Task 5a) Codes of practice applying to me when bringing dance to community settings

I have been considering the codes of practice which may apply to me when I am working in care homes for the elderly and bookshops, bringing dance to the community. I came up with the following ideas.

• The dancer should use a professional and positive manner when speaking and communicating.

• The dancer should adhere to schedules and timings agreed upon prior to the event.

• A dancer should be clear about what is being presented and adapt it according to the audience. Taking into consideration the age and ability of participants/audience members.

• Consultation must take place with officials of the business for which the dancer works, such as the outreach officer or manager before the event takes place to ensure that the nature of the event ties in with the business/ charity.

• If there are participants or audience members with specific needs/requirements these must be discussed with carers, officials, parents or guardians so that strategies can be produced to ensure all participants and audience members can enjoy the event.

• The dancer should respect each individual with whom they work, ensure that everyone is treated with equal attention and encourage everyone to participate as fully as they can within their own personal boundaries.

• The dancer must pay close attention to the health and welfare of the individual during the time that they are working with them.  Immediately informing carers, parents or guardians if there is any cause for concern.

• The dancer must be very careful when making any physical contact with participants. If this is the nature of the event it must be clearly outlined and where necessary it must be ensured that all parties have signed consent forms for this.

• The dancer must ensure that they receive signed consent forms for photographs and videos and these consent forms must disclose how the photographs may be used. In the event that one party does not give consent they must not be included within any photographs or video footage.

• If the dancer wishes to use any information about the event afterwards on a blog or for reflective study purposes, they should take care not to name any participants and be careful about the information they display such as the place of the performance if detailed information is given.

• Any helpers or co-workers must also be aware of the procedures.