DanceLife Magazine
2025
the safety of our dancers seriously. If enough studios adopt this standard, we have the power to set a new expectation across the industry—as we should. We’ve all heard one too many horror stories: dance teachers, cheer coaches, even a USGA-sanctioned physician responsible for the well- being of Olympic gymnasts being convicted on sexual abuse charges. These incidents cast a shadow over all private extracurricular activities— dance, cheer, martial arts, and more. We've worked too hard building our businesses, and surviving a global pandemic, to allow bad actors to tarnish our profession. Of course, some of us are working to change this on a larger scale. In my home state of Florida, I’ve worked with friends, a state representative, and a state senator (shout out to Representative Christine Hunschofsky and Senator Tina Polsky) to sponsor HB 531/S 614, the Child Care Facility and Program Background Screening Requirements bill. If passed, it would make background checks mandatory for all dance teachers and staff.
to wait for legislation. We can take action ourselves.
Child predators are very aware of the spaces where they won’t face scrutiny. If your hiring process includes background checks, those individuals are unlikely to apply. The simple act of stating that a background check is required serves as an effective deterrent.
Accessing background checks couldn’t be easier. A simple Google search will yield countless services where you can input a prospective hire’s information. You can use a third-party screening provider or gather the information yourself by contacting law enforcement agencies and courts, or by using online resources like CountyOffice.org. A basic criminal background check with social security verification can cost as little as $20–$50. Think about all the industry standards we’ve established together: sprung floors, parent viewing systems, open- door policies. None of these were universal years ago, but as more
But here’s the thing: we don’t need
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