Task 4a/c research

I am really enjoying this module, having taken part in a skype discussion and questioning my peers and work collegues in relation to my possible lines of enquiry. I am still unsure of exactly which direction i will be taking but hoping to firm up this weekend after some further reading.

My findings so far:

Facebook conversation with a friend who used to work with me at Popdance and now works for NCT:
I know I was always much more aware of not touching children to correct their posture etc - or being aware of only touching hands, shoulders and arms let's say rather than the torso. I also was told that the palm of the hand is more acceptable to touch kids than using the fingers or fingertips. I was also aware that I always wanted to have an assistant or someone else present rather than just myself as it can put you in a vulnerable situation to be alone with the kids. Now at our school the peripatetic teachers coming in have to be chaperoned by another teacher for safeguarding, plus we are much more aware of being sued these days over nothing and it's just the kids words against ours!

This got me thinking how lucky i am as during most of my classes with younger children i have an assistant or a parent present in the room covering myself.

After raising some of my questions with my boss at Popdance she sent me a few links to her blog and website that explained her thoughts and feelings on the issues:

http://popdance.co.uk/physicalandmentalaspectsofdance/

http://popdance.co.uk/important-business-within-dance/

I have also been reading a great deal about safeguarding children, reading policies that other companys follow as well as those that i work under. All major organisations such as RAD, EMDP ISTD etc have their own safe guarding policies in order to be covered. In most 'code of conduct' documents there is nothing that says you cannot physically touch or move a child but that it should be explained fully which i feel i do.

'avoid unneccsary physical contact with children. When physical touch is required during dance teaching the involved adult should explain to the child exactly what he or she is doing but only with the consent of the child and in full view of as many parents as possible.'

Often in my younger classes children become distressed when sepearted from their parents or take a tumble when running around; i never think twice about going to that childs aid and often pick up the smaller children to give them a cuddle and comfort them. They don't need an explanation!

 I have become much more aware of how often i do physically move children in order for them to achieve a correct alignment or posture since looking at this line of enquiry and whilst demonstration and explanation are key a child needs to feel how they need to be to fully understand a movement or position.

'teachers and assistants use a hands on approach that is vital to teaching young dancers as they develop their skill'

This quote is from the Texas ballet theater (www,texasballettheater.org) on their lower school programme.


I will be updating this continually throughout course and be adding my literature soon.