The Importance of Valuing and Paying Dancers

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The recent controversy surrounding singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh and his alleged failure to pay his background dancers during the Dil-Luminati Tour has sparked an essential conversation about fair compensation for dancers within our community. As a Bollywood dance studio owner and creative director, I feel compelled to address this issue, not just for large-scale events like international tours, but for all events, including weddings and smaller performances.

Celebrating Our Culture with Integrity

It’s heartening to see artists like Diljit , who have brought immense pride to our community through their achievements and representation of our culture on global stages. However, we must remember that the celebration of our culture should never come at the expense of exploiting those who work tirelessly to bring that culture to life.

Dancers dedicate countless hours to perfecting their craft. They bring energy, passion, and authenticity to every performance. They deserve to be recognized and compensated for their hard work. When we overlook their contributions, we not only devalue their efforts but also risk diminishing the very art form we claim to cherish.

A Call for Fair Compensation

Rajat Batta, an LA-based entrepreneur, recently called out Diljit for not paying his dancers, highlighting a broader issue within our community. It’s disappointing to see artists, who should be role models, cutting corners by not allocating a budget for their dancers. This practice is not just unfair; it’s unsustainable.

On his Instagram, Rajat said

“While we as a Desi Dance Community are really proud of a Desi Artist breaking glass ceilings and doing sold out tours across North America… I still feel deeply disappointed that Desi Dancers are still undervalued as an industry…”

“… It’s an essential part of production and it’s really disappointing to see an artist of this calibre cut corners by stepping on throats of Desi Dancer industry and continue to attribute to that culture…Diljit, we are very happy for your success, but your dancers should have been paid and been a part of the production budget.”

Every event, regardless of its size or scale, should have a budget set aside to compensate dancers adequately. Whether it’s a grand concert tour or an intimate wedding celebration, the dancers’ time, effort, and artistic contributions should be valued and rewarded. This not only ensures fairness but also encourages more talented individuals to pursue their passion for dance without fear of exploitation.

Protecting the Future of Dance

If more artists continue to exploit dancers by not paying them, the art of our dance will deteriorate. The value of this beautiful and expressive art form will be twisted, leading to a future where talented dancers may be discouraged from pursuing their passion.

We must collectively ensure that our dancers are respected and compensated. This starts with setting an example at every level, from small community events to large-scale productions. By doing so, we preserve the integrity of our culture and support the artists who keep it alive.

Moreover, when dancers accept free work at such high-profile events, it degrades the profession and undermines other dancers who do this professionally. It sends a message that their time, effort, and skill are not worthy of compensation, which can have a ripple effect throughout the entire industry.

What Should a Dancer Do?
1. Know Your Worth: Understand the value of your skills and experience. Don’t be afraid to ask for fair compensation for your work.
2. Set Clear Terms: Before agreeing to perform, ensure there is a written agreement outlining the terms of your compensation. This helps protect both you and the event organizers.
3. Stand United: Dancers should support each other and stand united in demanding fair treatment. When we collectively refuse to work for free, we can help elevate the standards for everyone in the industry.
4. Seek Professional Representation: If possible, work with an agent or representative who can negotiate on your behalf and ensure that you are treated fairly.

Building a Supportive Community

As members of the dance community, we have a responsibility to support and uplift each other. This includes ensuring that everyone involved in bringing our cultural events to life is treated fairly. Let’s celebrate our culture with pride and integrity, ensuring that every performer feels valued and appreciated.

In conclusion, paying our dancers and setting aside a budget for their compensation should be a non-negotiable aspect of event planning. Let’s take this opportunity to reflect on how we can better support our artists and ensure that the future of dance remains bright and vibrant.

By valuing and compensating our dancers, we not only honour their hard work but also strengthen our community and preserve the rich cultural heritage that we are so proud of. Let’s work together to create a future where every artist is respected, celebrated, and fairly compensated for their contributions.