YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Give a Voice to the Silenced

If you have experienced harm in the dance industry, we want you to know that your story matters. You are not alone, and what happened to you was not your fault.

This documentary exists because survivors chose to speak. Their courage is creating change. If you're ready to share your experience, we are here to listen.

Resources

Practical tools for safer systems

Evidence-based resources from federal agencies and nationally recognized organizations. Everything here is survivor-respectful, clear, and action-oriented.

Support resources

Nationally recognized organizations and reporting pathways.

Hotline
National Sexual Assault Hotline — RAINN

RAINN operates the largest U.S. anti-sexual violence hotline and partners with over 1,000 local service providers. Research from the U.S. Department of Justice and CDC informs its trauma-informed response protocols.

800-656-HOPE (4673)rainn.org
Hotline
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

Childhelp is designated by Congress and supported by federal child protection frameworks. Counselors are trained in crisis intervention and mandated reporting guidance.

Advocacy
National Children's Advocacy Center

The NCAC model is evidence-based and widely adopted across the U.S. It integrates forensic interviewing, multidisciplinary investigation teams, and child-focused services to reduce retraumatization.

nationalcac.org
Federal
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services

Provides federally supported research on mandated reporting laws (state-by-state), recognizing grooming behaviors, preventing institutional abuse, and best practices for youth-serving organizations.

childwelfare.gov

Parent safety questions

An evidence-informed checklist aligned with research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Darkness to Light. The CDC identifies organizational safeguards and supervision protocols as major protective factors in youth settings.

Before enrolling in a studio, convention, or travel competition
  • Do you have a written code of conduct available to parents?
  • Are background checks conducted for all staff, guest instructors, and chaperones?
  • Is there a clear independent reporting channel outside studio leadership?
  • What are supervision policies during travel and hotel stays?
  • Are one-on-one closed-door rehearsals permitted?
  • Are adults prohibited from private digital communication with minors?
  • What safeguards exist to prevent retaliation after reporting?
  • Are instructors trained annually in child abuse prevention?
  • Is there a conflict-of-interest policy regarding casting and scholarships?
  • Who reviews and audits safety policies annually?

Research shows organizations with explicit prevention policies significantly reduce abuse risk compared to those without formal structures.

Email templates

Research-based advocacy templates structured around policy reform principles from the National Conference of State Legislatures and the U.S. Department of Justice. Each template references mandated reporting laws, background check research, and organizational risk factors.

Discussion guide

A structured conversation framework developed using principles from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

Dance Education & Safety Organizations

Organizations dedicated to improving safety, education, and advocacy in the dance industry.

Dance Data Project

Research and data on gender equity and leadership in dance.

Visit website
National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)

Advancing dance education through research, standards, and advocacy.

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Dance Awareness

Promoting health, safety and awareness in the dance community.

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Youth Protection Association for Dance (YPAD)

Certifying studios in youth protection and age-appropriate practices.

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Dance Safe Now

Resources for creating safer dance environments for young dancers.

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Dance Education Equity Association

Promoting equity and inclusion in dance education.

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Support & Advocacy

Organizations providing support for survivors and advocating for systemic change.

The Athlete Survivor Assist

Supporting athlete survivors of abuse with resources and advocacy.

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Dance/USA

National service organization supporting the dance ecosystem.

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Survivors.org

Connecting survivors with support services and community.

Visit website
Breaking Barriers

Advocating for safer environments in youth activities.

Visit website

Helplines

24/7 support lines for immediate assistance.

24/7
Courage First Athlete Helpline

Confidential support for athletes experiencing abuse.

888-279-1026
24/7
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

24/7 crisis support and information.

1-800-422-4453
24/7
Mental Health Support (988 Lifeline)

Call or text 988 for mental health crisis support.

988
24/7
Crisis Text Line

Free, 24/7 text-based mental health support.

Text HELLO to 741741
24/7
RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline

Confidential support for survivors of sexual violence.

800-656-HOPE (4673)

Important notice

If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. This page provides general information based on publicly available research from federal and nationally recognized organizations. It does not replace therapy, medical care, or legal advice.