dadof2dancers

Carbo More good points, as a dancer this would be less of a concern but as an advisor to the Board it should be very important to understand the "N-F-P mind-set". Again, I say that perhaps the actual concern should be placed with ABT's Board & what is perhaps not that best use of ABT's money considering the company's financial condition. I am sure that none of us are privy to Ms. Jaffe's level of hourly commitment to ABT or how her level of compensation was determined. If she was asked by ABT's board to serve in an advisory role & the Board offered her compensation that they now can no longer afford or justify ABT's board needs to address this issue if they are truely concerned about the welfare of the company.

Dale Points well made, I was unaware of ABT's financial challanges at this time & you are correct that as a "not-for-profit" salaries are public information. My point was that I, as well many of us who have an interest in our children's future as possible professional dancers would like to see the financial reward be on par with other performers, athletes, muscians, actors, etc. We all know how hard dancers work. Susan has truely given blood, sweat & tears to the dance world & she (& many others) truely have earned financial reward at this level. Of course no individual in any organization should earn a salary that could threaten the strength & stability of that organization. ABT's Board of Directors must make that judgement. Both in regard to Susan & any others. Hopefully they make the correct decisions for ABT as well as all Ballet lovers.

Ms. van Hamel recently taught a class or 2 at Princeton Dance & Theatre. She may have been filling in for Susan Jaffe or perhaps a Master Class, I'm not sure. I am sure, that my daughter loved her class!

In general an individual's income is private information, as it should be. If Susan earns as much as you say, so be it. If this is so, ABT obviously felt that what she brought to ABT both past & present is worth this level of compensation. What is right when it comes to income levels? I certainly have bigger problems with many other "artists" that earn absurd amounts of money, Michael Jackson, Brittney Spears, J-LO, etc. & sports stars $5-10 million a year. Come on! Sure 6 figures is alot of money, but why shouldn't a dancer with a career as significant as Susan's be rewarded for all that she has given to the Ballet world?

Susan Jaffe is Co-Artistic Director of Princeton Dance & Theatre, still involved with ABT as well as other ballet related activities. Her relationship with ABT & its' Dancers also brings many well known guest teachers to PDT. She is an active teacher and teaches on a regular basis at PDT. From a Dad's viewpoint she is very well liked by parents & students & is very approachable. :yes: