Professional Standards
One of the original goals of CADA, Professional Standards has the broadest impact of all the Alliance's programs and the potential to dramatically improve the working conditions and socio-economic status of professional dance artists.
CADA's Professional Standards have first and foremost been developed for dance artists to use in the workplace to create positive, respectful and productive environments for dance making. In addition, CADA's Professional Standards serve the broader community and those who work with and interact with dance professionals.
From arts councils to film directors, stage managers to corporate sponsors, arts managers to dance service organizations, charitable foundations to arts researchers, CADA's Professional Standards will inform the collaborative process and support healthy working partnerships.
BC Chapter's Basic Dance Agreement
Download the BC Chapter's Basic Dance Agreement
Ontario Chapter's Professional Standards for Dance
History
Professional Standards for Dance (PSD) was over ten years in the making and took thousands of volunteer hours from the membership and Board of Directors to complete. It grew out of the development of the Ontario Chapter’s first Basic Dance Agreement (BDA), an all-encompassing Letter of Agreement for CADA members under contract in dance.
Professional Standards for Dance, 1st Edition
First published in March 2003, Professional Standards for Dance (1st Edition) is a must read for any dance professional who needs basic guidelines when developing and/or negotiating working agreements. PSD works in tandem with a Letter of Agreement template which can be customized to suit the needs of the project or working engagement.
The guideline aims to be non-hierarchical and reflect the many roles of a dance professional including interpreter, choreographer, rehearsal director, teacher, producer and presenter. It is intended to promote and support professional standards and working conditions in dance and facilitate professional communication.
PSD provides suggested minimum standards in important areas such as maximum hours of work, minimum fees for rehearsal and performance, and standards for working conditions. PSD also outlines the general rights and responsibilities of the Dancer, Choreographer and Producer/Presenter, in working relationships.
The guideline does not preclude the negotiation of further terms of agreement when they are mutually determined in advance by all parties involved in the working relationship. CADA works in an advisory capacity on behalf of its members in negotiation of Letters of Agreement.
Professional Standards for Dance, 2nd Edition
Currently in progress, PSD 2nd Edition has been completely reviewed and updated. In addition to supplementing the 1st edition with valuable content from Dance/USA'sThe Dancers Forum Compact, the 2nd edition will include:
- clarify the role of the CADA Board of Directors in contract disputes,
- new guidelines for conflict management and communication,
- new guidelines for touring,
- an updated fee schedule, and
- more detailed information about 'image use'.
PSD, 2nd Edition, is scheduled to be published in the Fall of 2008.
Download Professional Standards for Dance, 1st Edition
Appendix B: Fees & Payment, Version 1.1
February 15, 2008: The CADA Ontario Board of Directors is pleased to announce the publication of a revised Appendix B: Fees & Payment, a timely replacement to the original, published in the 1st edition of Professional Standards for Dance (PSD) in March 2003. The new appendix offers a more comprehensive guide to compensation for dance activity and also includes some new content from the upcoming 2nd edition of PSD. Please consider this an addendum until the 2nd edition is published. In our pursuit of raising the economic and social status of dance artists, the current Board of Directors is committed to updating Appendix B on an annual basis and, at minimum, increasing fee guidelines in concordance with the inflation rate. Appendix B Version 1.1 can be downloaded from the link below. Members of CADA Ontario will receive hard copies.
Appendix B: Fees & Payment, Version 1.1
Related Issues
Canadian Dance Standards Society: raising standards for Dance Education
Currently based in British Columbia, this organization exists to provide dance instructors with courses, materials, dance research publications, and guidance for developing your teaching practice to a truely professional standard!
the Canadian Dance Standards Society
US Visa Fee Increase Begins
Visa petitions postmarked on or after July 30 will face substantial fee increases:
- Fees for the regular I-129 petition for a non-immigrant worker will increase from $190 to $320.
- Fees for the I-539 petition to extend/change status (used for spouses and dependents) will increase from $200 to $300.
- Fees for the I-824 petition for action on an approved application or petition (usually used to request a duplicate I-797 notice of approval) will increase from $200 to $340.
- Fees for premium processing will remain the same.
Please check the Artists from Abroad website for the most up-to-date information on artist visa processing!