Today marks exactly two years since the Shadow Dancing (Schaduwdansen) report was published. For many dancers, the report meant recognition: finally, what had long been kept silent was spoken out loud. It sparked a widely shared awareness that things must change — and that change is possible. Two years later, that movement is tangible.
With the publication of the 2024–2025 annual report, the Alliantie Dans Veilig looks back on a year full of collaboration, deepening, and connection.
A sector in motion
On July 2, 2024, the first Dans Veilig Knowledge Day took place — a milestone. Stakeholders from all parts of the sector came together to share ideas, discuss dilemmas, and set direction toward a shared goal: a socially safe dance world. The knowledge day marked the kickoff of expert groups, which have since been working on themes such as power relations, wellbeing, reporting structures, and education.
Additionally, the Ethical Committee and Follow-up Committee were officially established, laying an important foundation for independent oversight and ongoing reflection on the follow-up to Shadow Dancing report.
Support and tools
Dancers, teachers, organizations, and reporters are increasingly finding support. On the renewed website, clear information, infographics, routes for help and advice, an online care map, and an overview of expert confidants are available.
For dance schools, a social safety guide has been published, featuring practical tools such as a step-by-step plan for reporting, codes of conduct, and tips for conversations in teaching practice. A free e-learning course has also been launched, focused on recognizing and preventing transgressive behavior.
Connection with the field
The Alliantie Dans Veilig has been visible in the field over the past year. During events, competitions, and conversations with companies, information was not only shared but also actively listened to. Social safety was discussed as an essential part of professional work at the Dutch Dance Days and the Dance Medicine course.
In addition, an exploration has started into the need for a professional association for dancers, with initial input already gathered from the first focus group.
Moving forward together
The first foundations have been laid: a structure has been built, knowledge has been gathered, and collaboration has been established. From this basis, Dans Veilig will continue to take further steps — together with the sector — in following up on the recommendations from the Shadow Dancing report.
“We are now at the beginning of the cultural shift that needs to take place in the dance sector in the years to come.”
– Nienke Eilander, projectmanager Dans Veilig
The full 2024–2025 annual report can now be read here (in Dutch): Jaarverslag 2024- 2025
For the current status on the follow-up of recommendations from the Schaduwdansen report, see the status per recommendation (in Dutch) on this page.