DB NEWS • April 15, 2021
L.A.-based dance company Ate9 is facing backlash for charging dancers a fee to apply for an invite-only audition. The audition notice was posted to the contemporary-dance troupe's Instagram, without details about pay, job duration or health benefits.
"Auditions are a dancer's job interview," one comment read. "No one should have to pay for a job interview."
Another commenter posed: "What are the working conditions for the job? Any [performances]? How many hours per day? How many days per week? How many weeks? What are the work expectations of the hire? Where will they be working? What are you looking for in a hire?"
Dance artist Ava Gordy spoke out on the controversy to her 44k followers on TikTok. "I'm so over [the minimum] being the norm in the dance world," she said. "Like, you wouldn't do that for any other job. It would be stated clearly what the position is to see if the dancer wants the position. Like, why do we have to beg for common courtesy?"
After dozens of other comments piled on, Ate9 replied: "Thank you for bringing up your concerns. As a nonprofit based in Los Angeles, we understand it has been an unprecedented and challenging year, and Ate9 has been deeply impacted by it, as well. At this time, the audition fees are integral to cover the costs of the people running the audition, administration and space. We hear you and appreciate your honest feedback."
Still, some members of the dance community were not satisfied with the company's response: "If they can't afford to hold auditions, how will they pay the dancers they hire?" one comment read.
Ate9 was founded in 2012 by artistic director Danielle Agami, who previously danced with Batsheva Dance Company for 8 years. Agami would eventually be appointed rehearsal director of the Tel Aviv-based troupe, serving in the role from 2007-2010. Ate9 has enjoyed commercial success over the years, with performance seasons at major dance venues, including The Joyce Theater in New York City.
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