Establishing Standards of Excellence

Establishing Standards of Excellence

Integrity in Dance Education
High Standards • Age-Appropriateness • Lasting Impact

Defining Integrity

Personal Integrity: Living in alignment with your values, modeling kindness & respect.

Professional Integrity: Consistently meeting high standards in teaching and behavior.

Impact on Students: Guiding children to be conscientious, respectful, and compassionate human beings—not just skilled dancers.

Artistic Integrity

Caring about more than the final performance—valuing the process and the person.

Creating choreography, costumes, and experiences that are age-appropriate & developmentally appropriate.

Prioritizing student growth over “likes” or viral trends.

Encouraging respect for the art form and joy in learning.

The Teacher’s Role

Set expectations for:

Creativity

Self-discipline

Technical proficiency

Individual expression

Work ethic

Model awareness & concern for students’ physical, cognitive, and emotional development.

Make every choice with the whole child in mind—not just the dancer.

What is Age-Appropriate?

Definition (Cornell University): Topics, messages, and methods that fit the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development of the age group.

Varies by stage of life—what’s fine for a 15-year-old may not be for a 9-year-old.

Requires understanding how children develop healthy minds & bodies.

Practical Classroom Integrity

Etiquette: Teach and model respectful studio behavior. Prepare students for outside classes by explaining expectations.

Modifications: Model safe choices—demonstrate adjustments for days when movement feels “off.”

Dialogue: Ask students what they relate to, then guide toward age-appropriate themes.

Explanations: Be willing to explain artistic & training decisions clearly.

Word Choice: Use constructive language, calm tone, and measured delivery.

Integrity in Creative Choices

Ask before approving any choreography, costume, or music:

Is it safe for the student’s body?

Is it developmentally appropriate for their age?

Does it align with our studio’s values & culture?

Does it protect the student’s dignity on and off stage?

Would you be proud to have this choice seen by students’ parents, grandparents, or judges?

Culture is a Collective Agreement

Integrity is upheld by everyone: owners, staff, students, and parents.

Every action—lesson plans, corrections, choreography, costuming—should protect and strengthen the studio’s culture.

Richard Smith (360° Dance Festival): “Our role as educators is to make that journey age appropriate.”

Takeaway Message

Integrity in dance is not optional—it’s essential.
It’s how we:

Protect young dancers physically & emotionally.

Model the values we hope they carry into life.

Ensure our art form is represented with respect and excellence.