Thread: Minors in Performing Group?

I now have 2-3 minors (16-17 y/o) in classes and have researched appropriate measures for having them in class - releases, etc.... What are the implications of allowing them to dance with the group at local festivals or workshop shows? At the least, I should get a release from the parent for them to perform, but what about photos and video (esp. those taken by spectators not related to our group.)

I know I should consult my attorney, but just wondering what others do.

Another consideration is chaperoning them. Will any of their family members be dancing with you? If not, you might want to consider putting specific individuals in charge of keeping an eye on them. Imagine how sick you'd feel if one of them were to vanish or be attacked when at an event with your group.

Admittedly, "stuff" can happen to adult dancers too. On a survey on my web site about personal safety, 1.75% of the respondents have reported that someone attempted to assault them when they were coming and going from a dance gig. That might not sound like a big number, but it's almost 1 in 50.

So, if you know 50 dancers, this means there's a chance one of them has had an attempt made on her.

If an adult in your troupe were to be assaulted, you'd feel bad for her, but probably no one would hold YOU personally accountable. But if a minor in your group were to be assaulted, her parents might hold you accountable. Her parents would be trusting you to keep their daughter safe while she's in your custody.

We have a minor who has been with us four years. Her mother monitored her interactions with us very closely the first two years and still attends every performance. Aside from the parent's signature on the class release and troupe contract, we don't concern ourselves with any photo or video issues because that could happen at any time and any place, not just dancing, and because the parents are very closely involved. They keep themselves appraised of what we do, when we do it and what their child is doing in the group.

The venues that we include her in are festivals and concerts, no restaurants or bars or anywhere else folks might attempt to touch her or tip her.

She herself is part of an Irish band that plays out regularly.

The Mom just emailed me for a picture for the yearbook, as a matter of fact.

CALL the parents, and actually talk, interact with them, or have them drop by after a class (or if they bring/pick up their kid).

even if you have the legal paperwork, with the minors i prefer having an actual contact with them, that can really alleviate most of the parents worries (they see you, the rest of the troupe, and you become a person, someone they can also more easily contact if there is ever an issue, they see that it's "serious", with dancers, troupe mates that work hard, and try to accomplish something, they see how their kid interacts with you, with the others, makes things more stress free).

make sure to communicate clearly what the transport system is. with the minors; the few times they went to a gig and did not have their own chaperonne there the whole time, i always made sure they got home safe, had someone drop them of at home, and asked them to call in when they got home, text me, etc. parents appreciated this.

problem i've had is when the parents are divorced (and one approves of the dancing/being a part of community gigs, and the other doesnt).

oh, and make sure the parents have seen the costuming/approve, and that that doesnt become an issue after the fact

My teacher has two teenagers that perform occasionally at festivals with the troupe. Both of their mothers are in the same class and perform with them! I think that's the best way to have the parents involved.

Thanks for the advice! You've all brought up some good points.