Membership Policy RQD

Membership policy 2023

The RQD welcomes dance professionals of all types, backgrounds, physical and intellectual conditions from all over Quebec.

If you are a dance professional, but do not meet all of the criteria listed in the RQD's membership policy, we would be happy to discuss your background. You can contact the RQD at rqd@quebecdanse.org or 514 849-4003, ext. 224.

Within the RQD, there are five categories of membership:

Professional individual Member
Apprentice Member
Individual Associate Member
Professional Corporate Member
Associate Corporate Member

Criteria applicable to all categories of members

Please ensure to meet the definition and eligibility requirements of your membership category and submit the necessary supporting documentation. If you are not sure which category applies to you, please contact us at rqd@quebecdanse.org. Any application for membership could be submitted to a committee of peers with appropriate knowledge to verify compliance.

If a change in category needs to be done because of a form submitted in the wrong category, a new membership fee will need to be paid in order to ensure coherence in our accounting books. The membership fee that was initially paid will be reimbursed to you, and a 5% administration fee will be charged for the changes that will need to be made in our members’ management system. Thank you so much for your understanding!

A $50 fee will be charged for replacement of NSF or returned checks from the financial institution.
Membership in the RQD is now valid for a period of one year from the date of receipt of payment of dues.

Please, note that :

If your membership request is incomplete, a notice will be sent to you. You have 6 months following the acknowledgment of receipt to send us your missing documents. Failure to provide these in the delay prescribed will result in a reimbursement of your membership fee, and a 5% administration fee will be charged.

1. INDIVIDUAL PROFESSIONAL MEMBER

1.1. Definition

Individual Professional Membership in the RQD is open to :

Any dance artist who works in a professional context and is recognized by his or her peers, whose practice of his or her art is his or her primary activity or is in the process of becoming one. They are paid for their activities and meet the eligibility requirements of the individual professional member category.
Any other individual working in dance in a professional context, whose practice of his or her profession is his or her principal activity or is in the process of becoming one. They are paid for their activities and meet the eligibility requirements of the individual professional member category.

The individual professional membership category includes any individual with a dance-related profession that falls into one or more of the following subcategories :

Performer
Choreographer
Teacher
Rehearsal director/rehearsal manager
Cultural worker (e.g. stage manager, production manager, development officer, manager, etc.)
Researcher (e.g., teacher of dance history, analysis, aesthetics or theory, editor of dance publications, research assistant, dance documentation project manager, etc.)
Designer (e.g., set designer, videographer, lighting designer, costume designer, make-up artist, composer, dramaturge, etc.)
Accompanying musician
Other professions related to dance

1.2. Eligibility Requirements

Any person who meets the following requirements shall be eligible for individual professional membership.

General eligibility requirements:

Have completed a professional training program or a detailed training program in his/her specialty.
Complete an application for membership or renewal on the form prescribed for this purpose and pay the membership fee.

Specific eligibility requirements:

In the case of the performer, be recognized by his/her peers (artists in the same artistic family) and have participated in at least eight (8) paid dance performances in the past 5 years.
In the case of the choreographer, be recognized by his or her peers (artists of the same artistic family) and have created at least two (2) works for which he or she was paid, for which the broadcast was paid by a third party and which were performed by paid performers. The total time of the works choreographed must be at least 50 minutes.
In the case of the teacher, to have accumulated at least 180 hours of paid teaching.
For rehearsal directors/rehearsal coaches, be recognized by their peers (artists in the same artistic family) and have collaborated on at least two (2) dance works for which they have been paid, for which they have received payment from a third party and which have been performed by paid performers.
In the case of designers, to be recognized by his/her peers (artists in the same artistic family) and to have collaborated on at least two (2) dance works for which he/she has been paid, for which the broadcast has been paid by a third party and which have been performed by paid performers.
In the case of researchers, playwrights, cultural workers, accompanying musicians, or other dance-related professions, be recognized by their peers and have accumulated a minimum of 180 paid hours in their field.

1.3. Supporting Documents

When applying for the first time in this category or for a change of subcategory, the following documents MUST be provided:

A detailed CV containing the following information (depending on the subcategory requested): training; employers; nature, date and duration of activities; title, date and duration of dance performances; production and dissemination context; number of hours and weeks worked in his/her field per year.
A copy of the diploma in dance or in a disciplinary field relevant to the subcategory applied for (college or university diploma in dance, or diploma from a dance school offering higher level initial training, teaching certificate issued by the Ministry of Education, diploma in administration, etc.)
If you are not a graduate, a detailed training program (Include all workshops, training, conferences, advanced workshops, etc.).
School teachers who can demonstrate that they are members in good standing of the Quebec Association of Teachers of Dance in Schools (QATSS) are not required to provide their academic record.

