AGMA Files Complaint Against Dance Theatre of Harlem

According to the New York Times, the American Guild of Musical Artists filed an 'unfair labor practice' complaint against the Dance Theater of Harlem. Though DTH has been closed since 2004, executive director, Laveen Naidu recently announced that it will return in December without union contracts.

Naidu told NYT: “This is crazy, that I’m hearing about it this way. We haven’t even resumed operations. What are they talking about?”

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Naidu has since released the following statement: "We are shocked and disappointed by AGMA's allegation that we would put our dancers in any danger; we respectfully disagree with its position. AGMA and Dance Theatre of Harlem had an association; however, in 2007 DTH and AGMA entered into an agreement that formally severed ties. Nurturing artists and art-making are central to the Dance Theatre of Harlem mission­—we will never compromise either. That said, rather than having a public debate on this matter, we are going to allow the legal system to dictate next steps towards resolution."

Dance Theatre of Harlem is a leading dance institution whose mission is: to maintain a world-class school that trains young people in classical ballet and the allied arts; to provide arts education, community outreach programs and positive role models for all; and to present a ballet company of African-American and other racially diverse artists who perform the most demanding repertory at the highest level of quality. Each component of Dance Theatre of Harlem carries a solid commitment towards enriching the lives of young people and adults around the world through the arts.

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