Code of Professional Practice For New Zealand Choreographers

Prepared by DANZ, Ann Dewey, Shona McCullagh & Deirdre Tarrant

"Choreography is about managing people as well as creating dance"

Fairness

A choreographer/director should

• Ensure contracts are negotiated in advance and signed before or on the first day of employment.
• Negotiate fair rates in relation to recommended current rates of pay
• Be supportive toward the profession, dancers, fellow choreographers, fellow artists and organisations to maximize their professional opportunities and employment
• Work in an open, encouraging and cooperative manner with dancers
• Engage in and maintain open and regular communication with dancers and company members, in relation to changes
• Recognize and respect the uniqueness dignity and potential of each dancer
• Respect and acknowledge gender considerations and differences, cultural diversity, ethnic origin, sexual orientation and beliefs
• Ensure privacy issues are respected
• Ensure permission is secured for the use of images for publicity material.

Well-being

A choreographer/director should:

• Ensure that the dance work is appropriate for the skill level of the dancers prior to commencing the project or contract
• Comply with all statutory requirements affecting health, safety, legal ;and employment law as it affects process at work (Appendix 2)
• Ensure a first aid kit and ice packs are available at all rehearsals and performances
• Ensure the rehearsal space has suitable ;flooring and is warm and well ventilated
• Ensure that working hours are within an 80 hour fortnight and do not exceed an on-call day of eight hours
• Provide a daily class and schedule time for dancers to warm up and warm down
• Ensure that dancers are given sufficient breaks and work according to guidelines (Appendix 1)
• Safeguard the interests and well-being of all dancers and be aware of psychological and emotional as well as physical demands.

Artform

A choreographer/director should:  

• Uphold and enhance the standard and reputation of the profession
• Ensure due credit is given to the contribution of others e.g dancers generating material, technical expertise, other collaborators
• Endeavour to produce authentic and original work, and acknowledge major sources of research 
• Ensure that there is adequate administrative support or work responsibly  within company administration schedules
• Ensure that contracts, publicity material, deadlines, program notes and media requirements are prioritised and met. 

Download the full document  Code for Choreographers 
Copyright © 2011 Dance Aotearoa New Zealand