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

 

Hi Artists!

Welcome to SEASON 7 (2025)!

AJ here to explain a few things about Ventana Ballet Contracts Past, Present, Future, as they relate to Ventana Ballet’s growth plan and also in the context of our move to the new East Side Performing Arts space.

Past (2018-2022)

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

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

  • Varied Rehearsal Schedule (This refers to what VB has “reserved” at the studio; it is sporadically dispersed on the calendar, dictated by studio availability and dancer availability.)

  • 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 FSS classes as part of that training.)

Present (2023 - June 2025)

  • 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 FSS classes as part of that training. In some contract periods, Ventana Ballet is able to subsidize the cost of approved training & technique classes.)

Future (July 2025 & beyond)

  • 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. Note that this type of contract will require dancers to be present at an agreed upon number of approved technique classes per week. More information about this is below!)

  • Short-Term Contracts (A subset of the cast of each Production will include dancers who are contracted for the upcoming Production only, reflecting the “Present” contract structure, listed above. This supports our community’s Freelance Artists, as well as those Artists who are balancing other schedule commitments.)

  • Varied Roster (Each show will feature all Long-Term Contract artists as well as a rotating cast of Short-Term Contract artists.)

  • Even More 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 will be required to meet the training terms in their contract (more info below). Short-Term Contract Artists will join Company Class on Tuesdays, and they can employ their own training program outside of that; in some Short-Term Contract periods, Ventana Ballet is able to subsidize the cost of approved training & technique classes.)

More Info about the Long-Term Contracts

During the second half of Season 7 (starting July 2025), Ventana Ballet will offer Long-Term Contracts for select dancers in addition to the traditionally offered Short-Term Contracts for other dancers. A Long-Term Contract will span multiple performances and require exclusivity of the dancer for full commitment to Ventana Ballet from August 2025 through December 2025.

During Season 7, the Long-Term Contracts will include guaranteed paid opportunities for three productions: ALLUVIUS (September 2025), UNDEAD (October 2025), and The Watchmaker's Song (December 2025). Long-Term Contracts also include tentatively scheduled outreach performances and a creative/choreographic residency (Week of September 1) in preparation for a new ballet, Flower Shop, in September 2026 with a commissioned composer. 

Tentative Details about the Long-Term Contract:

  • It will require exclusivity from the Artists; 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.

  • It will offer consistent monthly paychecks to the contracted Artists.

  • It will require Artists to attend weekly Company Class on Tuesdays 10:30am-12noon.

  • It will require Artists to additionally attend an agreed-upon number of approved technique classes per week that will be paid for by Ventana Ballet.

  • It will offer the Artists guaranteed positions in the casts for the productions that occur during that Long-Term Contract period.

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 2025 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 AJ

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!

But by all means… send me all your feedback, thoughts, and ideas!

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!