Sexual Violence Prevention in Dance
Preventing Violence in the Dance Community
Why is this important for the dance community specifically?
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Dance often acts as a contact sport, in which people may touch each other for alignment guidance, lifting, partner work, etc.
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Adults are often teaching people younger than them, including children. It is imperative that the power dynamic between teacher and student stays safe
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Sexual misconduct has been a recurring problem in the dance industry, affecting minors and adults.
Allegations of adult dance teachers and choreographers taking advantage of younger dancers have made national news.
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Some studios have been hiring dance professionals with sexual violence allegations to work with their students, and it puts them in danger.
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Dance is often known for discipline. Some studios are more strict than others, having certain rules about when it is okay to do what, which can be important for teaching respect and maintaining safety. However, sometimes an overly strict culture can create fear in students, which makes them less likely to disclose to adults if there is sexual abuse occurring, or if a child feels uncomfortable with a certain dance move.
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Learn more about what you can do to end sexual violence in your dance community
Terms To Know
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A wide range of physical or non-physical sexual behaviors that take place between a child and another child or adult.
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The act of using pressure, threats, alcohol or drugs, or force to engage in sexual activity with someone
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when a person gradually cultivates a trusting relationship with an individual of any age to abuse or exploit them with their participation. The abuse can be physical, emotional, or sexual.
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Covers ALL non-consensual sexual contact
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Non-consensual sexual advances, favors, and other conduct of a sexual nature
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An umbrella term for any kind of non-consensual sexual contact (physical or non-physical), behavior, or aggression
Sexual Violence in the Dance Community: How Has it Manifested?
As the 2023 dance competition is coming to a close with National events, dancers and choreographers have continued to present incredible, creative works of art to large audiences. However, some wildly inappropriate choreography and pieces by alleged sexual and verbal abusers have hit the stage as well, putting children in compromising situations.