Safe Dance Practice Policy
Prima Stage School aspires to provide:
Healthy and effective dance training
Fit, healthy, confident, accomplished dancers
Responsible employment of teachers taking into account dance specific industry recommendations in addition to statutory health and safety requirements.
All teachers to maintain Continuing professional development.
All dancers will have a right to:
Be taught safely and effectively by an appropriately qualified and experienced teacher.
Education in and access to up-to-date information on healthy dance practice, injury prevention and dance science.
Safe and appropriate spaces to work in.
An environment that allows for adequate rest, nutrition, hydration.
An environment that is conducive to psychological as well as physical health in order to meet the performance demands of the dancer-athlete.
DANCE EDUCATION and TRAINING
A basic introduction to warming up and cooling down, nutrition and applied anatomy demonstrated through the teaching.
Explanation from the teacher for students (and parents) on why these are important and how they apply to healthy dance practice.
Information on injury prevention and management.
Information on the growth spurt.
For DANCE TEACHERS
The application of the above in and through the teaching of dance.
Basic first aid and the contents of a dancer’s first aid box.
Continuing Professional Development to be maintained
Being a member of the IDTA that will ensure access to up-to-date information and news of developments in the field.
SUPPORTING AND MAINTAINING A SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT FOR DANCE TEACHING
All students will receive a safe warm-up to prepare for their class
Dance Studio – the requirements for safe and optimal dance practices are:
A clean, non slippery floor with the appropriate surface for the type of dance
An uncluttered floor
A high enough ceiling to allow jumping, leaping and lifting without obstruction.
Enough space so that when limbs are outstretched each dancer has enough personal space not to come into contact with an obstruction/fellow dancer.
Natural lighting
Well-ventilated.
Heating able to be maintained at a comfortable 21c.
All apparatus is checked that it is safe and in excellent condition
All hand help props are in a good and safe condition for use in dance
Music is at a comfortable level for young children’s ears
Students to wear appropriate clothing for the type of class they are participating in
Student’s hair to be tied back off faces
No wearing of jewellery
Policies
Prima Stage School will have in place the following policies as appropriate:
Child protection.
Health and Safety – general.
Injury prevention and management.