5a: Codes of Practice in the Professional Community

Whether you are in a dancing in a studio at College, an open class or in a company, rehearsal space and the ethics that apply are so important. It is having a space that is safe and prevents injury, as well as providing the dancers and choreographers with what they need. As a dancer with Chrysalis London, we often rehearse in different places in London although the same work ethics are applied to each venue. These ethics, or codes of practice, are as follows. 

·         Well ventilated room

·         Well-lit room

·         Clean, (not polished or slippery), sprung floor

·         No obstacles à pillars, uneven floors, split water

·         Access to toilets

·         Ensure there is a First Aid Kit

·         Healthy and Safety policy and fire/emergency procedures

·         Changing facilities for male and female

·         Plug sockets – no wires sticking out

·         Access to clean water

·         Studio space

There are also codes of practice that apply to the dancers as well.

·         Abide by health and safety rules

·         Self-awareness

·         Ensure there is enough space to dance

·         Warm up to avoid injury, you are preparing your body

·         Cool down to allow your heart rate to settle down back to normal, prevent muscle pain                 or injury

·         Dance etiquette

·         Be responsible

·         Appropriate footwear and clothing

·         Be aware if you know you have any health issues or injuries

·         If you feel unwell or in pain stop or limit the movement that is causing you discomfort.

These are all the points I can think of for now, if I have left anything off feel free to leave       any comment below!