Who qualifies for assistance?

- All Trainee, Apprentice, and Company members who are currently contracted with Ballet Arizona. Studio Company members are NOT eligible for assistance, however, they will receive compensation if they are invited to perform in ARF performances.

what qualifies for general assistance?

  • Tuition for an accredited course, trade school, university, or program intended to further your education or future pursuits.

  • Educational materials required by any courses/schools/programs etc. including textbooks, programs, materials, subscriptions etc. PLEASE NOTE: Personal computers will not be covered by ARF.

  • Emergency travel expenses incurred due to illness or death in the family. Including flight travel.

  • Legal and related expenses pertaining to the pursuit of U.S. citizenship, Green Card, Visa, or other government documents that would allow you to work within the U.S.

  • Maternity leave: Any pregnant persons wishing to apply for assistance due to maternity leave is eligible to receive the full benefit amount or the remaining amount you are eligible for in the event you have already applied for other assistance.

  • Legal fees incurred due to custody pursuits.

  • Extended time off due injury: Anyone experiencing a lapse of paycheck from Ballet Arizona due solely to injury is eligible for benefits in an amount to be determined based on the amount of time taken off.

What qualifies for Physical/Mental Maintenance Assistance?

  • Fitness sessions/classes: including yoga, pilates, gyrotonics, kinesthetics, etc.

  • Gym membership costs

  • Gym equipment

  • Personal training

  • Body recovery treatments: including massage, chiropractor, acupuncture, cryogenics, etc.

  • Physical therapy (only in the event Ballet Arizona will not cover it).

  • Emergency medical treatment and imaging: Such as MRI’s, X-rays etc. (only in the event Ballet Arizona will not cover it).

  • Psychotherapy, counseling, or other mental health support administered by a licensed professional. Reasoning does not need to be disclosed to receive assistance, but you will need to submit receipts.

  • Appearance modification or maintenance that is actively affecting your career at Ballet Arizona.

    ***IMPORTANT NOTE*** In an effort to prevent expenses falling to ARF that should be the responsibility of Ballet Arizona, we ask that every effort is made to hold the Ballet responsible for injuries. In the event you are unable to receive coverage, workers comp, or other assistance from the ballet, you may meet with ARF to discuss your situation and we will more than likely be able to assist you.

Retirement Gift

Upon termination of employment with Ballet Arizona by either party, for any reason, every dancer is entitled to a retirement gift in the amount of $100.00 for every full season spent under professional contract with Ballet Arizona.

Important things to note:

  • Trainee, Apprentice, and Full Company contract years are eligible for this gift. Studio Company years are not eligible.

  • If a dancer leaves the company mid-season prior to the half-way point of the season that season will be eligible for $50.00. If a dancer leaves the company on or past the half-way point of the season they will be eligible for $100.00 for the season.

  • There is not a limit to the gift amount you can receive.

  • Your reason for parting with the company will have no affect on your eligibility.

  • Your intended pursuits following your part from the company will have no affect on your eligibility.

If there is something you wish to apply for that does not fit into any of the descriptions above, but is something you believe should be covered under ARF, please don’t hesitate to bring it to the board! ARF coverage is always changing and evolving and we strive to be accessible to everyone in the most ethical, fair, and plausible ways, in accordance with the purpose and mission of our organization.