Dear Community,
Early last year a group of our former Work-Studies joined a lawsuit against Body & Pole, saying that they felt they should have been paid for the hours they participated in the Work-Study program. We wanted to let you know that we have agreed to settle the lawsuit on behalf of all current and former Work-Studies and end the Work-Study program as well. Although we do not agree with what the lawsuit alleges, this was the right decision for everyone and helps avoid limited resources from being spent on ongoing legal costs.
With all this said, we are sorry the Work Study program did not meet the expectations of some participants and that they feel it was in any way unlawful. We personally hold nothing against anyone who shared these views or joined the lawsuit. We hope that every Work-Study understands how truly appreciative we are of your time and effort throughout your Work-Study experience pushing to improve yourselves, the studio, and the industry as a whole. You made Body & Pole a better place for everyone.
What I’ve come to realize is that maybe a program like our Work Study program is not what aspiring artists and other professionals want or need anymore. As a result, I hereby reaffirm Body & Pole’s commitment to ending our Work Study program, and we will no longer run such a program or anything like it in the foreseeable future. Body & Pole is trying to live by our mission statement and transform. We will continue to grow, create opportunity, and strive to transform as the aerial dance industry transforms.
We are eternally grateful for the contributions of all of our Work-Studies and incredibly proud of all that they have accomplished since. We know that they will continue to do great things, both in the aerial and pole community and beyond.
Sincerely,
Kyra Johannesen
The following links provide resources and information on workers’ rights in New York. We support all workers, who need and deserve these rights.
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts – https://vlany.org
New York Labor Standards – https://dol.ny.gov/labor-standards
NYC Workers’ Rights – https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/workers/workersrights/know-your-worker-rights.page
