Refine your brand to avoid getting ripped off – NDTC director

The age-long dialogue about dancers being underpaid does not have to be true if they do not devalue their worth and build a professional brand.

This is according to artistic dance director at the National Dance Theatre Company, Marlon Simms.

He said local dancers can estimate their worth by doing extensive research on standard rates to better negotiate contracts.

One online resource, Dance Magazine, listed 200 types of dancer salaries across the US in 2018. The Dancehall Dance Association has also issued a similar release.

"Using these kinds of online support systems, they can know if the offer being made to them is a good one or bad one and be in a better position to negotiate," Simms told THE WEEKEND STAR. "It is important that you attain a contract as well and review it before you board any plane. A contract will hold the person who is employing you accountable and you have to discuss the terms of the contract before you agree to it. In cases like that, it is good to have a business manager or agent who will advocate on your behalf and look out for you."

Simms said certified training can also boost a dancer's resume to land favourable deals.

"What makes you competitive is when you refine your product. That process requires you to know what your brand is and how it differs from everybody else in a market. Sometimes it may mean going to the Edna Manley College and registering for a course that may help you to develop who you are as an artist," he said. "There are people who are not necessarily trained in dance but have the natural talent, and that will perhaps put them in the first league as persons who have the qualifications. Those persons would have to be savvy in doing their own research, recognising the value of their skill, understanding the market that they intend to generate income from, and remain competitive."

His advice comes after comments made by popular dancers who have expressed that meagre salaries are discouraging peers from being committed to the industry.

Dancer Renee SixThirty said she sees dancers on social media who are paid well "because dem people know their worth and pay them".

"Some artistes feel cause dem a carry we a foreign, dem a do we a favour. But how dat mek sense if yuh a go come back hungry?"