Question 1

professional self-image

Accepted Answer

"Thank you for this incredible chance!" In the eyes of us as dancers, a job offer or being cast in a production is usually a gift and an opportunity for which we are deeply grateful. What many people often don't think about is how we earned that opportunity through dedication, willpower and hard physical work. A lack of self-confidence and feeling of security often makes us forget what an essential contribution we make to the bigger picture. We deserve, not only the opportunities on-stage and the applause of the audience, but we also have a legally and collectively agreed entitlement to decent employment. This includes a fulfilling and healthy career during which we are allowed, as employees, to have a voice in the discussion of many matters.

Dance as a professional field has undergone a huge transformation in the last 25 years, the standard of companies overall has risen significantly, also decreasing the differences in quality between smaller and larger ensembles. Dancers from all over the world know about the internationally unique diversity and density of professional companies and independent projects available in Germany. As a result of this, since the fall of the wall and globalization, competition in our job market has increased exponentially, meaning that more and more dancers are fighting for a decreasing number of jobs.

These developments in our job market have created an increase in the pressure dancers face, however, there has been no profound or comprehensive change to the structures and self-conception of our industry. Short-term employment contracts, low pay, the inadequately regulated working conditions of our NV Bühne Solo contract, occasionally obsolete leadership or teaching methods and above all our love for our art form have placed many dancers in a position of financial and emotional dependency towards their superiors. This prevents them from taking responsibility for themselves as artists, employees and general members of society.

Difficulties inherent to the dance profession are only being made worse by these structural problems: high physical performance demands, lack of an independent voice during daily rehearsals, mostly following orders, permanent feeling of being in a "test" situation, dealing with the social and cultural differences of living in another country as well as not having the normal support network of family and friends. But these issues are often not dealt with properly and dancers are not receiving sufficient compensation to help them overcome temporary or long-term problems mentally and physically.

Translation by Amelia Seth / Theater Krefeld Mönchengladbach

Question 2

union

Accepted Answer

GDBA Union for Artists in Germany
more information will come soon!

Question 3

injuries

Accepted Answer

updated in October 2022

An integral part of a dancer's life are the injuries, and when living and working in Germany it is crucial to know how to go through the public health’s bureaucracy properly in order to receive top care and treatment.

What does the health insurance system look like for dancers?
Health insurance in Germany is not free of charge, yet mandatory. Most dancers can only get public health insurance, which is through AOK, DAK, KKH, Barmer, IKK and more. This covers everything that is not a work injury.If you earn over 60,750€ per year or you become a freelancer you can choose a private insurance, PKV. 
All employees of a theater are also insured through the working accident system (Unfallkasse), which is a state funded insurance. This insurance also deals with workplace safety and anything relating to health in the workplace. They can be contacted to run inspections of a workplace if there is concern that working conditions are not up to standard. For more information about accident insurance please visit: https://www.dguv.de/en/index.jsp

If you are a freelancer you have to consider whether to apply for accident insurance (Unfallversicherung) yourself! Here you can find Tips for choosing one: https://www.kuenstler-fairsicherung.de/unfallversicherung/ or go direct to https://www.vbg.de/DE/0_Home/home_node.html (unfortunately the website is only available in German).

I am in pain! What shall I do?
If it isn’t a specific working accident case (read further for definition and explanation) and you need help with pain management or physiotherapy, go to your Hausarzt (or preferably a specialised orthopaedic) and request a receipt for some form of physical therapy. In the receipt the doctor can specify the type of treatment you need, the length and the frequency of the treatments. You can always go back to your doctor to get another receipt for physiotherapy if it runs out. Treatments prescribed by a doctor will be covered by your individual insurance, either partially or fully. You can also simply book a treatment in any physiotherapy clinic in your environment without a doctor prescription, although such appointments will be paid fully by you.
Hopefully, your Hausarzt and physiotherapist will be able to help take care of the pain. If you need to see a specialist for something more serious, your Hausarzt can direct you to one.

