Inclusion, Equality and Diversity

Dancing Petals is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all its participants. We are committed to creating a dance environment that allows students to participate without barriers and realize their full potential. We aim to provide opportunities for embodied learning and to transcend social and cultural divides.

This policy outlines our commitment to promoting inclusion, equality, and diversity in all aspects of our activities. We strive to:

• Create an inclusive organizational culture, that values merit, openness, fairness and transparency.

• Showcase a range of people and perspectives in our Newsletters, Social media content and Website – keeping in mind the range of ages, ethnicity, gender, geographic locations and social backgrounds of those we feature

• Have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of harassment.

• Ensure our learning curriculum and performance program reflects our ethos.

• Create dance materials, including music and choreography that reflect a diverse range of cultures, genders, abilities, and body types.

• Differentiate lessons for different abilities and different physical or learning needs.

• Invest in resources to accommodate different learning styles and accessibility needs. (written materials, visual aids, and video demonstrations)

• Use varied teaching methods and communication styles - visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Be flexible and adaptable. Encourage collaboration and peer support.

• Make application for reasonable adjustment for a student to allow them to demonstrate their exam work to the best of their ability.

• Provide a range of suitable options that meet the needs of our activities. For example in terms of makeup for shows, hair styles and clothing for class and events

• Promote inclusive language and recognize individuality. Avoid assumptions about gender, race, or ability. For example, use gender-neutral terms and diverse examples.

• Promote diversity and ensure necessary support and culture for all students to thrive.

• Embrace practices and ideas that are relevant to a diverse audience.

• Proactively seek partnerships with local organizations that represent the local diversity.

• Collaborate with artists and organizations to deepen relationship with diverse communities.

• Define clear ways to raise concerns and provide feedback to be acted upon in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion.

• Provide opportunities for everyone to participate. This includes recruitment, training, and progression opportunities.

• Provide ongoing training for teachers on inclusive teaching practices, cultural sensitivity, and diversity awareness.

• Encourage staff to stay informed about relevant legislation and best practices.