Making Dance
From Studio to Stage
![Impresario George Balanchine in rehearsal [Susanne Faulkner Stevens]](/upload/dan/GBalanchine1._full.jpg)
Assembling a Team
The artistic roles of a dance production include the choreographer and dancers, the set designer, costume designer, and lighting designer, and the composer and musicians. The logistical roles include the production manager, the technical director, the administrator and the publicist.
The person who initiates the project, usually the choreographer or artistic director, is responsible for choosing the people to fill these roles. Auditions and interviews are often part of this process. However, the individual may also choose to work with previous associates. In the case of a dance company, many of these roles already exist. For an independent artist, a new team may be assembled for each project.
In smaller productions, roles often overlap. For example, a dancer might also design and sew the costumes or the administrator might also take care of publicity. Regardless of the size of the team, responsibilities, expectations, deadlines and pay should be agreed upon and detailed in a written contract.
A contract or letter of agreement is a very important tool in any professional business arrangement, and it's no different in dance. The creative process is unique for each person involved and requires a personal commitment to something that is relatively unknown before it is created. A contract provides a structure, guidelines and expectations for everyone involved. There are many unique circumstances in theatrical creation, production and particularly touring that are important to articulate and be aware of in advance.
A contract or letter of agreement ensures that all participants have agreed to their roles, responsibilities and rates of pay before a project starts. There are several organizations that support working conditions and contract negotiations for dance artists, including the Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists and Canadian Actor's Equity Association (which works with performing artists in various disciplines).
Teamwork and leadership are crucial. Individuals must be able to communicate clearly and be self-motivated, disciplined and supportive of their colleagues.