I got injured at work! What are the first things I shall do?
A work injury (Arbeitsunfall) is any traumatic injury that occurs on the way from home to work, at work, during a show, or on the way from work to home. 
As soon as the accident happens, fill out a form for a work injury with the ballett direction (Unfallanzeige). Go to see a doctor immediately or the following day at the latest. Work injuries must be treated by a D-Arzt and only D-Arzts (Durchgangsarzt, specially certified doctors from the Unfallkasse of your specific region of Germany). The D-Arzt gives the accident insurance fund a prompt report on the accident, the injury and the measures taken. At the same time, the employer informs the accident insurance fund about the reportable accident at work. If you are employed by a theatre, The direction or human resources (Personalabteilung) in your house should have a list of D-Arzt in your city. If you need to find a D-Arzt yourself, you can reach out to the Unfallkasse over the phone. The following website could help: https://www.dguv.de/de/bg-uk-lv/unfallkassen/index.jsp. 
Only call an ambulance if you are severely injured and cannot reach the doctor independently (with public transport/ private vehicle). Any travel costs regarding the injury will be fully refunded by the Unfallkasse, once they are provided with the receipts. 
Once you get to the Hospital / Doctor, most importantly, inform them clearly at the check-in that you had a working accident, an “Arbeitsunfall”, and you are covered with the Unfallkasse of your respective region. This part is extremely crucial. Then present your private health insurance card (Barmer GEK, TK, DAK, AOK…) for identification in the health system. You will need to provide specifics about the injury (what caused it, your current symptoms, the time and place of injury etc.) so ideally have a basic ability to articulate it in German, or have a German speaking person accompany you.
As soon as possible afterwards, make sure the Opera House has a full accident report (the Unfallanzeige). This report should be filed as soon as possible through the company direction, no later than one week after the injury. Even if it is a small injury, it is very important to file every working accident, for future reference with the health insurance.
If the Injury happens in the Studio, call a certified First Aid employee. Each house should have a First Aid certified employee on site at all times. List can be obtained from the ballet direction or Personalabteilung. This list can be printed and displayed near the working spaces. 
If the injury happens on Stage, inform the Chefdisponent of the performance first, either directly or via the stage manager. The Chefdisponent MUST be aware of any injuries that occur shortly before or during a performance. The Chefdisponent will further notify the Ballet masters if quick changes need to be made and help to organize getting care for the injured dancer.
If the injury happens on tours within Germany, please follow the same course of actions written above.
If the injury happens on tours outside of Germany, the course of action depends on the Company policy. If the company has travel insurance, that should cover treatment in foreign countries. This is a topic to discuss with your tour manager or directly with the ballet direction.

How can I manage my injury in the most efficient way?
When you are dealing with any sort of work injury, you will be assigned a rehab manager through your region's Unfallkasse, who will use the information on the doctor’s report to identify any specific need for additional action or support in the form of rehabilitation management.
The rehab managers first contact the injured person, clarify any questions regarding occupation and the need for support and give individual advice. In order to ensure your needs as a dancer are met during your rehabilitation, you may consult with a dance medicine specialist of Ta.med.
Other specialists who are particularly knowledgeable about the physical requirements for work are also involved in rehabilitation planning. They also know what life is like in the theatre. Muscle wastage and the resulting delay in subsequent reintegration into theatre training are prevented by using a special exercise plan for the parts of the body not affected by injury. 
The results are recorded in a rehabilitation plan. 
In order to find the most suitable form of rehab for you: 
You can speak with your rehab manager at the Unfallkasse to help choose the best rehab center and physio near you.
You can also consult with tamed (https://www.tamed.eu/) to find local dance physios.
You can contact Medicos auf Schalke - A rehab center specifically for dancers for information and advice on your rehab program. https://www.medicos-aufschalke.de/gesundheit-medizin/tanzmedizin/kompetenzzentrum-tanzmedizin/kompetenzzentrum-tanzmedizin (website only available in German)

Will I keep getting paid while I am injured?
Once declared sick by a medical authority, you will be provided with three copies of a certificate of incapacity for work (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung/ Krankenschein)- one for you to keep, another for your employer and a third one for the health insurance. It is important to send this certificate to the health insurance company within one week of your doctor visit. In specific circumstances in which a dancer is unable to work, the health insurance will cover a portion of the dancer’s salary (Krankengeld). In most cases, this consists of 70 percent of the brutto monthly salary (you can calculate the exact amount you will receive here: https://www.finanztip.de/gkv/krankengeld/). If the insurance is not provided with the issued Krankenschein, your requirement on sick pay rests and the insurance will not pay (§49 exp. 1 No. 5 SGB V). Here are the circumstances in which you are entitled to get payed by the insurance (Krankengeld):
-Being treated as an in-patient in a hospital or rehabilitation facility without continuing to receive salary from the employer.
-Being unable to work for more than six weeks due to the same illness and the employer no longer pays the salary (§ 3 EntgeltFG).
-Having started a new job and becoming ill within the first four weeks. The employer will then not have to pay your salary. Instead, your health insurance can provide sick pay.
In cases of a working accident, you are entitled to apply for injury payment (Verletzengeld) from the Unfallkasse. Normally, injury payment is 80 percent of the brutto monthly salary, and will not be paid if Krankengeld is already provided by the health insurance. For more information, please contact your Unfallkasse and visit: https://www.arbeitsrechte.de/verletztengeld/#Was_ist_Verletztengeld (only available in German).
Once you are healthy and fit enough to return to work, your employer will pay your full salary again and the insurance will no longer participate. 
If you are a freelancer and paying for accident insurance, your injury payment (Kranken-/Verletztengeld) will be calculated according to the salary you claimed to the KSK.

