Doing Dance 1

‘All dancers have the right to a safe dance environment that is respectful, equitable and free from abuse.Yet, compared with sports, research on abuse in dance is scarce. Numerous allegations of neglect and emotional, sexual and physical abuse documented in the small body of existing research, as well as high-profile media stories and convictions in legal cases, indicate that the problem may be more widespread and deep-seated than we realise.’ High time to enhance dancer welfare: a call to action to improve safeguarding and abuse prevention in dance Full research paper: https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/10/2/e001811 https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/bmjosem/10/2/e001811.full.pdf Related links: Dance School Safeguarding Working Group The Dance School Safeguarding Working Group is a collective voice promoting high standards of safeguarding in the Dance School sector in order to protect children and young adults https://www.dsswg.org.uk/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1emocbdZo4OPC_CqrtqvDWJTlye_FPAZIi4dkRInmNwGn_65ekf4wswHA_aem_AXGS_BPd-udoHy4P12GQQ-Cy2nh8Aj_e3CzoK6BBkz7upEPsf5paNfSwFYl_mPjF4D5A2VvixwXnCbm214Jf2XTl PERSONAL SAFETY FOR DANCE For dance free from abuse, open, and supportive for all. https://www.personalsafetyfordance.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3Afw7RKRPfqx8bqHgnHi9f5IRxYkcBuSD2RC3moNX0KJ8Vc-g4V1VOza8_aem_AXHjQpVsmeVdtFjBmJoaUCAWSbRJ4zrwvxMeCcVkkwqxSW4emERK83-fIa5HUMMUJHOzBtQxtXVI2Nc1WpXDOpOk KEEP KIDS SAFE IN DANCE https://www.keepkidssafeindance.com.au/resources?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3XfSbm0b6vRXTjNurI4MPWtFtlVSEQZOsk0kUSTeJY0unnKOwtOJYegP0_aem_AXFbFcxLo5RkYY76tUv4C9C9FzNkxozAIeVsB3r7xvTvfMxshA1aQZ9twP2uKaYUvOacFWaw7ootath61A7bNrVe Protect Children in Dance Providing education and resources to end exploitation through hypersexualization of children in adult costumes, choreography, and music. https://www.danceawareness.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3_ZC18_5zuUcbU3oy0pLDdGHqG4LmVMJ1Q--PE38Y29bObWxaPS9esGJI_aem_AXFSk_rKHzmOUKQMiJRgnQlZiKJNh1h3FMUtiXdnVsSw2uHexsnyy32xgRnteGA6bQ4kaIAtZ_He4EOMDjxrUY3x NEAMA (Nonprofit Education and Advocacy for the Movement Arts) https://neamacares.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1Woyg6Xs-DnTfdyR6gZonMmeHXDW9LYLqfNoMWYBUNt53NCOOEqFj390Y_aem_AXFcHntOpFNcdbBSqIWLeEBwHFFQzSdkmvCgQ5re31Xf9Tc90-GYL750MCZkT8dzIseXTdACEJUf71CkrH75SvoZ Whistle while you work. Do you think the Dance community has done enough to address abuse and harassment? https://www.nobody100.com/whistle?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1bowsvNPL9d19VwDR0HYcAISObBZjs4kBXvTicxMQqi_xYpDx7ETs1Kyc_aem_AXFXXVGorSMAaowR40HGN77NSJxrhwap8W4-0fk2w8BhpZy4uB9ZqUB0MTBhB50hzJG8Vj1y_PQtSdV1C6V7d3_G Disrupting Harm in Dance https://disruptingdance.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR30ZJshu6kQrwYMEkHFZaZWRQjVN1fQNZmxfFUkZQx-Hkg3k3f2x2D1hPM_aem_AXGqlEkf2862vFhrIvZpeoGIAr2H5KWXxiWrEiAGEOAXgWAs-goq12z5waA8gv85T4pplRyF9FHgFr2yKlEBD7FS

This previous thread has some good discussion.

Has the young dancer been ‘prescribed’ a back brace? Instinctively I’d say contact a physiotherapist who understands the needs of dance training or high level sports and follow their lead. Then if medically cleared to do so, engage a strength & conditioning coach, again ideally who understands the demands of dance training, to address any specific strength deficits. These forums are great for discussion and an exchange of ideas but for something this important I would say in person dialogue with trained professionals would be necessary.

I’m sorry I missed your message. i’d be happy to sell as a set. I’ll pvt message.

I understand that real term pay has been decreasing at Tring over the years. Their low, compared to similar schools, pay has not kept up with inflation so they’ve slowly been receiving a pay ‘cut’ and the teachers pension is the only financial reason some staff have remained. See attached post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ndf5Fobpl/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

It finally happened… I had a 10 year old attend one of my classes asking to do class in her backalast. I am not her regular teacher so this caught me off guard. I asked why she felt she wanted/ needed to and she said to help with her posture, yes she was a little round shouldered without it at times but no more than the ‘normal’ growing dancer. Also this class has a uniform policy so was thinking can of worms if one students chooses to wear something different. I quickly said I would ensure my class included some pre-ballet exercises to help her ‘wake up’ her posture muscles in the warm up and would be extra mindful of her alignment and give her some feedback after. I understand that from their marketing that ‘Recently, university research in the United States and Australia has scientifically confirmed that Backalast significantly reduces the difference in lumbosacral angle. The research concludes that the garment surpasses other clothing and devices in terms of joint angle replication and trunk proprioception.’ https://pbtstore.com/products/backalast?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20914182379&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrMKR2IiLhQMVa5VQBh1hNAU2EAAYASAAEgJXvfD_BwE Can anyone point me to this research? I am more than a little dubious of dancers wearing what even PBT describe as a ‘posture corrector BACK BRACE’

Interesting. Is the school one that can’t currently be discussed in the forum?

