Youth Dance - Safe Touch
an excerpt from «Youth dance: Towards Best Practice», which will be launched this wednesday:
Safe Touch
Physical contact is central to dance pedagogy as most teaching methods employ ‘touch’ to guide the learning experience. A teacher may draw attention to alignment, or adjust position using touch. Participants in a workshop could learn how to support or manipulate each other’s bodies in a creative process via touch. In all situations, it is essential that everybody involved is aware of the purpose of physical contact and is comfortable with its use.
Ensure that all physical contact in youth dance is appropriate and only used where necessary. Participants and their parents/guardians should be made aware that touch is part of the learning process but they can ‘opt out’ if they wish.
Consider the following points when planning and delivering activities:
- Use alternative means of instruction before touch (verbal, imagery etc.).
- Consider the appropriateness of proximity in activities.
- Always seek permission before touching.
- Explain how and why you are using touch.
- Is the touch appropriate, consider circumstances/context/reaction.
- Recognise discomfort, and act appropriately.
- Contact should be direct - purposeful and non-lingering.
- All instances of touch should have a learning outcome.
Only use touch to promote learning. At all times ensure a secure and trusting environment by respecting the needs of the individual. Judge each situation as it occurs; a participant may be happy to receive physical corrections one day, but not the next.
Best Practice in Safe Touch:
- Appropriate use.
- Make intentions clear.
- Seek permission.
- Ensure a learning outcome.