In addition, one (1) of the following supporting documents must be included with the application:

Copies of contracts or letters of agreement establishing that the member meets the eligibility requirements for this category. See Models of paid service certificates
Proof of intent to engage (email exchanges) are accepted as proof of engagement as is normally accepted (contracts, letters of agreement), even when benefits have been cancelled due to COVID-19.

In the case of the dancer and choreographer, a document showing recognition by their peers (For example: letter of achievement from a funder, letter of achievement from a dance award, proof of having won professional competitions, letter of sponsorship, service contract or letter of agreement with a professional dance company, producer or presenter)

Any other document you feel is relevant to support your professional background.

1.4. Membership Renewal

When renewing your membership, it is necessary to :

complete the renewal form
pay the annual membership fee
provide a detailed and up-to-date CV

1.5. Rights and benefits

The rights and benefits of the individual professional member are:

Participate in all activities of the RQD ;
Benefit from the privileges and discounts offered to RQD members;
Benefit from the services of representation, consultation, promotion of the discipline and professional development;
Benefit from financial support: for the dancer, choreographer and rehearsal director who meets the criteria of the Training Support Program;
Be covered by the CNESST during training periods not governed by an employment contract: for dancers who meet the criteria of the Training Support Program;
Take advantage of the visibility of the RQD members' directory on the Québec Danse portal;
Publish announcements of shows, training sessions and other events in the Dance Agenda.
Publish announcements in real time on the Québec Danse portal's bulletin board.
Publish press releases on the Québec Danse portal's newswire and have them possibly relayed in the RQD newsletter.
Be at the heart of a rich network of contacts, exchanges and information.
Participate in members' meetings and exercise your right to vote
To be eligible for a position as a director of the RQD.

1.6. Solidarity contribution

* Under the COVID-19, the RQD offers its members the possibility to choose the fee level that best suits their financial reality for their membership.

Please see the fees table.

2. INDIVIDUAL MEMBER APPRENTICE

2.1. Definition

Any individual who is engaged in a professional dance endeavor but who does not meet the eligibility requirements for individual professional membership may become a trainee member of the RQD.

The category of apprentice member includes any person who has a profession related to dance and who falls into one or more of the following sub-categories:

Performer
Choreographer
Teacher
Rehearsal director/rehearsal manager
Cultural worker (e.g. stage manager, production manager, development officer, manager, etc.)
Researcher (e.g., teacher of dance history, analysis, aesthetics or theory, editor of dance publications, research assistant, dance documentation project manager, etc.)
Designer (e.g., set designer, videographer, lighting designer, costume designer, make-up artist, composer, dramaturge, etc.)
Accompanying musician
Other professions related to dance

2.2. Eligibility Requirements

Any individual who meets the following conditions is eligible to become a aprentice member.

General eligibility conditions:

Have completed a professional training program or a detailed training program in their specialty.
Complete a membership application or renewal on the form prescribed for this purpose and pay the membership fee.

Specific eligibility requirements:

In the case of a person who is not a graduate or who has not followed a detailed training program, have relevant experience in a professional context.

In the case of a performer and choreographer, be recognized by his/her peers (artists from the same artistic family).

2.3. Supporting documents

When applying for the first time in this category or for a change of subcategory, the following documents MUST be provided :

A detailed CV containing the following information (depending on the subcategory requested): training; employers; nature, date and duration of activities; title, date and duration of dance performances; production and dissemination context; number of hours and weeks worked in his/her field per year.
A copy of the diploma in dance or in a disciplinary field relevant to the sub-category applied for (college or university diploma in dance, or a diploma from a dance school offering higher level initial training, teaching certificate issued by the Ministry of Education, diploma in administration, etc.)
If you are not a graduate, a detailed training program (including all workshops, trainings, conferences, professional development workshops, etc.)
A school-based teacher who can demonstrate that he or she is a member in good standing of Dance in the Schools (DEQA) is not required to provide an academic record.

2.4. Membership Renewal

When renewing a membership, it is necessary to :

complete the renewal form
pay the annual membership fee
provide a detailed and up-to-date CV

2.5. Rights and benefits

The rights and benefits of the apprentice member are:

Participate in all activities of the RQD ;
Benefit from the privileges and discounts offered to RQD members;
Benefit from the services of representation, consultation, promotion of the discipline and professional development;
Benefit from financial support: for the dancer, choreographer and rehearsal director who meets the criteria of the Training Support Program;
Be covered by the CNESST during training periods not governed by an employment contract: for dancers who meet the criteria of the Training Support Program;
Take advantage of the visibility of the RQD members' directory on the Québec Danse portal;
Publish announcements of shows, training sessions and other events in the Dance Agenda.
Publish announcements in real time on the Québec Danse portal's bulletin board.
Publish press releases on the Québec Danse portal's newswire and have them possibly relayed in the RQD newsletter.
Be at the heart of a rich network of contacts, exchanges and information.

