how is the dance sector doing?
Amsterdam, May 21, 2024 –This week marks exactly one year since Verinorm published the “Shadow Dancing” (Schaduwdansen) report which unveiled the abuses in the dance sector. The investigatory report revealed that the culture within the Dutch dance world allows for transgressive behavior and abuse of power to take place. Now, a year later, it is time to reflect on the impact of this report and how it has pushed us to take steps towards making the dance sector socially safer.
Are we able to say that the dance sector is a socially safe sector where transgressive behavior does not occur? No. A complete culture change is needed to make that a guarantee. Bringing together a fragmented dance landscape within one alliance is the first step in that direction. For the first time, many different dance styles are working together, which is unique in the history of the broad sector. Outgoing Minister, Conny Helder, praises the courage of the dancers who have spoken out against cross-border behavior and underlines the need for unity to make the dance sector safer: “I have great admiration for all the dancers who have broken the silence. The fact that the dance landscape is highly fragmented – both in terms of organization and styles and culture – has made it even more difficult to seek help. I am therefore glad that the dance world is now uniting to do things differently.”
Fifteen organizations from across the breadth of the dance sector have joined the Dance Safe Alliance over the past year. Within the structure of governance, each is making valuable contributions to the alliance’s goals from his or her specific role and organization. Together, the alliance partners have developed a campaign through which they express recognition to all dancers and indicate that transgressive behavior should never have happened. This video, developed for and by dancers from various styles within the dance sector, has achieved tremendous reach thanks to frequent sharing by the dancers and organizations involved. The positive reactions emphasize how important sharing this message has been.
Désirée, former Dutch Champion Classic Showdance and one of the dancers who participated in the video, emphasizes, “The time when we accepted that this was part of the story, has passed. Together we are stronger and together we can make our beautiful sport stronger. I want the dance world to be safer. For the future, for my children and for all the young dancers who will come to dance in the future. For that reason, I am participating.”
Expert groups have been set up to work on the various themes that come out of the recommendations from ‘Schaduwdans’. Dancers from across the sector represent the dancer perspective and bring their expertise to the groups as we address the themes. In the coming year, the Alliance will work with dancers and involved organizations within these expert groups, to come up with structural solutions to follow up on the report’s recommendations.
In addition to these initiatives, the Dance Safety Alliance has taken other steps to make the dance sector socially safer. But, we are not there yet. We therefore remain committed to making positive change. Each contributes from their own background to one common goal: a socially safe dance sector as the norm.
Have you experienced transgressive behavior, such as bullying, discrimination, (sexual) harassment or abuse? Or have you witnessed something that is not acceptable? Talk about it.
For advice, support and confidential conversations, please contact:
MORES Foundation
Independent confidential counselors for dancers and those involved in art, culture and dance education.
Telephone: : 06-12 16 33 26
Website: https://mores.online/
Center for Safe Sports Netherlands (CVSN)
Independent confidants for everyone within the dance sport.
Phone: 0900-2025590
E-mail: centrumveiligesport@nocnsf.nl
Website: https://centrumveiligesport.nl/
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