Appropriate Physical Contact in Dance Policy

 

Physical Contact Teaching  is a physical activity and appropriate physical contact between students and teachers in class is essential to dance training. Teachers can make physical contact with a student to illustrate a concept or to adjust a student’s alignment (especially with the younger students). 

 

In choreographic teaching, teachers demonstrate positions and movements to the students by moving parts of the students’ bodies and by moving dancers in relation to each other: this often involves a considerable amount of physical contact with students. The Kim Frost School of Dance recognises that such physical contact is a potentially complex area; and the school also fully recognises its responsibilities for safeguarding students and teachers and for protecting their welfare.

 

The following principles and procedures are in place to fulfil the school’s obligations:

 

a) Contact by the teacher is made with particular awareness of the needs of each individual, to assist the dancer in correcting placement.

 

b) All teachers will treat any physical contact with due sensitivity and care, and with due regard for the wishes of the student.

 

c) Contact will not involve force or the use of any instrument.

 

d) Teachers will be mindful of location and avoid situations where they are isolated with a student; all classes should be held in studios and dance areas with windows.

 

e) Students should be encouraged to discuss any worries with any member of staff or an Independent Listener.

 

f) Both students and teachers should feel free to report any concerns to Kim Frost directly.