This code has been devised by leading representatives of Australia’s studio teachers to inform the public of the ethical standards expected by the profession of its practitioners. It should be prominently displayed in the studio.
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Clearly defined aims should be stated by studio principals, setting out the broad goals to be achieved by the school. A similar set of objectives should be stated which outlines the benefits a pupil can expect to receive through the teaching staff’s conscientious implementation of them.
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Studio principals should ensure that their school is capable of providing any services claimed.
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Studio principals should employ teaching staff with the experience, knowledge and/or qualifications required by the levels and techniques to be taught. Student teachers should be trained and supervised to ensure maintenance of the school’s teaching standards.
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Studio principals should provide appropriate assessment procedures and should ensure that students and parents receive or have access to advice when necessary.
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Studio principals should conform to sound business practice.
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Studio principals and individual teachers should ensure that classes are of a size appropriate to the levels and techniques being taught. Students in each class should be of a compatible age and standard if possible.
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Studio principals and individual teachers should ensure that facilities provided:
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Conform with minimum safety and space requirements;
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Have suitable flooring, with a safe surface designed and constructed to minimise risk of injury.
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Individual teachers should use adequate and flexible teaching skills to create a productive learning environment. Individual teachers should:
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strive to foster a love of dance;
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demonstrate professional attitudes, including punctuality, reliability and responsible care of students;
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strive to develop self-discipline and self-motivation in the students;
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encourage and support the individual in class and performance;
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transmit general concepts of movement in addition to those of a particular dance style;
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strive to develop in the students an appreciation of the characteristic style of each specific technique taught.
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​Individual teachers should recognize the role of dance in the development of the whole person. They should also seek to recognize and develop each student’s potential, whether it lies in dance or in related fields, and offer appropriate guidance for further progress.
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Individual teachers should endeavour to recognize physical anomalies, modifying the teaching and seeking medical advice when necessary. The teaching and choreography must be anatomically safe, and teachers must be prepared to deal with medical emergencies.
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Individual teachers will strive to develop in the students an appreciation of the characteristic style of each specific technique taught.
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Individual teachers should take responsibility for seeking further knowledge in all aspects of their work
Industry professional practice
Code of ethics
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Consistently adhere to the Dance Industry Code of Ethics (see previous pages).
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Adhere to the Dance Industry Code of Ethics in all interaction with students and members of the public.
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Ensure that this Code of Ethics is clearly displayed/distributed for the information of parents and students.
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Communicate with staff, parents and students in a professional and accountable manner.
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Demonstrate professional Business Practice by consistently fulfilling all statutory and legal requirements which may include -
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registration of a business name;
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payment of insurances including public liability, professional indemnity, personal, property, workers compensation;
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payment of music copyright license fees.
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Demonstrate professional integrity by upholding and enhancing the good standing and reputation of the profession.
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Maintain confidentiality by ensuring that confidential information acquired in the course of teaching is not disclosed or used, except where consent has been obtained from the pupil, parent or other proper source or where there is a legal right or duty to disclose.
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Demonstrate ethical standards in publicity and advertising by only publishing promotional material which contains factual statements, the truth of which can be verified.
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Avoid conflict of interest:
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avoid instigating direct communication with pupils or parents of other studios who have not first actively sought contact with you;
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provide parents and students with an honest assessment of the student’s potential;
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avoid disparaging reference and/or comparisons with the services of others;
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avoid provocation of colleagues by setting up a school in the same premises/area without due consideration to the teacher concerned.
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