Ballet BC, a modern dance company in Vancouver, British Columbia, has announced a 10-year, C$2 million ($1.5 million) gift from Jane McLennan to support year-round employment for company members.

The largest gift in Ballet BC’s 37-year history will serve as cornerstone funding for the group’s Dancer Investment Fund and enable it to boost salaries and extend contracts to 52 weeks from the 48-week industry norm. McLennan, a longtime supporter of Ballet BC, is an honorary lifetime member of its board of directors.

“This gift provides sustainable employment for our dancers and ensures that their health, livelihood, and vibrancy reflect the value and respect they deserve,” said Ballet BC artistic director Medhi Walerski.

The annual contracts and increased compensation have been “a long-held ambition of the organization and [are a] rarity in our industry,” said Ballet BC board chair Laura Cundari. “We are extremely proud to be able to set this precedent in the hopes that it will galvanize other companies and philanthropists to provide greater support for dancers.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Elkor)