In all dance studios, the safety of students of all ages should be paramount. Unfortunately, recently, there have been a number of allegations relating to a number of choreographers/teachers in New South Wales and Victoria that have rocked the industry.
Many people are asking if the dance studio industry needs regulation, or what regulation is needed. There has been a lot of frustration, confusion and many questions, but hopefully this has prompted all studio owners to re-evaluate their policies, codes of practice and legal obligations for child safety as we prepare to start the new school year.
Unfortunately, each state in Australia has different requirements, and even working with children’s checks is only state-based, so compliance and best practice can seem complicated. But luckily Ausdance, Keeping Kids Safe in Dance and Childsafe have lots of resources and training modules which don’t have to be time consuming and can even be done at home, on your laptop.
The Dance Arts Alliance has been working hard for many years on the regulation of dance studio spaces across Australia, seeking better protections for all dance students, dance teachers and studio businesses. Similar industries such as Dancesport, Calisthenics and Ampnastics have a governing body that ensures all clubs adhere to a set of best practice standards and training.
Sadly, as in all industries, there will always be people who abuse their position of power and some of the alleged behavior is simply illegal, so regulation may not have much of an impact, but it is worth looking into the regulations for dance training organizations What can and should be needed. No one wants regulations that are arduous, expensive, and difficult to comply with because it makes it difficult to operate a small business in the current economy and environment. However, we encourage you to watch the video below to learn what Dance Arts Alliance work is being done in this space and why. Consider becoming a member of the Dance Arts Alliance for access to advocacy, support, and resources designed to help you navigate dance studio challenges.
We can’t discuss child safety without taking into account our industry culture and the sexualization of commercial dance, whether it’s happening in your studio or not. When you look at music videos from the past versus the present, you’ll see clear changes in movement intent and sexualization. Is the use of explicitly or implicitly sexual music, costumes, or movements necessary and appropriate when teaching or choreographing to underage students? Would a song that glorified drugs or alcohol be a good choice? A recent article from UK Dance Informa discusses the issue of sexualization in dance competition settings and the risks it poses to young children.
The words “compliance” and “regulations” can be intimidating, but as we open our studio doors, there are some simple action steps you can take to protect your students and employees for an amazing year 2025.
#1. Ausdance is always available and ready to help with any questions. Give them a call or email. They have many resources available free or at a discount to members and also available to non-members, including a child safety induction. If AUSDance is available in your state, please consider becoming an AUSDance member. Ausdance QLD is actually about to launch a new education program for children called ‘SafeDance’. Please keep an eye on it.
#2. Talk to your syllabus organization, they can provide support and help. The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) now has a Safeguarding Coordinator who is there to ensure all studio teaching RAD is supported in the pursuit of safety and best practice.
#3. Make sure you and all of your studio staff undergo a child safety training program, even if it’s not currently in your state. In fact, it’s easy and affordable to do so. For example, Childsafe.org.au offers online programs that take just over an hour, offer a certificate of completion, and cost less than $40, although these programs are not dance-specific. Check out what Ausdance has to offer and keep kids safe in dance for more dance specific training. Group training options are also available.
#4. Take a close look at your code of conduct for all teachers and staff. A strict code of conduct for your staff and guests regarding communication and relationships with students is an important start. Include communication across social media, as it’s now easier than ever to connect with each other outside of the studio. Consider your policies around private lessons, or closing doors for studio spaces. Toilets within your building or public access? What are the specific risks in your studio environment?
#5. Re-evaluate choreography, music selections, class costumes and costumes. Age appropriate? Is it too sexual or too revealing? Does the lecturer set a good example?
#6. Have a good discussion with all teachers about expectations and behaviors for the New Year.
#7. Outline the policy on how concerns and reports will be handled and comply with government regulations and discuss this with all staff.
#8. For those teaching third level/full-time dance students or training teachers, please consider having strong discussions and providing education around professional behavior and appropriate behaviors and relationships to put them in a good position when they begin teaching in the studio state.
As an industry, we can all raise the bar and work together to ensure dance remains a safe, empowering and beautiful space.
