The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) has ratified a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Colorado Ballet. The agreement, approved by AGMA leadership on April 28, 2025, introduces several enhancements in compensation and benefits for the ballet’s artists.
A spokesperson for AGMA remarked, “Let’s celebrate what the negotiating committee achieved together! This agreement brings strong wage increases across all ranks (up to 9% in Year 1), improved parental leave and sick time, and new provisions supporting physical therapy access, artist feedback, personal time, and representation. It also includes a significant bump in healthcare coverage, now 90% employer-paid.”
The contract outlines wage increases for various roles within the company. Principals will see a 4% increase in Year 1 followed by two consecutive years of 3.5%. Demi-soloists and soloists are set to receive a 5% increase initially with subsequent annual increases of 3.5%. Corps members will experience a similar pattern starting with a 6% raise in the first year. Apprentices will benefit from a notable initial raise of 9%.
Other financial improvements include an increase in seniority pay from $8.50 to $9.25 per week over the contract duration and an increased cap on severance pay for those with two decades of service. There is also an enhancement in social media takeover fees and parking allowances.
The agreement extends birthing parent leave from ten to fifteen days and allows artists to designate up to six sick leave days as personal days. Additional provisions ensure that dancers receive necessary items such as toe pads each season.
New clauses provide artists with opportunities for feedback meetings with the Artistic Director at season’s end and undressing time after costume run-throughs to ensure full lunch breaks are maintained.
Artists’ support extends beyond these measures; costumes, wigs, shoes, and makeup will be tailored with sensitivity towards skin tones and hair types. Furthermore, career-related photographs can be requested alongside video footage.
Physical therapy availability is enhanced under this agreement as well; efforts will be made to have two physical therapists available during critical periods leading up to performances.
