Dancers from the New York City Ballet (NYCB) staged a boycott of the Fall Fashion Gala on October 6, 2023, to protest ongoing contract negotiations and demand increased pay. The artists, who are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), expressed feelings of being undervalued while emphasizing their vital contributions to the company.
The annual gala, known for its glamour and high-profile attendees, attracted celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Fox, and Mick Jagger. Despite the star-studded event, the absence of NYCB dancers was profoundly felt. Just one hour before the gala began, the dancers announced their decision to boycott the dinner and red carpet segment, opting to fulfill only their performance obligations.
In a letter addressed to NYCB management, AGMA members stated, “While we wish we could celebrate with the donors who help make this institution so great, the artists cannot celebrate when our needs have not been met.” They further highlighted the importance of their absence, saying, “We hoped to demonstrate, respectfully but unmistakably, how essential the artists are to this company — and how undervalued we currently feel.”
The dancers have been in negotiations for a new contract since May, following the expiration of their previous agreement on August 31. They have raised concerns about compensation that reflects the rising cost of living in New York City. The union’s letter criticized management’s latest financial proposals, asserting they “fall far short of what AGMA artists at nearly any other dance company nationwide have secured over the past twelve months.”
Signatories of the letter included prominent figures from various levels of the company, such as Gilbert Bolden III, Megan Fairchild, and Unity Phelan. Their decision was not without impact; reports indicated that many guests at the gala noticed empty seats that had been reserved for the dancers.
In response to the boycott, Diana L. Taylor, chair of the ballet’s board of directors, remarked, “The dancers are going to do what they want to do. It is what it is.” While acknowledging the dancers’ absence, she praised their performance, stating, “They did an amazing job tonight.” A spokesperson for the NYCB confirmed that the gala proceeded as planned, with over 800 guests in attendance, and expressed eagerness to return to the bargaining table.
Despite the gala’s success, the dancers conveyed a different narrative. Megan Fairchild, a principal dancer with the company for over two decades, took to social media to voice her disappointment. She noted, “It seems the event went on, and people tried not to notice.” Fairchild highlighted the importance of the dancers in the organization, emphasizing that the artistic achievements of the ballet rely heavily on their contributions.
“What the artists are asking for is the bare minimum,” Fairchild explained. “This contract will be in effect after I’m gone, but it matters to me that artists, current and future, are respected.” She expressed concern that the artistic leadership had missed the opportunity to acknowledge the dancers’ plight during the gala, as speeches typically celebrate the funds raised for the institution.
The ongoing negotiations reflect a broader issue within the performing arts community, where artists are increasingly advocating for fair compensation in light of rising living costs. The NYCB dancers’ decision to stage a public protest at one of the company’s most significant fundraising events signals a critical moment in labor relations within the arts sector.
The situation remains fluid, with further discussions expected as both parties seek a resolution. The artistic community and audiences alike are watching closely, as the outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for other organizations facing similar challenges.