Article in The Stage. https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/tring-park-drama-school-teachers-strike-in-dispute-over-pensions (It’s behind a paywall but free to sign up for 3 articles a month.)

Hi all, just wondering if people have seen these. ‘With salaries that are already below other schools of similar calibre, the staff are being asked to take a 3.5% pay cut if they want to protect their pension scheme as it stands. This is unacceptable. The strain that this worrying situation will put on the mental health of staff is not only personally distressing, but publicly embarrassing for an institution that prides itself on pastoral care. Back in 2021, staff and supporters fought against the unethical “fire and rehire” proposal offered by the school. We are disgusted to hear that this so-called solution has still not been explicitly ruled out by the management. The school must clarify their stance on this. At the time of writing, the Instagram account @tringparkconcerns has 300 followers, and the growing outpouring of support is a testament to the loyalty & love we all hold for the teaching staff. Silence in the face of injustice is complicity with the oppressor. As a group, we refuse to be silent. ’ https://www.nasuwt.org.uk/article-listing/tring-park-school-teachers-strike-pension-sabotage.html https://www.change.org/p/supporting-the-strike-at-tring-park-school-for-the-performing-arts?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_37930975_en-GB%3A9&recruiter=1091915792&recruited_by_id=77800960-9ad6-11ea-a357-277e7dc3865a&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_message&utm_term=take_next_step&share_bandit_exp=message-37930975-en-GB

These are still available if anyone is interested.

Sure. I’ll private message to arrange.

Correction - £20 for bundle (not £25)

I’m looking to sell my old/ previous RAD Syllabus DVDs Intermediate Foundation (Old Pre Elementary) & Intermediate (Old Elementary) (Uk based) £12 each or £20 for both. Private message to discuss.

I’m looking to sell my ISTD Imperial Classical Ballet Syllabus DVDs. (Uk Based) Primary Grade, Grades 1 & 2 Grades 3 & 4 Grades 5 & 6 Intermediate Foundation & Intermediate Advanced 1 and Advanced 2 £12 each (totalling £60) or £50 for all. Private message to discuss.

I’m look to sell my old/ previous RAD Syllabus DVDs. (UK Based) Pre Primary, Primary & Grade 1. Grade 2&3 Grade 4&5. £40 for bundle or £15 each. Please inbox to discuss.

Looking to sell my Cecchetti Syllabus DVDs. Grades 1-6 & Intermediate Foundation - £35 (currently unavailable to buy from ISTD) Intermediate - £20 (£55 new) Advanced 1 - £20 (£55 new) Advanced 2 - £20 (£55 new) The Enrico Cecchetti Diploma (Blu Ray & DVD set) - £30 (currently £68.35 on Amazon) Happy to sell individually as priced above (adding to £125) or £100 for the set. Private message to discuss.

I’m looking to sell my RAD Discovering Repertoire DVDs. (Uk Based) Level 2 - Coppelia & Giselle Level 3 - The Sleeping Beauty & Paquita Level 4 - Swan Lake & The Nutcracker £8 each or £25 for all 3. Please inbox to discuss.

I am looking to sell my set of Vaganova DVDs. (I’m in the UK) Essential preparatory for that Vaganova method (£15) Advanced beginner Ballet (£20) Demonstration of complete Vaganova level 1 Barre work (£25) Demonstration of complete Vaganova level 1 Centre work, Allegro & Pointe (£25) Demonstration of complete Vaganova level 3 (£25) Demonstration of complete Vaganova level 4 (£25) Sequential movements in the Vaganova methodology (25) All in excellent condition. Currently listed as retailing new between $33.50 - $89.50 US. Happy to sell separately as priced (adding up to £160 separately) or as a bundle for £125. Please inbox to discuss.

Have you had a conversation with the school/ teacher/s? If students are of similar age and development then this could be an ideal time to limit the use of mirrors in the dance studio. https://iadms.org/media/5781/iadms-resource-paper-mirrors-in-the-dance-class.pdf

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The pics from FB… 1 of 3

This thread discussed similar.

This paper from 2011 springs to mind. https://www.academia.edu/4464722/Hypermobility_and_dance_a_review ‘Epidemiological studies of hypermobile dancers indicate that although students are selected for hypermobility when auditioning for vocational schools, they are not represented in the higher ranks of professional companies.’ RBS/ RB tested in 2004 with hyper mobility: students 97% - principals 0%. Of course this would be interesting to see more recent figures but certainly food for thought.

Absolutely, or if you’re an institution something like, ‘at X we use classical ballet as the foundation for our curriculum…’ and note its benefits/ transferable skills to other disciplines.