PRESS RELEASE: AUSDANCE WA TAKES THE LEAD TO PROTECT YOUNG DANCERS

AUSDANCE WA TAKES THE LEAD TO PROTECT YOUNG DANCERS
Perth, WA
14 October 2025

The release of a new suite of child safeguarding resources for dance schools and studios will help to protect Western Australia’s thousands of young dance students.

Created by Ausdance WA, these resources follow recent national reforms in child safety and respond to sector demand for clear, actionable policies. They provide dance schools and studios with a series of guidelines and steps that they can take to improve their Child Safe practices, including outlining expected behaviours when interacting with children and young people in dance.

Developed in alignment with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and relevant legal frameworks, these guidelines provide clear, practical advice for dance organisations, educators and parents on how to safeguard minors and meet mandatory reporting obligations.

The guidelines also outline best practices for creating safe, inclusive and respectful environments in dance studios, schools and performance settings.

A key feature in the suite of resources is a series of Code of Conduct templates to assist dance studios in developing their own code consistent with national principles. Providing guidance while leaving room for adaptation means the templates are suitable for use across a range of dance styles and studio contexts. This approach also allows teachers and managers to reflect and consider how they are already providing safe and inclusive spaces for children and young people, and areas for improvement.

The Code of Conduct template series includes:
● Children and Young People – Having a Voice in Dance and Code of Conduct
● Parent and Families – Child Safe Code of Conduct
● Teachers and Staff – Child Safe Code of Conduct

The suite of resources also includes guided self-assessment tools specific to a dance context, sample statements of commitment and reporting procedures for child welfare concerns.
“Every child has the right to participate in dance in a safe and supportive space,” said Gary Hodge, Ausdance WA Chair. “These guidelines reflect our commitment to child safety and to align with national standards, ensuring WA’s dance sector leads in duty of care and accountability.”

Amy Wiseman, Executive Director of Ausdance WA, who has led the project’s development, said “With an estimated 262,068 dancers in studios and schools under the age of 15 across Australia in 2024, recreational dance has one of the highest participation rates in young people, particularly in young girls, second only to swimming.

“The resources we have been developing, alongside the work and advocacy of the national Ausdance network, have the capacity to impact long-awaited change to many young people and their families.
“Our members have asked for leadership in improving child safety in our sector, and we are committed to providing education, support and guidance to build capacity and understanding. We aim to ensure that all dance communities working with children and young people can implement effective, sustainable and appropriate policies to create safe, positive and inspiring spaces for dance.”
Ausdance WA encourages all dance and community organisations, regardless of their size, that involve the participation of children and young people to adopt the guidelines, with support available for implementation.

Download the guidelines at Ausdance WA website link: https://www.ausdancewa.org.au/advocacy/child-safety/child-safety-resources/

For media inquiries or interviews, contact:
Amy Wiseman Executive Director Ausdance WA
0423 362 950 or [email protected]

About Ausdance WA: As the peak body for dance in Western Australia, Ausdance WA advocates for excellence, access and safety in dance education and practice. Through advocacy, connection, resources, and programs, it supports the development of a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable dance sector.

AusPlay Clearing House for Sport, Participation by Activity, Dancing (recreational), 2024