Author: Georgina Staley

Mind Map Lesson Plan

“The duty which rests on an organisation or individual to make sure that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure the safety of any person involved in any activity for which that organisation or individual is responsible” (Amans, 2008). Therefore I shall complete a Code of Conduct that I will adhere to throughout my practice, which is set out below based on Bartlett, K. & Stenton, C. (2009).

Code of Conduct:

1. Professional Competence

As a teacher and artist within the dance community, I strive to bring the best training and teaching possible to participants of all ages and abilities. My responsibilities are to all stakeholders involved in my practice, to provide high standards in every aspect of my company. This includes the profession and the people within it. Every class I provide will be taught to the best of my ability, as I commit to continuous training and development, in order to keep increasing standards. I will always remain within the outlined legislative frameworks and government directives.

• I occupy the skills, training and knowledge needed to provide my chosen range of classes
• I understand my professional competence, am clear of the boundaries and will remain within them throughout my work
• I am honest and open when displaying my experience and qualifications
• I practice in a skilled manner and ensure I am competent to engage in the work I do
• I will complete ongoing training to improve my skills, knowledge and abilities
• I stay informed of any developments, training, legislation or agendas which may affect my work
• I take it upon myself to help people understand what I do
• I will always follow the required health and safety legislation
• I will always work to provide equal opportunities and follow all appropriate human rights acts.

 

 

2. Responsibility

As a teacher and artist within the dance community I will present myself and my work as being open, dependable, genuine and consistent. This will be continued in my professional relationships. I shall conduct my work in a responsible and thorough manner. I wish to give credit to community dance, my employers and participants.

• I will commit to what I say I will do, and take full responsibility for this
• All relationships, including business and professional, will be consistent and conducted in a sincere and open manner
• I will collaborate and work in a cooperative manner with all stakeholders to maintain effective communication and smooth running of the company
• The aims and outcomes of my work will be outlined, along with who I will be working with, where and how; this will be prepared through relevant research and discussion
• Any support needed will be outlined in advance to ensure efficiency
• All relevant paper work required by my employers and colleagues will be provided in good time
• Fee’s are relevant and appropriate for the work I conduct
• In my absence guest teachers will be informed thoroughly about the session and have appropriate levels of competence
• I am always on time or give good notice if this is not possible
• The context of my work is always taken into consideration when thinking about my appearance and behaviour
• Feedback from all stakeholders is encourages to ensure continued quality within my work
• I improve my work and performance through reflection
• With regard to health and safety, equal opportunities and human rights, I will complete all requirements.

 

 

3. Safety

As a teacher and artist in the dance community, the mental and physical well being of my participants is of high concern. I will ensure the best environment is obtained to encourage enjoyment throughout classes. All statutory and legal requirements will be complied with, in order to safeguard my own and others’ legal, civil and human rights.

• I ensure I am informed of any statutory or legal requirements relevant to my work
• I will outline all professional responsibilities and liabilities in relation to my work
• I will comply with the current legislative framework and current safe dance practice guidelines in all activities
• Policies, processes, roles and responsibilities will be confirmed with employers in advanced to ensure all classes are delivered in a safe manner
• I provide relevant insurance to comply with statutory requirements affecting health and safety
• I have DBS disclosure and understand legal obligations when working with children and vulnerable people
• I have relevant insurance from an accredited broker
• Risk assessments are carried out prior to each class and managed accordingly
• I will do everything in my power to keep participants health, safety and well-being at the highest standards
• If I cannot do work safely I will not continue and report to the appropriate person
• Participants are encouraged to be responsible for their own welfare, behaviour and actions
• I maintain a safe environment by completing required monitoring, record keeping and reporting with relation to consent and confidentiality
• Integrity of relationships is maintained with set, agreed and clear personal boundaries.

 

4. Working with people

As a teacher and artist in the dance community, I will maintain the dignity of all participants and recognise them as independent and equal. I aim to enhance individual experience by supporting diversity. I do not discriminate on the grounds of race, gender, sexuality, religion, ethnicity, age, disability, national or social origin or other status.

• I am sensitive in encouraging participants to share experiences, abilities and interests
• I acknowledge and respect individual differences, perceptions and needs allowing them space and time
• I share ownership of the dance activity, encouraging feedback, input and contributions
• I encourage individuals to be independent in decision making and choices
• The language used can be understood by all participants and is culturally appropriate
• I respect and acknowledge the position, experience and expertise of other specialists and support staff
• I am aware of, and am able to take responsibility for my own well-being, and encourage other people to take responsibility for their behaviour and relationships with others.