Please note that this category of members does not have voting rights and is not eligible to vote

2.6. Solidarity contribution

* Under the COVID-19, the RQD offers its members the possibility to choose the fee level that best suits their financial reality for their membership.

Please see the fees table.

3. INDIVIDUAL ASSOCIATE MEMBER

3.1. Definition

Any individual who is a member of the following sub-categories and who meets the eligibility requirements may become an associate individual member of the DQP.

Student: any person enrolled in a professional training program in an institution eligible to the RQD.
Member of heart, any person who was previously a member of the DQP and who is no longer a member due to a permanent cessation of dance activities or a career change.

3.2. Eligibility Requirements

Any individual who meets the following conditions is eligible for individual associate membership:

General eligibility conditions:

Complete an application for membership or renewal on the form prescribed for this purpose and pay the membership fee.

3.3. Supporting documents

When applying for the first time in this category, the following documents are MANDATORY:

In the case of a student: proof of enrolment in a dance school eligible to the RQD.
In the case of a core member: no supporting document is required.

3.4. Membership Renewal

When renewing a membership, it is necessary to :

complete the renewal form
pay the annual membership fee
provide a detailed and up-to-date CV

3.5. Rights and benefits

The rights and benefits of the trainee member are:

Participate in all activities of the RQD ;
Benefit from certain privileges and discounts offered to RQD members.
Benefit from the visibility of the RQD Members Directory on the Québec Danse portal.
Publish announcements of shows, training sessions and other events in the Dance Agenda.
Publish announcements in real time on the Québec Danse portal's bulletin board.
Publish press releases on the Québec Danse portal's newswire and have them possibly relayed in the RQD newsletter.
Be at the heart of a rich network of contacts, exchanges and information.

Please note that this category of members does not have voting rights and is not eligible for a position on the RQD Board of Directors.

3.6. Solidarity contribution

* Under the COVID-19, the RQD offers its members the possibility to choose the fee level that best suits their financial reality for their membership.

Please see the fees table.

4. PROFESSIONAL CORPORATE MEMBER

4.1. Definition

he following may become a professional corporate member of the RQD :

Any not-for-profit corporation working in dance in a professional context, using or providing services to dance professionals.
In addition, the not-for-profit corporation must meet the eligibility requirements and fall into one of the following subcategories :

Professional Dance Association: a corporation whose primary mission is to enhance the practice of its members, who are dance professionals or are in the process of becoming dance professionals, to support them in the practice of their art or profession, and to represent them.
Company: A corporation formed to produce, among other things, dance performances - whether creative or repertory - and/or cultural mediation activities, paid for and performed by paid professionals. This category includes an "umbrella" company, i.e. a corporation that offers various services to one or more independent choreographers whose membership it pays for through its dues.
Specialty Presenter: a corporation formed primarily to present dance performances - whether new or repertory - the majority of which are not presented free of charge and are performed by paid professionals.
Multidisciplinary Presenter: A municipal or other corporation whose mission includes the promotion of the performing arts and whose annual programming includes paid professional dance and repertoire performances.
Higher-level dance school: a corporation offering initial higher-level training recognized by the Quebec ministries of education or culture and leading to a diploma (technical DEC).
University dance department: a dance department attached to a university, offering initial training at a higher level recognized by the Quebec Ministry of Education and leading to a diploma (specialized bachelor's degree in dance).
Support and service organization: a corporation offering services, support and activities to dance professionals, thereby contributing to their operation or development.

4.2. Eligibility Requirements

Any corporation that meets the following conditions is eligible for professional corporate membership in any of the seven (7) subcategories.

General eligibility conditions:

Be legally constituted under a Quebec or federal law and have its head office in Quebec.
Designate two (2) persons as delegates. In the case of companies, dance schools and specialized and multidisciplinary presenters/events, the artistic or pedagogical director must be one of the two delegates.
Complete a membership application or renewal on the prescribed form and pay the membership fee.

Specific eligibility requirements:

For companies, specialized presenters and support and service organizations, the organization or one of its founders must be supported by at least one granting authority for the regular activities of the same organization (creation, production, presentation, services).
For multidisciplinary presenters, the organization must be supported by a municipality or a funding body for its regular presentation activities.

4.3. Supporting documents

When joining for the first time in this category, the following documents MUST be provided:

A copy of the corporation's letters patent and by-laws or incorporating documents. In the case of a municipal entity, a description of its mandate.
A resolution of the board of directors or, in the case of a municipal entity, written confirmation from management appointing the two (2) delegates.
A copy of the previous year's financial statements.
Senior dance schools, university dance departments and municipal entities are exempt from this requirement.
A record of accomplishments or a brief description of activities in the past year.
In the case of a company, senior dance school, specialty presenter, multidisciplinary presenter other than a municipal entity, and support and service organization, proof of grant support.
In the case of a senior dance school, proof of a grant from the Quebec Ministry of Education or Ministry of Culture and proof of student enrolment.
In the case of a multidisciplinary presenter other than a municipal entity, proof of grant funding.
In the case of a professional dance association, proof of the professional status of all its members.

