NYCB opens its Spring Season on Tuesday. Everyone hopes that the labor negotiations will be resolved but not without the dancers achieving a standard of compensation and benefits that reflects that they work in one of the most elite artistic companies in the U.S. Further, they should be compensated in a manner that permits them to live comfortably as adults in the community in which they work. They should qualify for mortgages, and not be forced to double and triple occupy small apartments like college students or struggling artists.
Whatever job action the dancers conclude they must take will be supported by most of those who attend their performances. The management's lawyers will clearly and threateningly spell out the consequences of any job action, but the dancers should not be deterred. If they feel themselves beginning to wilt, they should be reminded of their leader's $723,000 compensation package – a package which is completely unreasonable and outrageous in the realm of any compensation survey of elite ballet companies in the U.S.
There is much to look forward to in the coming season. The second week alone looks to be one that we will treasure for a long time. But if it's a treasure which needs to be postponed, so be it.