VB is growing!
What does this mean for Artist Contracts?

 

Hi Artists!

Welcome to SEASON 8 (2026)!

Ventana Ballet is proud to offer both Short-Term and Long-Term contracts. More info below!

Short-Term Contracts

  • Short-Term Contracts (Artists are contracted for upcoming show only.)

  • Rotating Roster (Each show can have a fully different cast of artists.)

  • Consistent Rehearsal Schedule (This refers to what VB has “reserved” at the studio; Mondays, Tuesdays, & Wednesdays 11:30am-2:00pm & Fridays 3:00-6:00pm)

  • Varied Call Schedule (This is VBSCHED! Not all dancers in the cast are called for every rehearsal, except for the 1-2 weeks leading up to the performance.)

  • Training (Artists are expected be fully-trained and performance-ready during the contract period. Artists can employ their own training program, and they are highly encouraged to attend ESPA classes as part of that training. In some contract periods, Ventana Ballet is able to subsidize the cost of approved training & technique classes.)

Long-Term Contracts

  • Long-Term Contracts (A subset of the cast of each Production will include dancers who are contracted for a several-month period, spanning several production periods within that timeframe. This caters to those who wish for more consistency in their schedules & financial forecast, more refined dance-technique, and more inclusion in forwarding the mission of Ventana Ballet.)

  • Consistent Rehearsal Schedule (This refers to what VB has “reserved” at the studio; Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays 11:30am-2:00pm; note that Tuesdays begin at 10:30am with Company Class.)

  • Varied Call Schedule (This is VBSCHED! Same thing as always: not all dancers in the cast are called for every rehearsal, except for the 1-2 weeks leading up to the performance when we are doing “full runs.”)

  • Training (All Artists are expected be fully-trained and performance-ready during the contract period. Long-Term Contract Artists are required to attend weekly Company Class on Tuesdays 10:30am-12noon, as well as an agreed-upon number of approved technique classes per week that will be paid for by Ventana Ballet.)

  • Exclusivity (Long-Term Contract Artists are required to meet exclusivity expectations; this means the Artist will not be able to perform with any other dance companies during that time without express written consent from the Ventana Ballet Director.)

  • Consistent Paychecks (The Long-Term Contract offers consistent monthly paychecks to the contracted Artists.)

A Recap of What the Ventana Ballet Schedule Looks Like!

Below, you’ll find a more visual summary of all the things.
It is also reflected in VBSCHED: https://bit.ly/vbsched 

Ventana Ballet’s 2026 Rehearsal Schedule at East Side Performing Arts (ESPA):

  • Mondays — 11:30am-2:00pm (Optional Warm-Up with ACB Class 10:00am-11:30am)

  • Tuesdays — 10:30am-2:00pm (Company Class from 10:30am-12:00noon is required)

  • Wednesdays — 11:30am-2:00pm (Optional Warm-Up with ACB Class 10:00am-11:30am)

  • Thursdays — 11:30am-2:00pm (Optional Warm-Up with ACB Class 10:00am-11:30am)

  • Fridays — 11:30am-2:00pm (Optional Warm-Up with ACB Class 10:00am-11:30am)

*Note that not all Artists in the cast are called for every rehearsal, except for the 1-2 weeks leading up to the show when we are doing “full runs.”
*Short-Term Contract Artists are required to attend Tuesday morning Ventana Ballet Company Class. Short-Term Contract Artists are also highly encouraged to attend other technique classes at ESPA. For select contracts / productions, Ventana Ballet may be able to subsidize contracted dancers' class fees during the contract period.
*Long-Term Contract Artists are required to attend Tuesday morning Ventana Ballet Company Class. Long-Term Contract Artists are also required to attend an agreed upon number of technique classes at ESPA, or elsewhere as approved. Ventana Ballet will cover the class fees for those classes that Long Contract Artists are required to attend at ESPA (or other approved location).

Closing Words from The Director

Hey Artists… I hope this helps clarify any questions, and I also hope it helps you with your long-term planning. It remains my most important goal to provide professional performance opportunities for artists here in our community. Ventana means window, and we still represent opportunity, transparency, and technical structure.

Ventana Ballet is growing, and we have big plans to take this company to the next level. I’m so excited you’re on that journey with me. Some folks want more consistency, and some folks want more flexibility. I think this hybrid approach helps meet everyone’s goals!

In solidarity & gratitude,
AJ
Ventana Ballet Director

***** Sending a VERY special thanks to our Assistant Director, Navaji, for all of his guidance, leadership, and support through this transition!