4.4. Membership Renewal

When renewing a membership, it is necessary to :

complete the renewal form
pay the annual membership fee
provide, only if amended, any governing documents and/or the Board of Directors' resolution appointing delegates.

4.5. Rights and benefits

The rights and benefits of the professional corporate member are:

Benefit from the services of representation, consultation, professional development and promotion of the discipline.
Be able to subscribe to the RQD multi-employer group insurance plan for the organization's employees.
To have access to the Letter of Reciprocity for the hiring of foreign workers.
Be at the heart of a rich network of contacts, exchanges and information.
Benefit from the visibility of the RQD's Members Directory on the Québec Danse portal.
Publish announcements of shows, training sessions and other events in the Dance Agenda.
Publish press releases on the Québec Danse portal's Press Wire and have them possibly relayed in the RQD newsletter.
Allow independent choreographers represented by an "umbrella" company to benefit from the rights and advantages mentioned above.

The rights and benefits of the delegates of the professional corporate member are:

Participate in all activities of the RQD ;
Benefit from the privileges and discounts offered to RQD members;
Benefit from financial support and be covered by the CNESST during training periods not governed by an employment contract: for delegates who meet the criteria of the Training Support Program as an interpreter, choreographer or repeater
Receive financial support: for delegates who meet the criteria of the Training Support Program as choreographers and/or rehearsal directors.
Publish announcements of shows, training sessions and other events in the Dance Agenda.
Participate in members' meetings and exercise your right to vote
Be eligible for a position as a director of the RQD.

4.6. Solidarity contribution

* Under the COVID-19, the RQD offers its members the possibility to choose the fee level that best suits their financial reality for their membership.

Please see the fees table.

5. ASSOCIATE CORPORATE MEMBER

5.1. Definition

Associate membership in the RQD is open to any legal entity in the following sub-categories that meets the eligibility requirements.

There are seven (7) sub-categories within the associate corporate membership category:

Dance Association: Any dance association whose primary mission is to bring together and represent professional and amateur dancers in a particular field for the purpose of establishing or regulating the standards of practice of that field and promoting it.
CÉGEP offering a dance program: Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel (CÉGEP) offering a general DEC with a concentration in dance.
Dance School offering a Dance-Study program: A dance school with a pedagogical director whose students, at the high school or college level, receive at least twelve (12) hours of dance instruction per week as part of a Dance-Study program.
Specialized dance school: A corporation offering preparatory or specialized dance training, and subsidized by the Ministère de la culture du Québec or by Canadian Heritage.
Network of presenters: A corporation or organization composed of professional Quebec or Canadian presenters whose main mission is to support the presentation of the performing arts, particularly dance, and to promote access to them by the public.

4.2. Eligibility Requirements

In the case of a legal entity

Be legally constituted under a Quebec or federal law.
Designate one (1) person as a representative.
Complete a membership application or renewal application on the form prescribed for this purpose and pay the membership fee.

5.3. Supporting documents

When applying for the first time in this category, the following documents are MANDATORY:

In the case of a corporation:

A copy of the letters patent and bylaws of the nonprofit corporation; for any other legal entity, a description of its mandate.
A brief description of its activities.
If you are a specialized dance school, you must also submit proof that you are subsidized by the Ministère de la culture du Québec or by Canadian Heritage.
If you are a dance school offering a Danse-études program, you must also submit proof that you have a pedagogical director and that you offer a minimum of twelve (12) hours of dance classes per week to your high school or college students.

5.4. Membership Renewal

When renewing a membership, it is necessary to :

complete the renewal form
pay the annual membership fee
Provide any constituent documents only if they have been amended.

5.5. Rights and benefits

The rights and benefits of Corporate Associate members or their representative are:

To participate in all activities of the RQD.
Benefit from certain privileges and discounts offered to RQD members.
Benefit from the visibility of the RQD Members Directory on the Québec Danse portal.
Publish announcements of shows, training sessions and other events in the Dance Agenda.
Publish announcements in real time on the Québec Danse portal bulletin board.
Publish press releases on the Québec Danse portal's Press Wire.
Be able to subscribe to the RQD's multi-employer group insurance plan for the organization's employees.
Be at the heart of a rich network of contacts, exchanges and information.

Note that this category of members does not have voting rights and is not eligible to vote.

5.6. Solidarity contribution

* Under the COVID-19, the RQD offers its members the possibility to choose the fee level that best suits their financial reality for their membership.

Please see the fees table.

The RQD membership policy was unanimously adopted by the RQD Board of Directors on May 23rd, 2023.