Once I am fit and healthy, how am I expected to transition back into work?
Every Opera House should have a ‘return-to-work program’ (Betriebliches Eingliederungsmanagement/ BEM) set up. You can work with them to properly manage your return to work after a long sickness or injury. Contact your Personalabteilung or Personalrat (work council) for more information. 
For more information please visit: https://www.kus.uni-hamburg.de/en/themen/gesundheit-familie-soziales-gleichstellung/soziale-beratungsangebote/bem.html

What if I am too severely injured to continue my career?
If you lost your ability to dance professionally (at least for several years) due to a working accident; 
The accident insurance will pay your pension for as long as your earning capacity is limited. This pension comprises two-thirds of the brutto annual earnings prior to the accident or occupational disease, and will start being paid as soon as your injury payment comes to an end, which is 26 weeks after your earning capacity was reduced (in many cases that’s the day of the accident). More information can be found here: https://www.dguv.de/en/benefits/financial_benefits/index.jsp
You are entitled to claim disability pension from the VddB for a limited period of time, if your disability has occurred prior to reaching the age of 35 due to a working accident, or if you have paid contributions for at least 60 months. If you claim a disability pension, you are no longer entitled to claim the indemnity for dancers (transition money). However, entitlements to old-age pension and to survivor’s dependent annuities are unaffected. Please visit the Q&A Bayerische Versorgungskammer for more information.

If you have to finish your dance career due to a non work related injury:
We highly recommend that you make all possible efforts to claim your injury as a working accident (even if that means slightly twisting the facts). The German insurance system prioritises treatment for accidents that happen in relation to work.
Being between the ages of 32 and 44, you may claim financial support from the BVK for your transition into a different profession. For more information please visit the Bayerische Versorgungskammer Q&A.
Please have a look through the Q&As about unemployment and transition, if you are no longer able to have an income due to the end of your career.

Question 4

bayerische versorgungskammer (bavarian chamber of pensions)

Accepted Answer

updated in October 2022

This section aims to lay out key information about the German pension agency for stage and theatre artists. This is a puzzling subject for all of us not so familiar with the world of pension and insurance policies, but we have tried to make it as comprehensive and accessible as possible.The majority of the information found in this segment originates in files and documents from the Bayerische Versorgungskammer website so for more information, documents and contact details please visit: https://www.buehnenversorgung.de/  (unfortunately, the website is mostly available in German, with only selected documents in English language which can be found in the ‘Downloadcenter’).

What is the Bayerische Versorgungskammer/ BVK? 
The Bavarian Chamber for Social Benefits and Pensions is an agency, based in Munich, that manages the German Theatrical Pension Fund (Versorgungsanstalt der deutschen Bühnen - VddB).

What is the Versorgungsanstalt der deutschen Bühnen/ VddB?
The German Theatrical Pension Fund is a compulsory benefit and pension policy. By means of an extra insurance, its main purpose is to provide all members of the theatrical professions employed in all German theatres with supplementary old-age pension. It also involves occupational disability and surviving dependents' benefits and the special option for dancers to take funds early to support their career transition after finishing a professional stage career.

Who is insured by BVK and how?
All professional stage artists who are at least 17 years old, permanent and guest employees alike. (The period of compulsory insurance begins at the same time as employment starts and includes the rehearsal and pre-rehearsal period.)
The artists’ right to insurance is unaffected by their nationality: foreign artists are eligible for the same rights and responsibilities as German artists.
Retirement funds are paid out worldwide; The insured artist does not have to live in Germany during retirement to take advantage of their benefits.
Every artist will receive services or funds in proportion to the investment they have made.
Freelance artists are also entitled to be insured by the BVK, you will need to register yourself independently through the following link: https://www.buehnenversorgung.de/downloadcenter#5870. (You will be asked to send in a proof of your annual income or your KSK membership number, accompanied by a layout of your artistic activity of the last 2-3 years.)
If you finish a contract with a theater but continue to work as a freelancer you can continue your payments (more info about minimum requirement below) and membership with the BVK.
If you finish working in Germany but continue working as a dancer in another country you can continue your payments and membership with the BVK.
If you finish working as a professional stage dancer and do not want to take the money for a career transition you have the option to continue your payments into the BVK so your insurance continues to grow until retirement age.
Insurance with the Artists’ Social Security (KSK) does not affect insurance with the BVK.

What will be your contributions?
The contributions to your fund are paid equally by you and your employer- half is paid by you every month and the same amount is also paid in by your employer.
You can contact the BVK about options to increase this payment and about continuing minimum payments if your employment with a theater ends.

What is Riester?
Riester is the possibility for you to receive additional state subsidy towards this pension and declare taxes for it. The state pays supplementary allowances for your compulsory contributions and the amounts can be deducted from income tax as special expenditure. 
For more information about the conditions and procedure of application, please visit: https://www.buehnenversorgung.de/Downloadcenter#5851 (Riester- Informationsmaterial- Leaflet 15- Subsidy contributions according to the retirement assessment act ‘’Riester subsidy’’).
If you are a freelance artist, you will need to contribute at least 4% of your netto yearly income in order to apply for ’Riester’.

