Friday, June 26, 2009

short quote: careerism

Wherein vast majority of American companies dancers probably make less than $10,000 a year


American dancers moving to Europe:
Still, Credell feels that the audition process was worth the chance of getting a position with job security. Typically, contracts are yearlong with benefits, including retirement and paid vacations. Salaries are similar, if not slightly higher, even given the cost of living in Europe versus the United States. Some companies also pay for language classes for the new recruits.

4 Comments:

Blogger chickelit said...

Are dancers doing a reverse Baryshnikov--fleeing a repressive capitalist system?

I did something similar as a scientist years ago, moving to Europe as new PhD to experience different cultures. It was fun and exciting and personally rewarding, but was no leg up career-wise, and good people warned me of that ahead of time.

6/26/2009 09:43:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Are dancers doing a reverse Baryshnikov--fleeing a repressive capitalist system?

If you're a mid-level dancer and can make as much, if not more, over seas, and get benefits that don't exist here -- why not try Europe?

Take American Idol. A so-so singer can create a multi-million dollar career. The winner of SYTYCD is pretty much where they started before the show.

billsoquoted

6/26/2009 11:55:00 AM  
Blogger XWL said...

So, mid-level, talented, well trained dancers in the finest terpsichorian traditions are probably worse compensated than your typical mid-level dancer who performs regularly with a pole.

Hmmmm.

6/26/2009 02:45:00 PM  
Blogger chickelit said...

If you're a mid-level dancer and can make as much, if not more, over seas, and get benefits that don't exist here -- why not try Europe?

Since I'm not a dancer, I can't really say. However, for a scientist, the main disadvantage is difficulty in reentering the US market, whether industrial or academic.
Also, Europe is less competitive (overall) in science. If this is also true in dance, this can't be good for one's career. Prospective employers see it as a big vacation. Believe me, I used to chafe at those very words myself, but that changes nothing.

6/26/2009 07:43:00 PM  

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