Canadian Actors' Equity Association to now represent dancers at Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal

TORONTO, May 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Canadian Actors' Equity Association (Equity) is proud to announce that it has been granted certification by the Commission des relations du travail to represent the dancers at Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal (Quebec).

Founded in 1957, Les Grands Ballets has a long and illustrious history of excellence and innovation in their repertoire, with performances created specifically for them by some of the world's finest choreographers. "We are thrilled to welcome the dancers from one of Canada's largest ballet companies to Equity. We are looking forward to working with both the dancers and management to ensure a smooth transition to a new collective agreement." said Executive Director Arden R. Ryshpan.

President Allan Teichman added "The addition of a new company of artists to our membership is a rare and wonderful thing. It is an honour that Equity should be asked to represent them, and a pleasure to say "of course, we will." On behalf of all of Council, welcome to our new members from Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal."

Dancers at Les Grands Ballets approached Equity looking for representation in early spring. Robert Deskins, company dancer stated "We are excited to have joined Equity. Today is a great day for dancers' rights in Montreal."

There are currently 34 dancers in the company. Negotiations for a first agreement will commence shortly.

Equity is the voice of professional artists working in live performance in English Canada. It is a national artists' association representing almost 6,000 performers, directors, choreographers, fight directors and stage managers working in theatre, opera and dance from coast to coast.

SOURCE: Canadian Actors' Equity Association

Lynn McQueen, Communications Director 416-476-7037 / [email protected]