What can I use the money on my fund for?
You may use the money on your fund for the following benefits: 
Old-age pension- You may continue your insurance after you have given up your onstage activities by keeping on paying the minimum contribution, which is 12,50 euros monthly. If you continue your insurance until the legal age limit, you may attain the qualifying period for old-age pension (60 months of contribution payments) and secure your entitlement to a flexible old-age pension upon reaching the age of 62. If you have not paid at least 60 months of contributions before 31 December 2000, you will qualify for an old-age pension upon reaching the statutory age limit (67) if you have attained the qualifying period of 120 months of contributions. 
Upon your death, your surviving dependents will be entitled to a pension (death allowance, widow(er)’s allowance, surviving dependents' annuity for registered partners and orphan’s allowance).

Transition (indemnity)- Among onstage professions, dancers occupy a particular position, since they are generally able to exercise their profession for a limited time only. The indemnity paid by the VddB aims to facilitate your career change and the set-up of your own business. You will qualify for the indemnity if you have reached the age of 32 and have not given up your onstage profession by then (this includes all types of stage work, not only dancing) or no later than the end of the season when you turned 44. You are required to provide evidence of retraining, further training or establishment of your own business. You must have paid contributions for at least 60 months without claiming benefits (disability pension), and prove that you will no longer work as a dancer and will not take up any activity in the future which would require you to be insured with the VddB. The indemnity amount equals the total of all paid contributions, i.e. including the employer’s contribution, and will be paid once on request in one lump-sum amount. The application form is available from administration or online at www.buehnenversorgung.de in the section „Versicherung und Versorgung - Formulare“ (Insurance and Pension forms). You must apply within two years of giving up your onstage profession. 
Please note: Full payment of your indemnity settles all your expectancies from the VddB. If you have attained the qualifying period of 60 months for old-age pension, you should consider carefully whether you will still have sufficient old-age pension benefits. The amount of expectancies for a disability pension until that time will be communicated on request.

Disability pension- Dancers are entitled to claim disability pension for a limited period of time, if their disability has occurred prior to reaching the age of 35 due to an accident at work, or if they have paid contributions for at least 60 months. If you claim a disability pension, you are no longer entitled to claim the indemnity for dancers, however, entitlements to old-age pension and to survivor’s dependent annuities are unaffected.

Medical treatment (non compulsory medical benefits)- The VddB may grant supplementary medical benefits on certain treatments upon request, provided the cost of treatment is not reimbursed by any other body. A recipient of a pension for professional or occupational disability may be granted non-compulsory medical benefits before reaching his/her retirement age provided the treatment is likely to restore his/her earning capacity. 
Non-compulsory medical benefits are granted for artificial dentition (Prostheses and implants, Dental crowns, three-dimensional dental inlays for performing stage artists); outpatient and spa treatments (occupational rehab, inpatient treatment in exceptional cases); performance aids (contact lenses, hearing aids) and Cosmetic operations and laser interventions improving the visual acuity of performing stage artists.
In individual cases and in combination with previously granted benefits, non-compulsory medical benefits are not to exceed 10% of contributions paid until the end of the last fiscal year prior to treatment.

For more information, please refer to https://www.buehnenversorgung.de/Downloadcenter#5851
(Nebenleistungen- Tänzerabfindung- Explanatory Note `23- Special regulations for dancers)

Are there any further retirement plans available for me?
Everyone living in Germany has a fund in the Statutory Pension Insurance, Public Retirement Insurance System. Participation is mandatory for employees- each worker is assessed for a sum based on annual earnings. Premiums are deducted directly by the employer, with the employee paying half and the employer half. English language information about the German Public Retirement System can be found at www.deutsche-rentenversicherung.de.	 For more information about the different contributions to these pension funds, please contact the deutsche rentenversicherung or refer to this website: https://www.howtogermany.com/pages/german-retirement.html.
There are additional Private Plans that are available to everyone living in Germany. You may contact people through your bank for additional information about these plans. For more information about Riester (Förder) Rente and Rürup (Basis) Rente please visit: https://www.howtogermany.com/pages/private-pension-plans.html

Question 5

tamed

Accepted Answer

ta.med e. V. gives a voice to health in dance. They are involved in all dance disciplines with the aim of promoting the health and quality of life of dancers throughout the German-speaking world - from amateurs to professionals.
 
tamed.eu

Question 6

insurance

Accepted Answer

(recommended by dc)

Liability insurance (private)
In Germany it is regulated by law who has to pay for property damage/personal injury. This means that the individual who causes damage to a second person through their own behaviour or omission must compensate the other person with damages.

Professional liability
Freelance dancers/choreographers are legally entrepreneurs. In contrast to employees, freelancers are themselves liable for damage. Private liability insurance does not apply here, as is often wrongly assumed, but these risks must be covered separately.
In general, personal injury, property damage and financial loss are covered by liability insurance. Special risks such as damage to activities, loading and unloading damage, damage to rented property, loss of keys, etc. can be insured separately.

