Ballet is a physical activity involving contact with other dancers, especially when performing and learning pas de deux. In order to safely teach ballet to young dancers, appropriate physical contact between teacher/pupil and pupil/pupil will occur. This is in order to demonstrate correct placement, show the correct placement of the hands for lifting, and to help a student to feel a correct position of a limb to avoid injury if a move is incorrectly performed.
We recognise that touch, whilst essential, can sometimes be misinterpreted and the below guidelines are in place to safeguard staff and children.
- All student handbooks will include this statement, so that children and guardians are aware of our guidelines
- Dancers are often tactile, due to the close proximity of their working relationships in the studio. However, all participants and staff should be aware that close physical contact whilst common in training and rehearsal environments, should not continue when outside of the studio, without consent.
- Teachers will initially use description and imagery to help students feel a movement and use touch to help with correction only if the imagery isn’t helping.
- All physical contact will be consensual between tutors and students, and/or peers.
- Touch will be accompanied by verbal instruction and will never be a surprise to the student.
- Physical contact will always be treated with due sensitivity and care.
- When using touch to correct a student’s placement, teachers will use a finger/s or palm of hand and may touch a pupil’s rib cage, thigh, back, buttock, arm, hand, foot.
- When using touch to help a student who is at risk of falling/injury teachers will touch with their hands.
- When a teacher is using touch, they will do this with knowledge of that individual student’s needs and with respect for individual boundaries.
- If a student feels uncomfortable regarding appropriate touch, we encourage them to talk with their teacher.
- Students are entitled to withdraw their consent for touch at any time, but this must be clearly communicated with staff and/or peers.
- Participants should always ensure they are dressed appropriately for the dance activity, and following uniform guidance. Please be sure to avoid exposed skin on the torso in particular.
- If a student feels any touch is inappropriate, we encourage them to speak with a DSL.