 

5. Commitment to the Code of Conduct

The code of conduct sets out what you can expect of me as a teacher and artist in the dance community. If you feel that I have not fulfilled this code in spirit or action, I will commit:

• I will do my utmost to listen, reflect and respond to feedback appropriately
• If there are any concerns I will have an open and constructive discussion
• I will review and change where appropriate, my actions, behaviours and conduct, and take responsibility.

 

 

Bibliography

Amans, D. (2008) An Introduction to Community Dance Practice, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. 51 – 60.

Bartlett, K. and Stenton, C. (2009) Definitions, core values and a code of conduct for community dance. Animated the community dance magazine; winter, 35-38.

 

Our mission is to enrich the lives of the participants within the local community; through high quality teaching of Latin American and Ballroom Dance. We aim to create excitement and passion within participants of all ages and abilities. We also aim to provide a GCSE qualification in contemporary dance to students age 15 and 16, through the exam board AQA.

The vision of Alpha Dance is to bring together people of all ages and abilities within the local community, through high quality teaching of Latin American and Ballroom Dance. We aim to create excitement and passion within participants, by teaching the skills necessary to either learn or improve technique and discipline through the art of dance. We also aim to provide a GCSE qualification in contemporary dance to 15 and 16 year old school students, through the exam board AQA. We aim to accomplish this by setting achievable mid and long term goals, which are set out below.

Mid Term Goals:

• The initial goal is to find appropriate premises, such as a community centre or village hall, which must have a suitable floor space
• To obtain appropriate insurance and licences, to cover all aspects of the company in the services it provides
• To encourage local people to come together and learn a new skill – by putting on demonstrations, leaflet drops, posters, advertising in the local paper, social media, website
• To provide classes that are accessible to all members of the community – in terms of both class times and ability levels
• To teach varying levels of technique, including GCSE level dance qualifications
• Promote fitness, health and wellbeing
• Engage with the local community and build relationships with community groups, companies and potential sponsors

Long Term Goals:

• To asses the popularity of classes and amend staffing accordingly, increasing staff if necessary
• To set up connections with local youth groups, to run after school dance classes
• Expand into more specialised classes such as wedding dances, private lessons and senior citizen social dances
• To expand the reach of the company into other surrounding villages
• To increase involvement within local society, including more public shows, workshops, school visits and medal test opportunities

The vision of Alpha Dance is to provide opportunities for as many people in the local community as possible, irrespective of their age, class or cultural background. The vision of Alpha Dance has been influenced by a number of organisations. One of the main influences on Alpha Dance is The Foundation for Community Dance, community dance quality outlines. The six qualities outlined are: 1, engage directly with people as they define themselves, valuing and respecting who they are, their differences and what they bring individually and collectively to that engagement; 2, providing experiences that contribute positively to self worth, self confidence, and sense of wellbeing; 3, connecting people to experiences that are achievable, yet testing, over which they have a sense of ownership, control and belonging; 4, providing a framework for learning and making effective use of art form skills; 5, engaging people creatively in solving problems, seeking solutions, and finding a form of dance that expresses their concerns, cultures and aspirations; and 6, providing opportunities for people to develop more positive and active relationships with their wider communities (Amans, 2008). These have influenced the vision of Alpha Dance as as an organisation there is a focus on bettering people’s lives through classes which challenge and reward people as well as having a social aspect. Alpha Dance also tries to portray these values in the style’s provided. Although Latin American and Ballroom dance have specific techniques, there are many different dances, from many different cultures, which differ considerably, meaning there will be a dance everyone can enjoy. Additionally when teaching GCSE dance the course is very open to students being creative with their own movement, having no boundaries on what they can do. Alpha Dance was also influenced by Full Bloom’s work with elders. One of Alpha Dance’s goals is to offer senior citizen social dances, this is because as people grow older they may feel like they lose their identity within society, by providing a social dance it gives them the opportunity to stay active within society and meet new people. However, the style of dance provided by Alpha Dance, unlike Full Bloom, will still be in the ballroom style. This is because many older people danced this in their youth and will happily dance without tuition, although tuition will be available throughout on request. Like the classes provided by Full Bloom, the social dance also has health benefits, it will help keep elders physically active without putting high levels of stress on their bodies. Additionally with it being a social dance it gives the opportunity to sit out and socialise during dances that are unknown or un-liked without the fear of being judged by other participants.

Bibliography

Amans, D. (2008) An Introduction to Community Dance Practice, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.