Dance Arts Alliance (DAA) is calling for nationally recognised standards for dance teachers, following the recent release of updated industry guidance regarding teaching rates for dancers.
While DAA strongly supports fair remuneration for professional dancers, the organisation is concerned that performance experience should not be confused with the specialist qualifications required to teach children safely and effectively.
“Our concern is not with professional dancers being paid fairly,” said DAA Chair Melanie Gard.
“We strongly support remuneration that reflects the skill, dedication and professionalism of Australia’s performers. Our concern is with the suggestion that performance experience, or the completion of an Intermediate level dance examination alone, can be considered equivalent to the qualifications, training and professional competencies required to teach children safely and effectively.”
Earlier this year, Dance Arts Alliance released its landmark report, The Scale and Impact of Dance and Performing Arts Participation in Australia, highlighting that more than 500,000 Australian children participate in dance every week, with more than one million children and young people participating in the performing arts more broadly. (insert link to report)
The report reinforces the significant responsibility entrusted to dance educators and why nationally recognised minimum standards are essential.
Dance Arts Alliance believes teaching children is a profession in its own right.
Qualified dance teachers undertake specialised training in child development, pedagogy, safe dance practice, anatomy, lesson planning, behaviour management, inclusive education and child safeguarding through recognised teacher education pathways.
DAA believes that, at a minimum, anyone teaching children in dance settings should hold:
- A recognised dance teaching qualification.
- A current Working with Children Check.
- Current Level 2 First Aid certification.
- Demonstrated knowledge of child-safe practice and safe dance principles.
The organisation also acknowledges the important role professional dancers play within the industry.
“There is enormous value in students learning from professional performers who can inspire them and share their industry experience,” Gard said.
“However, delivering a guest workshop or masterclass is fundamentally different from taking responsibility for the ongoing education, wellbeing and development of children through weekly teaching.”
Dance Arts Alliance continues to advocate for national regulation of dance teaching and is calling for governments, studio owners, teacher training organisations, professional dancers and industry bodies to work together to establish nationally consistent professional standards.
“Our industry needs both,” Gard said.
“Professional dancers inspire the next generation, and qualified teachers develop, nurture and protect them. By recognising the distinct expertise each profession brings, we strengthen the entire dance sector and ensure every child receives the safe, high-quality dance education they deserve.”
