9/10/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Dance.
From the ballroom to the streets, dancers synthesize rhythm, creative movement, and fitness to execute stunning choreography to music. Ballerinas, folk dancers, and crews alike rely on the 8-count, musicality, and fundamentals of their discipline to captivate their audience and impress the judges. Harnessing elements of art and athleticism, dance is a sport that requires endurance, flexibility, and coordination. When we protect our dancers, we keep this sport safe and healthy for all.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
Use this resource if you are in need of confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, informational athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to concerns about any type of abuse.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call and text service for anyone in need. +1 888-279-1026
Common Dance Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Dance has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- “Partnering” in dance requires close physical contact, which can lead to abusive behavior, especially if athletes and coaches are not educated on appropriate contact and consent.
- The hours required of dancers and early specialization may lead to close relationships and/or blurred boundaries between coaches and athletes, developed over a long period of time.
- In dance, there can be pressure to be physically small and under a certain weight, and weight-related pressure and criticism can lead to a high level of control over athletes and have the potential to encourage eating disorders and low self-esteem.
What’s the difference between tough coaching & abuse?
The Coach Athlete Relationship Dynamics Diagrams below can be used as a gut check; consider the conduct you experience and observe in your sporting community, and discern whether what is occurring aligns with a caring and supportive coach-athlete relationship. For athletes who have unhealthy relationship dynamics with their coaches, inappropriate behavior can be subtle and difficult to discern. Awareness and prevention of these patterns of power and control help keep everyone safe.
Current Events
Unfortunately, news articles chronicling misconduct in sport and unhealthy coach-athlete dynamics are frequent and widespread. Abuse in sport has been occurring for decades, and the public is now becoming aware of these hidden situations as more and more survivors bravely disclose and report misconduct they have experienced. #WeRideTogether is committed to increasing awareness and continually updating this compiled list of current events on the topic of sexual abuse in sport. Sexual misconduct is happening across all sports, at all levels, internationally.
6/29/2026
Arrest report: Victim accused Las Vegas dance coach of sex acts, graphic messages
2/19/2026
Maryland’s Prince George’s school worker, dance instructor indicted in child porn case
1/23/2026
University of Birmingham researchers call for urgent action to improve safeguarding in dance
10/11/2026
As sports betting is normalized, college players have become targets of aggrieved bettors
10/6/2026
Gresham Man Accused Of Faking His Age To Participate In Youth Sports And Sexually Abusing Children, Faces More Charges
10/1/2026
Ohio State Could Owe Millions More to Prior Strauss Sex-Abuse Plaintiffs
9/30/2026
Burke County high school coach charged with felony sex act with a student
Dance Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety, Mental Health, Safeguarding, and Coaching within Dance.
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Common Dance Injuries and Prevention Tips
Physical Safety
Learn about common dance injuries and injury prevention.
Crash Course: Concussion Education
Physical Safety
Learn about the prevention and treatment of concussions.
F.E.A.S.T.
Mental Health
Find support, resources, or connections for families affected by eating disorders.
Reduce The Risk of Disordered Eating & Eating Disorders In Your Studio
Coaching
Learn to prevent and reduce the risk of eating disorders within your studio.
Relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs)
Physical Safety
Gain an understanding of REDs, symptoms and causes of REDs, and prevention.
Safe Dance and Performing Arts Practice Guidelines for Dance and Performing Arts Studios
Safeguarding
Guidelines for maintaining a safe dance environment.
The Hidden Risks of Overstretching: Injury Prevention Tips
Physical Safety
Learn how to recognize and prevent overstretching.
The Impact of Eating Disorders on Athletic Performance
Mental Health
Develop an understanding of the impact that disordered eating has on athletic performance.
Survivor Stories
Survivors are increasingly stepping forward to bravely tell their stories. The following stories reflect the survivors’ personal experiences, as told by them, and may be triggering for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct. All information has been anonymized.
If you are a survivor interested in sharing your story and learning more about this process, please reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today.
We want to hear from you!
You are not alone.
What resources or information do you want for your sport? Contact us and let us know.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct or abuse, please access these resources for help. For additional information on confidential helplines, sexual assault reporting procedures, and mental health resources, click the button below.
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