New Era Dancers — Professional Standards for Dance Educators**

This Code of Conduct outlines the professional, ethical, and safeguarding expectations for all instructors, assistants, and collaborators teaching under New Era Dancers.
Our goal is to ensure a safe, respectful, inclusive, and professional learning environment for every student.

1. Professional Conduct & Ethics

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• Maintain a professional attitude at all times, inside and outside the studio.

• Use respectful, clear, and constructive language.

• Avoid shouting, humiliation, sarcasm, or negative comparisons between students.

• Respect each dancer’s dignity, privacy, and individuality.

• Serve as a positive role model in behavior, communication, and integrity.

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2. Physical Corrections & Appropriate Contact

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• Use physical corrections only when necessary for safe and accurate technique.

• Ask for consent — verbally or through an agreed signal — whenever possible.

• Explain the intention of the correction before touching.

• Avoid sensitive areas of the body at all times.

• Respect immediately if a student declines physical contact.

• Ensure all touch is professional, educational, and non-invasive.

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3. Physical Safety & Injury Prevention

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• Provide proper warm-up before complex or demanding movements.

• Teach technical foundations before amplitude, height, flexibility, or virtuosity.

• Adapt exercises to age, maturity, and experience level.

• Never force a stretch or position beyond a dancer’s comfort or safety.

• Stop any exercise immediately if a risk or injury appears.

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4. Emotional & Psychological Safety

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• Foster a supportive, inclusive, and confidence-building environment.

• Avoid intimidation, favoritism, pressure, or emotional manipulation.

• Encourage students to express concerns or discomfort without fear.

• Use corrections that empower, guide, and build self-awareness.

• Promote resilience without harming emotional wellbeing.

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5. Boundaries & Professional Relationships

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• Maintain clear boundaries between teacher and student.

• Do not form inappropriate personal or private relationships.

• Communicate only through approved, professional channels.

• Refrain from meeting students alone in private, isolated spaces.

• Report any boundary concern immediately to the program director.

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6. Inclusion, Diversity & Body Respect

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• Treat all students equally, without discrimination of any kind.

• Respect body diversity and avoid comments about weight or appearance.

• Provide adaptations when appropriate for learning differences or physical needs.

• Encourage dancers to develop confidence through ability, not aesthetics.

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7. Privacy, Images & Digital Conduct

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• Obtain permission before photographing or filming students.

• Use images only for authorized educational or promotional purposes.

• Protect student information and maintain confidentiality.

• Do not share personal messages, photos, or content with students.

• Maintain a professional digital presence when representing New Era Dancers.

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8. Accountability & Communication

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• Arrive prepared, punctual, and organized for every class.

• Communicate progress, concerns, or injuries responsibly to parents/guardians.

• Record incidents when necessary and follow safeguarding procedures.

• Align with the New Era Dancers Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy at all times.

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9. Strictly Prohibited Conduct

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• Any form of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

• Inappropriate, unnecessary, or unconsented touch.

• Shouting, humiliation, intimidation, or ridicule.

• Romantic or suggestive behavior of any kind with students.

• Forcing flexibility, splits, turnout, or extensions.

• Discrimination, harassment, or body shaming.

• Using choreography or classroom themes that are inappropriate for minors.

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10. Teacher Commitment

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By teaching under New Era Dancers, the instructor agrees to:

• uphold safe-teaching and safeguarding principles;

• protect the wellbeing of every student;

• maintain professional boundaries;

• act with integrity, consistency, and responsibility;

• report any safeguarding or conduct concern immediately;

• embody the values of respect, artistry, and safety in every class.

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