KSK (healthcare/social security/pension)
You can find more information about the KSK in our KSK section.

Private pension insurance (Bayerische Versorgungskammer)
More information under Bayerische Versorgungskammer.

Accident insurance (for freelancers) 
Accident insurance is recommended for every freelancer. This applies if the insured person is injured at work or on the way there. Examples of accidents: car accidents, slipping on stage, being injured while transporting instruments/equipment, falling from stairs. (Pays medical bills in case of an accident at work.)

Disability insurance (ideally bought during your studies) 
This insurance takes effect if you can no longer do your job for health reasons or only up to 50% (three hours a day). In this case, the insurance would give you an early pension or similar financial assistance. (Example: herniated disc, burn out etc.)

Note: As a professional dancer, it will be very difficult or impossible to get a policy. But if you do it while studying or if you are working another job for a while, you can apply and receive the insurance and it will still apply when you return to professional dancing.

Household insurance
This insurance reimburses you for private damage to your belongings in the event of water damage, burglary, fire or similar situations that are not your fault. If you buy furniture/electrical devices, it makes sense to insure them in case of an emergency.

On https://www.touring-artists.info/en/insurances/ you will find detailed information about insurances in Germany.

We recommend reading the touring-artists website for further information and, if necessary, making an appointment with one of the insurance agents listed there. Some insurance options can be combined (for example: liability + household insurance). If you are in a civil partnership or married, it can also make sense to take out liability insurance together to reduce costs.

Question 7

trade unions

Accepted Answer

updated in October 2022

Most of us dance artists do not fully realise how big a role the trade unions play in our working reality. In order to examine and improve the means of a dancer’s life in Germany we need to understand the foundation of our employment, which is deeply connected to the work and responsibilities of the trade union.

What is a trade union?

A trade union is an organisation consisting of workers within a certain working sector, who collect bargaining power that allows them to strive for better overall working experience, conditions and payment. There are many active unions in Germany representing different labour sectors including the performing arts sector.

Unions negotiate with other social and political bodies to represent and protect the rights and interests of workers. In Germany, unions are considered to be “social partners”, which means they engage in collective bargaining as well as taking part in the political decision-making process and engaging in other public functions. Unions in Germany are specifically protected under the constitutional law, which means every individual, occupation or profession has the right to form associations to protect and improve their working conditions.
 
Through collective bargaining, the union negotiates the framework for working conditions with the employer (such as working hours, working environment, holidays, required breaks, etc.). Unions also make wage agreements for single companies or whole sectors (defining different wage levels, setting the minimum wage requirements, setting wage increases, etc.).
Workers’ contracts are based on collective agreements (Tarifvertrag) which are negotiated by unions. In most cases of permanent employment in German theatres, contracts start by referring to a Tarifvertrag. This is a set of employment rules regulating the rights and duties of workers within a sector. In the German performing arts sector this agreement is called NV Bühne and is negotiated by the union GDBA (Gennossenschaft Deutscher Bühnen Angehöriger) and the Deutscher Bühnenverein (an organisation that represents cultural institutions).

Why should dancers be members of a union?

Members are entitled to receive free legal advice, and after 6 months of membership also legal support and representation for employment related legal issues. This includes violation of working rights, harassment, unfair dismissal etc.

Unions play a large role in determining performers’ working contracts. The more dancers support the union, the stronger and more valid artists’ voices become, strengthening the dance lobby, and increasing the collective bargaining tools for negotiating better, fairer and safer working conditions.

The more workers of a specific theatre who become members of the union, the more power and legitimacy the union has to intervene in issues within the specific theatre.

For freelance dancers there is the opportunity to get more active within the union to help increase solidarity and reduce unfair and unacceptable working conditions, including inadequate financial compensations.

What else do unions do?

Hold a variety of events (information sessions, discussion forums) for their members providing the opportunity for individuals to participate, gain knowledge and contribute to industry related discussion.

Act as consultants in parliamentary committees.

Act on the supervisory committees of public social security schemes such as pension schemes, unemployment insurance, public health insurance and accident insurance.

Help decide the content and structure of German training and professional theatre education programs, including the creation of examination procedures and specialist schools.

Influence legislation that is relevant to the cultural world.

Help to further develop theatre industrial law, including the formation and continuation of tribunals dedicated to settling disputes within the theatre industry.

Promote young artists.

Promote artistic development within the theatre industry.

How do I become a member and how much does it cost?

There are several unions representing artists in Germany. However, dancersconnect recommends joining the GDBA union, as they are the union responsible for negotiating the NV Bühne Tarifvertrag. The more dancers there are in one union, the more lobbying and negotiation power the union has.

