Dancers Unite!

Dancers in mid-performance at the “M.E. Time” event. Photo by Liana Blackburn.

On Dec. 7, more than 300 dancers gathered at Edge Performing Arts Center in Hollywood for an education and organizing event hosted by Dancers’ Alliance in partnership with SAG-AFTRA. The event was part of a new program developed by Los Angeles dancers called “M.E. Time” — as in “Member Education” time. 

“We developed M.E. Time as a way to involve all dancers, whether new to the industry or more experienced, and make sure they have the knowledge they need about working professionally in the industry,” said Dancers’ Alliance leader and SAG-AFTRA member Liana Blackburn. “It’s important for us to come together and stay united as a community.”

The event began with a dance master class taught by acclaimed choreographer Rhapsody James. After the class, dancer Dana Wilson discussed Dancers’ Alliance, SAG-AFTRA, working with agents and other related topics. Dancers’ Alliance also presented SAG-AFTRA member Galen Hooks with an award recognizing her years of inspiring leadership in the dance community.

Dancers were encouraged to use the hashtag #567R8 on social media to signify the importance of dancers uniting for better rates.

This item was originally featured in the February 2016 local newsletter.