How to Address Uncomfortable Situations in Class
Ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in the dance scene is a shared responsibility between you, your fellow dancers, and your dance teacher.
If at any point you feel harassed, uncomfortable, or unsafe in class, please don’t hesitate to speak with your dance teacher—they’re there to help and will do their best to address the issue.
It’s important to note that many people, regardless of gender, often hesitate to voice their concerns about inappropriate behaviour from others, whether it’s uninvited advances, unwanted attention, or other discomforts. However, staying silent can prolong the issue and even make it worse. Your safety and well-being should always come first.
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If someone’s behavior makes you feel unsafe or if you notice stalking or persistent unwanted attention in class, bring it up discreetly with your teacher. They can mediate, set boundaries, or, if necessary, take further action to maintain a safe space.
That said, it’s also important to understand the role of a dance teacher. While they’re there to support you, they may not be able to get involved in all personal disputes or situations, especially those that don’t directly affect the safety or dynamics of the class. Their focus is to ensure the class remains a positive and respectful environment for everyone.
Here are some practical steps you can take to help keep the dance scene safe:
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1. Communicate Early
Don’t wait for a situation to escalate. If something feels off, let your teacher know sooner rather than later.
2. Be Clear and Assertive
Politely but firmly set boundaries with the person making you uncomfortable. Sometimes, clear communication can resolve misunderstandings.
3. Seek Support from Trusted Peers
If you’re not comfortable approaching your teacher directly, confide in a fellow student or a class assistant who can help you address the issue.
4. Know Your Options
If the issue persists and your teacher’s involvement isn’t enough, consider speaking with venue management or, in extreme cases, seeking legal advice.
5. Support Others
Encourage a culture of openness by supporting classmates who may face similar challenges.
Ultimately, a dance class should be a safe and fun space for everyone. By fostering open communication and mutual respect, we can help keep the dance scene welcoming and enjoyable for all.
But, What If the Dance Teacher Is the Problem?
If the person making you feel uncomfortable is the dance teacher themselves, it is important to know that you still have options and should not feel that you have to tolerate inappropriate behaviour.
At Floridita Dance, all of our teachers are expected to follow a strict Code of Conduct and maintain a safe, respectful, and professional environment for every student.
If you experience behaviour from a teacher that you believe is inappropriate or makes you feel uncomfortable, we recommend first raising the matter directly with them, if you feel safe and comfortable doing so. In many cases, the teacher may not have realised the impact of their actions and will acknowledge the issue, apologise, and ensure it does not happen again.
If the behaviour continues, or if you do not feel comfortable speaking to the teacher directly, you should report the matter to the school owner or another designated representative within the dance school. They should investigate the concern appropriately and take any necessary action.
If the matter is serious, involves harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or any form of abuse, or if the dance school fails to address your concerns adequately, you should consider reporting the incident to the relevant authorities or seeking independent advice.
Every reputable dance school should have procedures in place for handling complaints and safeguarding the wellbeing of its students. No one should ever feel pressured to accept behaviour that compromises their safety, dignity, or enjoyment of dancing.
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