Click here to become a GDBA member:
https://www.buehnengenossenschaft.de/mitgliedschaft

Fees for freelancers:
€20.00 per month (€ 7.00 for the first 6 months)
	
Fees for full time employed dancers:
1% of your monthly salary before tax (minimum 20€ per month, € 7.00 for the first 6 months) 
€ 71 if your gross salary is higher than  € 7,100
(The maximum contribution limit is based on the amount of the respective contribution assessment limit of the VddB, see Q&A BVK)

Reduced fees for unemployed, pensioners and artists in their first professional working year:
€ 7.00 per month

Fees for students and trainees:
€ 0.00 associated membership free of charge (without entitlement to legal protection)

A note from dancersconnect!

Dancersconnect supports forging a new path for now, the next generation and all future generations of professional dancers- where it is normal for dancers to be self-aware, active members of a union and to support and work for the improvement of payment, fairness and working conditions in our industry. Please help us achieve this by joining the union today.

unionization = artist solidarity

Find more info on the GDBA website: 
https://www.buehnengenossenschaft.de/

In case you wish to join another trade union, please have a look in the following websites: 
Ver.di: https://www.verdi.de/ueber-uns/mitglied-werden
VdO: https://www.vdoper.de/mitgliedschaft/index.htm

Question 8

discrimination and harassment at work

Accepted Answer

updated October 2022

“Dancers are artists and art is work. Using art as a backdrop for abuse is not an excuse.” (Whistle While You Work)

Experiencing discrimination, assault, abuse, violance or sexual/racial harrassment at work is often a shocking and paralyzing ordeal. Emotions such as fear, shame, emptiness and blame may arise, making it extremely hard to see through the mental fog. Unfortunately, harassing behaviours often occur in the dance world, since it is an embodied and passion driven profession that still follows a hierarchical model. The line between appropriate behaviour and harassment, similar to other art forms, is often unclear, normalising transgressions. However, it is important to know that you are not alone if you experience abusive treatment at work, that complex/conflicting emotions are normal, and there are multiple actions you can take with different levels of consequences.

I experienced a harassing situation at work. What should I do now?

Here are directions provided by the platform ‘’Whistle While You Work’’ (WWYW), to guide you through the steps you can take following a harassing situation at work:

Write down an impact statement: the date, time and location of the harassing activity; what happened and who was involved; who (if anyone) witnessed the action; how it impacted you emotionally, mentally, physically, financially and personally.

Confide in another person and let them advocate for you. If there is nobody to share your story with, you can send your words to WWYW for advice and support. Even if your experience might feel like it’s falling in a grey area, write it down. Your experience matters.

In case of a sexual harassment and rape, don’t shower and keep your clothes in a clean plastic bag. Go to the gynaecologist or doctor and get checked for STD/STIs and HIV.

Report your story to the police if you are comfortable with it. You may also provide your impact statement, photos, videos, emails, text messages, voice notes, social media, written accounts and any evidence that could be helpful for the investigation. This step can possibly be done anonymously.

Report your story to the relevant authorities in the cultural political scene: Approach your director (if they are not the harassing side), your work council or the trade union.

In case of a criminal event (violence, rape, abuse) you may choose to appraoch the department of suggestions, complaints and equal opportunities (Büro für Anregungen, Beschwerden und Chancengleichheit) in your city. Such action might cause publication of the affair.

In order to avoid or mitigate harassing behaviour at work it is important to know how to set clear boundaries with your colleagues and employers. You are entitled to your personal boundaries – at any time – such as while being corrected in class, while participating in the creative process, and during/between rehearsals etc. Beside having the potential to become illegal, the ways in which you are being touched, approached and spoken to are tremendously important as they impact how you perform in and outside of work. If you have a doubt whether a certain event is harassing or not, please remember the following:

Inappropriate touching during class and rehearsal is not only a form of physical abuse, but also of intimidation/mental abuse when performed in front of other dancers. 
Commenting on someone’s breasts, ass, penis, vagina, genitalia, sexual history and sexual orientation is inappropriate at work, on the way to/ back from work, during after-work events or at any time when it’s unwelcome. 
There should be no obligation to have sexual interactions with anyone at work without your consent, regardless of choreographic intent or style.

Is there any recommended course of action to follow if I find myself being harassed?

If you experience abusive conduct it is important to remain calm and do your best to shut it down before it escalates. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the following phrases now, as experiencing harassment can often be shocking and paralysing:

‘’ I don’t like what you’re doing. Stop it. ’’
‘’When you say ______, it makes me feel intimidated/ humiliated/ offended. ’’
‘’ When you do _______ it makes me feel __________. Please stop. ’’
‘’ Please don’t talk about my/ their body like that, it is offensive. ’’
‘’What you are doing right now is inappropriate and it needs to stop. ’’

What can I do to prevent harassing behaviour from happening at my workplace? 
If you recognize harassing or discriminating behavior aimed at a colleague, we encourage you to stand up and say something to avoid becoming a bystander. Speaking up not only protects the person experiencing the harassment but also acts as a protest against the system that allows such events to be perpetuated. If you witness somene behaving in a sexist/ racist/ classist/ homophobic/ hostile/ Islamophobic or Anti-Semitic way at work, please call them out and address them!  
Dancersconnect, with Whistle While You Work, encourages you to demand equal representation in your workplace including advocating for fair conditions and treatment for people of all colours, gender identities and ethnicities. This can be done during conversations and discussions among ensemble members (and ideally also directors), which can be brought to the attention of the work council in case of systemic resistance or challenges.

