At Steps Ahead Dance, the health, safety and well-being of our dancers is a priority. We are committed to providing a positive environment in which students can develop their technical and artistic skills safely and confidently.
Our teaching practices are informed by recognized dance education and safe-practice standards, including those of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, Royal Academy of Dance, Progressing Ballet Techniques and Acrobatic Arts.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK
Dance and acrobatics are physical activities involving movement, rotation, balance, flexibility and, at times, elevation. As with all physical activity, participation carries an inherent risk of injury.
Steps Ahead Dance works to reduce these risks through appropriate instruction, progression, supervision, warm-up, equipment and safe teaching practices. However, the possibility of injury cannot be completely eliminated.
We ask parents/guardians and dancers to follow studio safety guidelines and advise the teacher of any injury, medical concern or physical limitation that may affect participation.
HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY
Steps Ahead Dance recognizes the duties we have under the Health and Safety Acts and Regulations to ensure the safety and health & well-being of all dancers, teachers, volunteers and assistants whilst they are involved with us during class or at events.
OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR DANCERS
• Providing a safe and healthy environment for dancers and teachers, with risks identified and appropriately managed.
• Maintaining an accessible first-aid kit.
• Ensuring dancers are appropriately dressed for class, jewellery is removed, and teachers are informed of relevant injuries or health concerns.
• Ensuring every class begins with an appropriate warm-up.
• Keeping emergency exits clearly marked and unobstructed.
• Maintaining appropriate emergency procedures for fire, accidents and other incidents, and reviewing these procedures regularly.
These practices, together with regular risk assessments and accident reporting, help us maintain a safe environment and meet our health and safety responsibilities.
DANCER RESPONSIBILITIES
- Arrive on time – A complete warm-up is an important part of injury prevention. Students arriving late may be asked to observe rather than participate if they have missed a significant portion of the warm-up.
- Dress appropriately – your uniform and grooming are for safety as well as appearance.
- Safe learning practices demand mastering basic skills before progressing to more difficult levels
- Dance requires active concentration – horseplay cannot be permitted
- The readiness and ability level of the performer, the nature of the task, and the competency of the spotter all must be taken into consideration when attempting a new or difficult skill.
ACCIDENT & FIRST AID POLICY
All injuries and accidents occurring during class or studio activities are taken seriously and recorded when appropriate. Parents/guardians will be informed of injuries involving their child.
Minor injuries will be managed using appropriate first-aid procedures.
In the event of a serious injury or medical emergency, staff will take appropriate immediate action, which may include contacting emergency services. Parents/guardians will be contacted as soon as possible.
Head Injuries: Any significant blow to the head or suspected concussion will be treated seriously. The dancer will be removed from participation and the parent/guardian contacted. Where appropriate, medical assessment will be recommended or emergency services contacted.
For a suspected serious injury such as a fracture, spinal injury or significant head injury, the dancer will not be moved unnecessarily and appropriate first-aid/emergency procedures will be followed.
An incident report will be completed for significant injuries or accidents.