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Child Safety in Dance Studios

Season 3 Ep:12 Creating Child-Safe Dance Studios with Dance Arts Alliance Founder, Melanie Gard In this episode of The Dance Real Podcast, Kate speaks with Melanie Gard, co-founding member, chair and spokesperson of Dance Arts Alliance (DAA) and director of Peninsula School of Dance. Together, they explore what genuine child safety looks like in dance studios today, how Dance Arts Alliance is leading national advocacy for industry standards, and why safeguarding is about more than just policies, it is about culture, communication, and leadership. Melanie shares her journey from studio owner to advocate, how COVID-19 exposed the lack of industry representation at a national level, and why DAA formed to fill that gap. She and Kate discuss common risks in dance education, the importance of boundaries between teachers and students, and how to build trust and transparency within schools and families. This thoughtful conversation highlights both the complexity and hope of creating environments where children can thrive artistically and emotionally, and where dance educators feel empowered to lead responsibly. 🩰 Topics Covered The origins and mission of Dance Arts Alliance in Australia What makes a genuinely child-safe culture in dance Common safety gaps and risks in dance studios Power dynamics between teachers and students Why safeguarding goes beyond compliance and requires reflection Setting healthy social media and boundary policies The need for national regulation and advocacy in dance Parents’ role in ensuring their child’s safety and wellbeing How early dance training can remain playful, safe, and developmentally sound The importance of uplifting ethical leadership and transparency in the industry 🧠 Key Insights “A piece of paper isn’t a culture.” True safeguarding requires embodied practice, not just policy. Teachers must understand their power and continually reflect on how they hold it. Healthy dance environments prioritise openness, communication, and respect over perfection. Parents can use child-safety awareness as a guide when choosing a studio. Regulation must be industry-led to ensure relevance and trust. 🔗 Connect with Dance Arts Alliance Website: www.danceartsalliance.org.au Instagram: @danceartsalliance_ Peninsula School of Dance: www.peninsuladance.com.au 🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston @Dance_Real_Podcast @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms Chapter Markers 00:00 – Introduction: Dance Arts Alliance and the need for safer dance spaces 01:00 – Melanie’s background and the values that shaped her teaching 04:30 – The beginnings of Dance Arts Alliance and the impact of COVID-19 07:00 – Why the dance industry needed advocacy and national representation 09:00 – Common safety gaps in studios and the importance of vetting teachers 12:00 – Creating a genuine culture of child safety beyond policy 15:30 – Power dynamics, communication, and building student trust 18:00 – Boundaries, social media, and mentoring with integrity 22:00 – Embedding studio values into culture, leadership, and safety practices 27:00 – Parents, transparency, and balancing involvement in classes 31:00 – Dance Arts Alliance’s national advocacy and call for regulation 37:00 – The future of the dance industry: culture change, inclusion, and integrity Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share, is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation, not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.