APPROPRIATE PHYSICAL CONTACT IN DANCE POLICY
Teaching classical ballet is a physical activity and appropriate physical contact between students and teachers in class is essential to ballet 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). Ballet posture often requires adjustment of the rib-cage and the buttock area simultaneously.
Yorkshire Ballet Seminars recognises that such physical contact is a potentially complex area;
Yorkshire Ballet Seminars also fully recognises its responsibilities for safeguarding students
and teachers and for protecting their welfare.
The following principles and procedures apply:
1. Contact by the teacher is made with particular awareness of the needs of each individual,
to assist the dancer in correcting placement.
2. All teachers will treat any physical contact with due sensitivity and care, and with due
regard for the wishes of the student.
3. Contact will not involve force or the use of any instrument.
4. Teachers will be mindful of location and avoid situations where they are isolated with a
student; all classes should be held in studios or designated dance areas.
5. Students are encouraged to discuss any worries with any member of staff.
6. Both students and teachers should feel free to report any concerns to the
Director.