA’s National Organizing Director. “The full membership of the American Guild of Musical Artists stands in support of their unionizing efforts, and we believe that this collective step will contribute to positive change within the dance community at large.”
In their own letter to the Ballet’s management, the Dancers stated, “We firmly believe this new relationship will only strengthen the company and assure the success of all DTH artists to come.”
AGMA has officially notified DTH management with the hopes that the Company will respect its artists’ wishes and voluntarily recognize the Union. The Company has until close of business on Friday, February 9, to respond. AGMA will release more information as it becomes available.