ballet abuse

Advocating for much-needed change in the way dancers are trained

[Sanna Nordin-Bates @DancePsychSanna]

"she failed to introduce herself or even greet us...Several dancers asked for an opportunity to speak but she did not allow it. Of 14 dancers, she kept one. Is her artistic freedom worth more than ours? Is artistic freedom above morals? https://t.co/DWxLEpY1bH

[The Bookshop Dog @TheBookshopDog]

@balletabuse This exactly. Or a Wellbeing and Safeguarding Lead when the school turns a blind eye to bullying, homophobia and sexual abuse.

[ballet abuse @balletabuse]

There is no point in a dance school employing a counsellor when the rest of the institution acts only to destroy students’ mental health.

[ITV News @itvnews]

Ballet teacher arrested and charged with sexual offences following ITV News investigation | writes @PeterAdamSmith https://t.co/Jx4LHK32NZ

[MOVERS SHAKERS MAKERS @moshmapod]

First ep of our mini-series, Ballet for the 21st Century, is out NOW!

Emma Lister and cohost @zoeashebrowne released a survey about mental health and the classically trained dancer. They never expected the response it got— 400+ filled it out! We need to talk about this...

[Pointe Magazine @pointe_magazine]

As ballet looks toward its future, let's talk about its troubling emotional demands. https://t.co/9RtgHTLixl

[ballet abuse @balletabuse]

Sick to death of the idea that students should have to suck up to their teachers in order to be liked. Students should be able to voice their concerns about the way things are done and silencing them only acts to stunt the growth of our industry.

[ballet abuse @balletabuse]

Good news!

[Lynda Mainwaring @LyndaMainwaring]

@balletabuse It won't some of the most dedicated people in dance medicine and science are working towards a global initiative on this topic. Be strong and empowered, be safe and be well, physically and mentally. Keep dance and you safe. Working together, change will happen.

[ballet abuse @balletabuse]

The fight against mistreatment in ballet can’t stop now. It can’t just fall off the radar. Too many people are suffering. Too many minds and bodies are being damaged.

[ballet abuse @balletabuse]

Couldn’t agree more!

[Dr Emily Twitchett @DrTwitchett]

Just a thought - I’m all for dance companies & schools having mental health advisors/ support on their team, (b/c mental health issues come from everywhere).
But how much would they be needed if dance training didn’t involve bullying, excessive workloads or body shaming?!

[ballet abuse @balletabuse]

Students are told to rest. Then the school expects them to be in class 24/7, go to the gym and complete academics. The two just don’t add up. (2/2)

[ballet abuse @balletabuse]

There’s starting to be more advice about what STUDENTS can do to support their mental health. When are we going to hear more about what SCHOOLS/UNIVERSITIES can do to support their students’ mental health. There’s only so much a student can do whilst in a toxic environment (1/2)

[ballet abuse @balletabuse]

Ballet students who are suffering should be able to seek help without fear of what it may do to their training/career prospects

[ballet abuse @balletabuse]

@DrTwitchett Absolutely! Thank you for sharing

[Dr Emily Twitchett @DrTwitchett]

And the same should be remembered when parents come out “in support” of a school or teacher.

[ballet abuse @balletabuse]

YES! THIS!

[law4dance @law4dance]

Abusers will often use other’s “positive” experiences in defence. This is NOT a defence. Likelihood of abuse is not measured by the % of students claiming abuse out of the population. One is too many. @balletabuse #law4dance #dancersalliance #oneistoomany #nojustification

[ballet abuse @balletabuse]

This is a reminder that just because a group of students all went to the same school, does not mean they will have all had the same experience. Schools frequently treat some students better than others. One positive review of a school does not mean that abuse doesn’t exist there

[Graham Watts @GWDanceWriter]

The November issue of @dancingtimes is out & includes my feature article on safeguarding young dancers - IMHO one of the most important topics of current times - my message is that we must stop pressing the snooze button on each wake up call. Thanks to all who helped my research

[Dr Emily Twitchett @DrTwitchett]

😢

It’s rife, sadly. There are some great teachers out there who follow safe dance practice guidelines but we want to spread the message to the others. It is NOT OK TO TREAT PEOPLE LIKE THIS #balletabuse #law4dance #safedanceforall @itvnews @SaferDance @law4dance @athleteafilm

[ballet abuse @balletabuse]

As a student, I experienced gaslighting, the silent treatment, and being encouraged to train through injuries. It still impacts my self-esteem and mental health today and I don’t want the next generation to experience the same things.