I have been dancing for 23 years, and professionally for about 7 years. In those seven years of dancing professionally, I performed in movies, television, tours, music videos, and other live performances. I include this simply to make clear that I have somewhat of an insider's perspective on this issue.

Throughout my career, I was often asked if I would like to dance for the NFL or the NBA. To this, I always answered, "No." This was not due to a lack of interest. I grew up watching basketball and football and assumed that being one of the team's dancers could be a lucrative option at some point. But, when I looked into what NFL and NBA cheerleaders/dancers are paid I was shocked by the going rate.

NFL and NBA cheerleaders are paid $60 per game on average and are not paid anything for rehearsals. This rate is absolutely ridiculous. A typical daily rate for professional dancers through SAG/AFTRA in any other televised event averages around $750 per day.

This can be slightly less or more depending on a number of factors, but on average $750 is a typical rate. Professional dancers are also PAID for rehearsals because rehearsals are a required aspect of the job. A performance cannot happen without rehearsals and should, therefore, be compensated for. NFL and NBA dancers typically practice 6-8 hours per week, all of which are unpaid.

NFL and NBA cheerleaders also do not receive any residuals for their appearances. For those that do not know, residuals are typically a payment you receive as compensation for your "likeness" being used on television. In other words, every time a show that you appear in is played, you get paid for it. This is a huge part of a dancer's income in any other industry which NFL and NBA dancers are excluded from.

The reason for these ridiculous rates is that NFL cheerleaders and NBA dancers are not included in the SAG/AFTRA union, which protects the rights of dancers in other industries and so their wages are decided solely by the NFL and NBA.

The time for NFL and NBA dancers to take a stand and fight to join SAG/AFTRA or start another Union is absolutely here. I know of course that this is easier said than done and has been attempted before, but I think a huge issue is the fact that so few people know what fair rates for dancers actually are, especially the 18-25-year-olds who are entering into the NFL and NBA, most likely, for their first professional dance job.

With the conversation surrounding the Gender Wage Gap growing rapidly, I think that this sector of employment deserves a voice and should be recognized as a direct result of the gender-based wage distribution. The average NFL franchise is worth $2.5 billion, up 8% by FORBES' count over last year and the average NBA franchise is now worth a record $1.65 billion, up 22% over last year and according to the New York Times article Cheerleader for NFL, NBA, NHL teams reveal sexual harassment, 'handsy' fans come with the job, a former Washington Redskins cheerleader said "the team was paid $1,200 a cheerleader while she received only $100 to show up."

To make even more clear how underpaid these cheerleaders are, the petition for NFL teams to pay their cheerleaders a living wage states that "While NFL Cheerleaders do have some opportunities for outside appearances, many of these skilled athletes make less than $1000 per year. Comparatively, an NFL Mascot can make as much as $65,000 per season; and while some NFL teams have recently moved in the direction of paying Cheerleaders minimum wage ($9 per hour), the NFL pays Concession Stand Workers $12-$18 per hour."

The job is considered to be part-time, so the NFL and NBA get away with paying their dancers minimum wage. The value of these dancers on their franchise, however, is undoubtedly as equal to the team as their mascot and yet they are paid grossly different amounts. This, along with the inappropriate behavior and conditions often forced upon these girls, which you can read more about in the New York Times article Cheerleader for NFL, NBA, NHL teams reveal sexual harassment, 'handsy' fans come with the job, prove that their pay and treatment are determined by their gender and not at all by the service they are providing the company.

It is time for the gender wage gap to end, and shining light on the obvious injustices of an industry as popular and as well known as the NFL and NBA seems like a good place to start and gain traction. So share this article and talk to your friends about it, because something needs to be done.

To add your name to the NFL Cheerleader's petition and show your support for wage equality and the rights of these women please visit this link: Living Wage Petition