I was harassed at work and now I need help. Where can I find it?
 
For more information and support, please visit Whistle While You Work at: http://www.nobody100.com/

For advice and directions, please visit the trust agency Themis (Website is in German, but support is also offered in English): https://themis-vertrauensstelle.de/. Themis is an independent body of counsellors, psychologists and lawyers with an understanding of the unique work environments of artists in theatre, film and television. Themis recognises the complex circumstances artists, especially freelancers, face working outside company structures where complaining about sexual assault often has unfortunate consequences.

Themis’ help centre was founded in 2018 in response to the #metoo movement to provide a protected space for confidential advice and access to legal support. Themis also offers psychological counselling and mediation services. The mediation process allows you to keep the incident private while accessing the support of a mediator to find solutions and draft written agreements for your future protection. Each step is coordinated with you – Themis does not take any action without your explicit consent nor will they disclose your identity.

Contact:
Telephone consultation hours:
Phone: 030 23 63 20 20
Monday, Wednesday, Thurs: 10 am - 12:00pm
Wednesday, Thursday: 3pm -5pm

Appointments by arrangement:
Phone: 030 23 63 20 210
Mo - Fr 10 am- 3pm Uhr

Additionally, we would like to recommend to you the anti-racist workshops offered by Arpana Aischa Berndt and Marjana Bogojevic. If you witness a racist pattern of expression or conduct taking place at your work, we encourage you to contact them by sending an email to howtobeanally@yahoo.com and ask them for a workshop (with the consent of your employer of course).
https://produktionshaeuser.de/veranstaltungen/arpana-aischa-berndt-marijana-bogojevic/

Question 9

minimum wages

Accepted Answer

update in October 2022

Taking a job for the "exposure” or the “experience” does not pay the bills! Nor do these kinds of “opportunities" respect years of training, qualifications and actual experience. If a call is for professional dancers, clarity and transparency relating to salary is absolutely necessary.  Know your worth! You need to be paid for your work and you should not have to pay to audition!
 
Dancers need to talk about money! Ask your colleagues how much they receive and ask experienced dancers for advice.
 
Here is a list of the current recommended  MINIMUM wages for dancers. Please note, there are currently no laws enforcing the payment of minimum wage, rather it is left to the discretion of employers to adhere to this recommendation and to dancers to push for it.

For fully employed dancers:
 
minimum NV-Bühne Solo: 2000 € brutto (netto around 1200€, this always varies a bit)
From September 2022, the entry minimum will be raised to 2550€  and then in September 2023 to 2750€.

For contemporary freelance dancers:
 
Per month:				
2.490 € (with KSK-membership)  netto
2.875 € (without KSK-membership) netto

Per performance:			
250 € (with KSK membership)
280 € (without KSK membership)
 
Per rehearsal day:			
105 €  (with KSK-membership)
130 € (without KSK-membership)

For commercial freelance dancers:
 
Per rehearsal day:				
150 €  - 200 €
 
Per performance:				
300 € - 350 €
 
Video shooting day: 				
450 € - 600 € (remember to consider buy outs)

For freelancers negotiating wages, be sure to consider all your expenses such as:
insurance costs (especially if you are not in the KSK), 
space (rent for flat, rehearsal room etc.)
communication (telephone, mobile phone, website hosting, postage etc.)
materials (work-related equipment such as software, clothing, make-up etc.)
education (participation in courses/workshops, purchase of learning materials)
mobility (car maintenance/fuel costs, public transport)
catering at the place of work (food, drinks)
costumes (if asked to used your private clothes you are entitled to reimbursement/compensation)

Per Diems (daily allowance if you are touring/working away from home)
 
28 € for each calendar day on which the employee is absent from his/her home for 24 hours
14 € for each day of arrival and departure, if the employee spends the night away from his/her home on this, a subsequent or preceding day
14€ for the calendar day on which the employee is absent from his/her home and the first place of work for more than 8 hours without an overnight stay outside his/her home; If the external professional activity begins on a calendar day and ends on the following calendar day without an overnight stay, this fee is given for the calendar day on which the employee is absent from his/her home and the first place of work for the predominant part of the total of more than 8 hours.
Daily allowance is not granted if there is only a short distance (not more than two kilometres) between the place of work or home and the place where the official business is performed.

