If you’ve ever worried about safeguarding in your dance space, or felt alone trying to work out what “best practice” actually looks like in a church hall studio, this is for you. The British DanceSport Association (BDSA) has just been shortlisted for the Safer Sport Award at the London Sport Awards 2026, and it’s recognition of something the wider dance sector has needed for far too long: a clear, consistent framework for keeping young dancers safe.
Here’s what this actually means. For years, dance teachers and school owners have operated in a safeguarding grey area. Unlike schools or regulated childcare, extracurricular dance settings haven’t always had the same robust standards. That gap leaves you vulnerable, your students at risk, and everyone anxious. The BDSA’s nomination reflects a serious programme of work to close that gap — not just with one initiative, but with real, structural change that could benefit the entire sector.
The work the BDSA has been doing is substantial. They’ve created a National Safeguarding Framework specifically for extracurricular activities (which includes dance), developed governance systems that embed safeguarding at every level, and launched BDSA Be Safe — a dedicated reporting line run with the charity Crimestoppers that offers professional, anonymous, 24/7 reporting for concerns. They’ve also made sure children don’t attend competitions without parental support by implementing a policy that lets one parent attend free of charge with their child. That’s not flashy, but it’s smart safeguarding in practice.
Beyond policy, the BDSA launched Respect the Step, an education campaign focused on teaching with integrity — covering consent, appropriate physical contact, professional boundaries, and spotting red flags. They’ve also made it clear they have zero tolerance for misconduct across all members, dancers, volunteers, and coaches. As Marcus Hilton MBE, BDSA President, put it: “This nomination honours the countless hours of dedication from our leadership, staff and members who have contributed to developing the National Safeguarding Framework, strengthening governance, advocating for policy change and creating safer spaces.”
So why should this land on your radar? Because whether you’re teaching ballet in a parish hall or running a private danceport academy, these frameworks aren’t hypothetical — they’re tools you can use. The BDSA’s work sets a standard that dance teachers and parents can point to when they’re making decisions about where to train. It means there’s now a clearer conversation to be had about what good safeguarding looks like, and you’re no longer improvising in the dark. That’s a win for the whole profession.
The awards ceremony takes place on 29 April 2026 at the Guildhall in London. Whether the BDSA takes the award or not, their work is already shaping the sector. If safeguarding is something that’s been on your mind — and let’s be honest, it should be — this is worth keeping an eye on.
Responses