With technology playing a larger role in the dance industry, union dancers discuss what new skills and approaches are needed to grow in their careers.
[Social media] is something that’s fully captivated the dance industry. You already started having to be a triple threat — now you have to brand yourself to be social media [savvy]. It’s made dancers have to change the way they see themselves as a brand.
Janée Lynch
SAG-AFTRA Business Representative, Music
Like many other performers during the pandemic, dancers found themselves utilizing technology as a means of auditioning and booking roles. However, even as the industry moves toward normalcy and dancers continue to be present in award shows, music videos and commercials, many are finding that technology is continuing to bring more permanent change to their work.
To explore this subject further, the SAG-AFTRA President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement hosted Dance-Hyphenates in the New Normal on May 17. The panel, moderated by SAG-AFTRA New York Local Board member and National Dancers Committee Chair Jamal Story, featured Los Angeles Dancers Committee Chair Danielle Towne, dancer-choreographers Dacia James Lewis and Dani Vitale, and SAG-AFTRA Business Representative, Music, Janée Lynch.
The panel opened with a discussion about how performers used technology during the pandemic to conduct classes and book roles. But the group also considered how technology is furthering the work of dancers outside of their roles as dancers, as well as the ways social platforms like TikTok have increased competition for roles.
“As a choreographer, hiring someone in-person lets you immediately see their personality, but over Zoom, there’s a disconnect,” said Vitale. “And that’s frustrating to see [people] being overlooked because they’re not as knowledgeable [about technology].”
The event provided insight on how to navigate these changes, including how best to negotiate compensation for additional production work and promotion.
Following the panel was a Q&A session led by SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris and Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon.
Dancers, for more information about the Music Video Agreement, rate sheets and FAQs, visit the https://www.sagaftra.org/production-center or contact the Music Department at (323) 549-6864 or music@sagafta.org.
Other PTEOE panels can be accessed at sagaftra.org/videos.
The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.
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