For many people in the Bay Area, the holidays just would not be the same without a performance of the "Nutcracker" by the San Francisco Ballet.
But this season, the show may not go on. Ballet management and American Guild of Musical Artists performers are gridlocked on terms for a new contract and next week’s opening night is in jeopardy.
Money is one issue. Management released the following statement:
“Our proposed salary increases for dancers and stage management continue to align with those offered by our peers, including American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet, ensuring competitiveness and fairness within the industry.”
An AGMA negotiator responded and about 81% of ballet artists are considered low income in San Francisco.
Now, both sides do agree that the ballet has some of the best dancers in the world, but the best way to care for them is in dispute. Management said it’s expanded the ballet’s wellness center, added a registered nutritionist and a performance psychologist among other things.
Not enough, says AGMA.
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“We’ve seen injury levels really grow in the past couple of years. We’ve seen the workers comp costs for San Francisco Ballet really jump up, which is not great for the company or for the artist,” said AGMA senior negotiator Tracy Jones.
Outside the War Memorial Opera House, Wednesday evening, NBC Bay Area spoke to people who said how much this ballet means to people.
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“Even now, I am tearing up, just thinking about it," said Kimberly McCormick of Sebastopol. "Though, I have such sympathy for all the performers because they are the reason we come. Well they and the musicians and everyone who helps put on this magical production."
Negotiations have been going on for five months and seem to have hit a wall. But NBC Bay Area was told on Wednesday that there are a number of bargaining sessions scheduled between now and opening night on Dec. 6.
