VB is growing!
What does this mean for Artist Contracts?
Hi Artists!
Welcome to SEASON 7 (2025)!
AJ here to explain a few things about Ventana Ballet Contracts Past, Present, Future, as they relate to Ventana Ballet’s growth plan and also in the context of our move to the new East Side Performing Arts space.
Past
Short Contracts (Artists are contracted for upcoming show only.)
Rotating Roster (Each show can have a fully different cast of artists.)
Varied Rehearsal Schedule (This refers to what VB has “reserved” at the studio; it is sporadically dispersed on the calendar, dictated by studio availability and dancer availability.)
Varied Call Schedule (This is VBSCHED! Not all dancers in the cast are called for every rehearsal, except for the 1-2 weeks leading up to the performance.)
Training (Artists are expected be fully-trained and performance-ready during the contract period. Artists can employ their own training program, and they are highly encouraged to attend FSS classes as part of that training.)
Present
Short Contracts (Artists are contracted for upcoming show only.)
Rotating Roster (Each show can have a fully different cast of artists.)
Consistent Rehearsal Schedule (This refers to what VB has “reserved” at the studio; Mondays, Tuesdays, & Wednesdays 11:30am-2:00pm & Fridays 3:00-6:00pm)
Varied Call Schedule (This is VBSCHED! Not all dancers in the cast are called for every rehearsal, except for the 1-2 weeks leading up to the performance.)
Training (Artists are expected be fully-trained and performance-ready during the contract period. Artists can employ their own training program, and they are highly encouraged to attend FSS classes as part of that training. In some contract periods, Ventana Ballet is able to subsidize the cost of approved training & technique classes.)
Future
Long Contracts (A subset of the cast will include dancers who are contracted for a several month period, spanning several production periods within that timeframe. This caters to those who wish for more consistency in their schedules & financial forecast, more refined technique, and more inclusion in forwarding the mission of Ventana Ballet. Note that this type of contract will require dancers to be present at an agreed upon number of approved technique classes per week. More information about this is below!)
Short Contracts (A subset of the cast will include dancers who are contracted for upcoming show only, reflecting the Present contract structure. This caters to supporting our community’s Freelance Artists, as well as those Artists who are balancing other schedule committments.)
Varied Roster (Each show will feature all Long Contract artists as well as a rotating cast of Short Contract artists.)
Even More Consistent Rehearsal Schedule (This refers to what VB has “reserved” at the studio; Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays 11:30am-2:00pm)
Varied Call Schedule (This is VBSCHED! Same thing as always: not all dancers in the cast are called for every rehearsal, except for the 1-2 weeks leading up to the performance when we are doing “full runs.”)
Training (All Artists are expected be fully-trained and performance-ready during the contract period. Long Contract Artists will be required to meet the training terms in their contract (more info below). Short Contract Artists can employ their own training program, and in some Short Contract periods, Ventana Ballet is able to subsidize the cost of approved training & technique classes.)
More Info about the Long Contracts
During the second half of Season 7, Ventana Ballet will offer Longer-Term Contracts for select dancers in addition to the traditionally offered short contracts. A Longer-Term Contract will span multiple performances and require exclusivity of the dancer for full commitment to Ventana Ballet from August 2025 through December 2025.
During Season 7, the Longer-Term Contracts will include guaranteed paid opportunities for Metal Ballet (September 2025), UNDEAD (October 2025), and The Watchmaker's Song (December 2025), as well as a tentatively scheduled outreach performances and a creative/choreographic residency (Fall 2025) in preparation for a new ballet in September 2026 with a commissioned composer.
Tentative Details about the Longer-Term Contract:
It will require exclusivity from the Artists; this means the Artist will not be able to perform with any other dance companies during that time without express written consent from the Ventana Ballet Director.
It will offer consistent monthly paychecks to the contracted Artists.
It will require Artists to attend an agreed-upon number of approved technique classes per week that will be paid for by Ventana Ballet.
It will offer the Artists guaranteed positions in the casts for the productions that occur during that Long Contract period.
More Info about the Upcoming VBSCHED Change
Hey Dancers! The move from First Street Studio to East Side Performing Arts will most likely occur during the KALEIDOSCOPE Contract Period. Don’t fear! The KALEIDO Contracts will not require Artists to fully change their schedules & lives during the contract period. I’m just asking for grace and patience from everyone, as we navigate the move and several other dance companies’ studio reservation requests at the new space.
Starting after KALEIDO, the only real changes to VBSCHED are (1) we add Thursdays back in (yay!), and (2) we move Fridays earlier. (During KALEIDO Contract period, we may be able to keep Friday afternoons 3-6pm on the schedule through the end of residency.)
Below, you’ll find a more visual summary of all the things.
It is also reflected in VBSCHED: https://bit.ly/vbsched
Ventana Ballet's 2025 Rehearsal Schedule at First Street Studio (FSS):
Mondays — 11:30am-2:00pm (Optional Warm-Up with ACB Class 10:00am-11:30am)
Tuesdays — 11:30am-2:00pm (Optional Warm-Up with Limon Class 10:00am-11:30am)
Wednesdays — 11:30am-2:00pm (Optional Warm-Up with ACB Class 10:00am-11:30am)
Thursdays — OFF
Fridays — 3:00pm-6:00pm (Optional Warm-Up with ACB Class 1:30pm-3:00pm)
*Note that not all Artists in the cast are called for every rehearsal, except for the 1-2 weeks leading up to the show when we are doing “full runs.”
*Short Contract Artists are highly encouraged to attend technique classes at FSS. For select contracts / productions, Ventana Ballet may be able to subsidize contracted dancers' class fees during the contract period.
Ventana Ballet’s 2025 Rehearsal Schedule at East Side Performing Arts (ESPA):
Mondays — 11:30am-2:00pm (Optional Warm-Up with ACB Class 10:00am-11:30am)
Tuesdays — 11:30am-2:00pm (Required Warm-Up with VB Class 10:00am-11:30am)
Wednesdays — 11:30am-2:00pm (Optional Warm-Up with ACB Class 10:00am-11:30am)
Thursdays — 11:30am-2:00pm (Optional Warm-Up with ACB Class 10:00am-11:30am)
Fridays — 11:30am-2:00pm (Optional Warm-Up with ACB Class 10:00am-11:30am)
*Note that not all Artists in the cast are called for every rehearsal, except for the 1-2 weeks leading up to the show when we are doing “full runs.”
*Short Contract Artists are required to attend Tuesday morning Ventana Ballet technique class. Short Contract Artists are also highly encouraged to attend other technique classes at ESPA. For select contracts / productions, Ventana Ballet may be able to subsidize contracted dancers' class fees during the contract period.
*Long Contract Artists are required to attend Tuesday morning Ventana Ballet technique class. Long Contract Artists are also required to attend an agreed upon number of technique classes at ESPA, or elsewhere as approved. Ventana Ballet will cover the class fees for those classes that Long Contract Artists are required to attend at ESPA.
Closing Words from AJ
Hey Artists… I hope this helps clarify any questions, and I also hope it helps you with your long-term planning. It remains my most important goal to provide professional performance opportunities for artists here in our community. Ventana Ballet is growing, and we have big plans to take this company to the next level. I’m so excited you’re on that journey with me. Some folks want a more consistency, and some folks want more flexibility. I think this hybrid approach helps meet everyone’s goals!
But by all means… send me all your feedback, thoughts, and ideas!
In solidarity & gratitude,
AJ
Ventana Ballet Director