The Mediation Dance of Choreography Copyright

Despite its societal presence and pervasive benefits for both performers and observers, dance remains a low-paying field with limited career longevity. While dance choreography copyright protection is an option for artists to monetize their work long-term, there are significant barriers due to legal complexities, financial burdens, and lack of awareness regarding copyright protections. The limitations of the copyright landscape burden choreographers who do seek to take advantage of their intellectual property rights, and many of the current suggested solutions for protecting choreography either prove inadequate or involve negative consequences. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), particularly mediation with BATNA/WATNA incentives, presents a promising alternative to litigation for resolving dance choreography copyright disputes. Mediation offers a cost-effective process that provides flexibility not bound by strict copyright laws. It is a creative, informal method harmonizing well with the artistic aspects of dance. Promoting mediation among the dance community would ensure proper acknowledgment and compensation for choreographic works, thereby supporting the financial well-being of dancers and choreographers.