Abuse in the Dance Industry

Sadly, abuse happens in any environment and Dance schools are no exception. 

Abuse in the Dance Industry has been quite a talking point in the media recently with the abuse allegations emerging on BBC Strictly Come Dancing, which are currently still being investigated.

In 2023 the former UK ballroom dance champion Richard Still was jailed for 6 years and 8 months after pleading guilty to 3 counts of engaging in activity with a girl under 16 and 1 count of causing or inciting child prostitution or pornography. Mr Still was the lead safeguarding officer for the British Dance Association at the time of his arrest, a position he was meant to be protecting young dancers in.   

Abuse in this environment is nothing new unfortunately, many survivors of historical abuse in the dance industry are now bravely speaking out.   

A dance teacher who was left unchecked for years, Neil Harris, was found guilty in 2018 and again in 2020 of sexually abusing children at the Ann Harris School of Dance.  He was found guilty of indecently assaulting 4 girls in the 1970s and 1980s and a further 25 offences of indecent assault on 10 girls and 1 boy between 1960s and 1990s.  He will remain on the sex offenders register for life.

Following a sadly increasing number of abuse allegations in this industry in both physical and sexual abuse, calls have been made for reforms to be made to protect vulnerable dance students from dance teachers using their position of authority.

If you have suffered abuse within the dance industry, then please do not hesitate us.

Jordans Solicitors – helping victims of sexual abuse claim compensation

If you have been a victim of physical and/or sexual abuse and would like to speak to one of our Specialist Abuse Lawyers in confidence, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We have the knowledge and experience to advise you on the available options for pursuing a Criminal Injuries Compensation Claim and/or civil damages claim.

Our Sexual Abuse Compensation Team can be contacted by telephoning 08009555094 or 03303001103.