Code of ethics for dance teachers factsheet #1

Code of ethics

1. Studios will have clearly defined aims and goals. The benefits an individual student can expect to receive through the studio's implementation of these aims and goals will be clearly stated.
2. Studios will make sure that the school and its staff are capable of providing any services claimed.
3. Studios will employ teaching staff with the experience, knowledge or qualifications required for the range of levels and techniques being taught. Student teachers will be trained and supervised to ensure the school’s teaching standards are maintained.
4. Studios will provide assessment procedures and will make sure students and parents receive, or have access to, advice when necessary.
5. Studios will conform to sound business practice and provide an efficient fee system.
6. Studios and individual teachers will make sure class sizes are suitable for the levels and techniques being taught. Students in each class will be of a similar age or standard.
7. Studio owners and individual teachers will make sure the studio has:
   • minimum safety and space requirements
   • suitable flooring, with a safe surface designed and constructed to minimise the risk of injury.
8. Individual teachers will use effective and flexible teaching skills to create a productive learning environment. Individual teachers will:
   • strive to communicate a love of dance
   • show professional attitudes, including punctuality, reliability and responsible care of students
   • strive to develop self-discipline and self-motivation in the students
   • encourage and support the individual in the class situation
   • present general concepts of movement as well as those of a particular dance style.
9. Individual teachers will recognise the role of dance in the development of the whole person. They will also seek to recognise and develop each student’s potential, whether it lies in dance or related fields, and offer appropriate guidance for further progress.
10. Individual teachers will try to recognise physical variations, modifying their teaching and seeking medical advice when necessary. The teaching and choreography must be anatomically safe, and teachers must be prepared to deal with medical emergencies.
11. Individual teachers will strive to develop in the students an appreciation of the characteristic style of each specific technique taught.
12. Individual teachers will take responsibility for seeking more knowledge in all aspects of their work.