Sources:

Info from GDBA on new rates: https://www.buehnengenossenschaft.de/einigung-bei-kuenstlerinnengagen-erreicht-die-mindestgage-steigt-in-zwei-schritten-und-wird-dynamisiert/

https://www.bva.bund.de/SharedDocs/FAQs/DE/Bundesbedienstete/Mobilitaet-Reisen/Dienstreisen/nach-der-reise/030tagegeld.html
 
https://www.laft-berlin.de/honoraruntergrenze/

http://freie-theater-sachsen.de/wp-content/uploads/2020-10-16_LFTS_berechnungshilfe-aktualisierte-honoraruntergrenze.pdf

Question 10

tax resources

Accepted Answer

In the following passage we have gathered for you multiple online resources with information about the German tax system. 
 
What are the taxes I pay in Germany as a worker?
iamexpat.de
handbookgermany.de
deutschland.de
youtube.com
 
What is a tax declaration (Steuererklärung)?
handbookgermany.de
simplegermany.com
getpenta.com
iamexpat.de
 
How can I file a tax declaration? 
simplegermany.com
settle-in-berlin.com
 
Specific information for freelancers and self employed:
germany-visa.org
expatica.com

Question 11

transition

Accepted Answer

updated in October 2022

The links in this section are primarily to German websites.

Unlike in many other professions, the active career of dance professionals can be relatively short for a variety of reasons. This means that sooner or later we wish or have to reorient ourselves. A reorientation can bring different challenges, but it also offers a great opportunity for further growth.
 
“As a dancer you don’t retire, you develop further.”
 
What can be reasons for a transition?
 
·  	disability (injury, pain, etc.)
·  	desire for further education
·  	desire for change
·  	desire for financial security
·  	etc.
 
What options are there after an active dance career?
 
·  	studies
·  	vocational training
·  	further education
 
Postgraduate course ideas:
 
·  	Choreography 
·  	Teaching, pedagogy (dance, yoga, pilates etc.)
·  	Dramaturgy 
·  	Theatre Studies 
·  	Cultural Management 
 
Courses finder: https://www.studieren-studium.com/
 
Search engine for further education: https://www.iwwb.de/kurssuche/startseite.html
 
What is vocational training?
During vocational training, skills and knowledge are taught by an official educator. At two different institutions the apprentice receives the necessary knowledge to practice the profession after the training.
The training lasts two to four years, depending on the profession, and takes place inside a company (practical) and the vocational school (theoretical). On average, an apprentice earns €950 per month.
 
You can find more information here: https://www.aubi-plus.de/

Training opportunities in the professional field:
 
physical therapy
dance therapy (https://www.btd-tanztherapie.de/index.php?cid=228&pid=228&lid=2)
dance pedagogy

Further education or retraining?
With further education, you stay roughly in your professional field, i.e. you stay in the theatre or movement scene in professions such as: choreography, dramaturgy, pedagogy, etc.
 
With retraining, you switch to a completely new profession and can discover a completely different field of interest. e.g. from a dancer's profession to a goldsmith.

How well do I have to speak German for an apprenticeship in Germany?
As a rule, level B1 in the German language must be presented at the beginning of the training. If you want to apply for an apprenticeship as a nurse, for example, language skills at level B2 are required. In many cases it is possible to apply for an apprenticeship with level A2.

Vocational training in Germany for non-EU citizens?
Applicants from all countries of the world can complete vocational training in Germany. Here you will find further information and support if necessary: ​​ https://en.life-in-germany.de/

Studying in Germany as a non-EU citizen?
A student visa is required for this.
 
Financing:
Whether further education or retraining, everything is associated with costs. There are various funding opportunities to support you financially:

Education bonus: The education bonus is financed by the state and is accessible to everyone. Up to 50% of the training costs can be reimbursed here, up to a maximum of €500. Information at: https://www.iwwb.de/kurssuche/startseite.html
 
BAföG: With BAföG, the state supports initial training at vocational schools, colleges, academies and universities. Since the 2019 BAföG amendment, studies at a private vocational academy can also be funded. Information at: https://www.xn--bafg-7qa.de/bafoeg/de/home/home_node.html
 
Funding programs of individual federal states:

Information at: https://www.test.de/Leitfaden-weiterbildung-finanzieren-weiterbildung-zahlen-sich-aus-4886405-4886407/

BVK deposit. See Bayerische Versorgungskammer Transition-section

You can also include the costs of your further education or retraining (material costs, travel expenses to school, etc.) in your tax return and deduct them from your taxes

What is Stiftung Tanz?
Stiftung Tanz helps professional dancers of all kinds in their transition. This is often accompanied by career doubts, insecurities, emptiness and many questions. Stiftung Tanz is a point of contact for advice, support, and guidance. All advice is free and treated confidentially.
 
https://stiftung-tanz.com
 
Stiftung Tanz is also aware of the emotional difficulties involved in changing careers, which is why they place particular importance to psychological support.
 
For further assistance, there are groups of dancers formed in major cities in Germany. These should provide further assistance with the reorientation.

professional self-image

union

injuries

bayerische versorgungskammer (bavarian chamber of pensions)

tamed

insurance

trade unions

discrimination and harassment at work

minimum wages

tax resources

transition

dancersconnect

contact

follow us