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Injury Policy
The school takes the prevention of injuries very seriously.
In the event that a student becomes injured, careful thought must be given to management of the problem. It is extremely important that the dancer seek qualified medical assistance promptly to ensure that acute injuries do not become chronic problems.
It is expected that students will follow their health professional’s advice carefully. Every effort should be made to schedule appointments for treatment outside of class time and students are expected to attend all of their classes.
In order to support our injury policy, to ensure that all groups reach their highest potential in all performances, and for the safety of all dancers, Students will not be allowed to perform unless they are able to dance full out in all of their classes. Training classes require 100% if the dancer is to be sufficiently prepared for his/her best performance. In Addition, the Edmonton Festival Ballet and Edmonton Contemporary Dancers are in support of this policy and will be enforcing it for all of their performances. If a student is removed from group dances, he or she will not be allowed to perform in any solo, duet, or optional work. Please be reminded that all performances are privileges earned by students through consistent hard work, competent technique, physical ability and performance capabilities. Any student who does not meet these standards will be removed from their dances at the discretion of the Artistic Director in consultation with their teachers.
In order to attend classes, students who are injured must be able to complete at least 80% of each class. This may mean the student dances full out for most of the class and then watches the allegro section (for example). It could also mean that the dancer completes all the exercises in the class to 80% of the maximum. Students who are unable to complete 80% in each class will be removed from the class room for their own safety. These students will be given a written assignment relating to dance that must be completed during class time and turned in at the end of that class. These assignments will be graded and used to compile marks for the missed physical aspects of the class. Students will have to complete this work on their own in the lounge area. In the event that a note does not accompany the student from their parent, the parent will be phoned.
Students who are injured have the added responsibility of staying in shape while they are unable to participate in classes. They should attend and participate as much as possible in Physical Education classes work on conditioning, stretching and strengthening. These activities should be completed daily outside of class time to prevent injury upon their return to dancing. Any student who is unable to participate for an extended amount of time will be moved to the level below to assist them in getting in shape when they are able to return. When they have progressed to the degree they can handle their original level, they will be moved back to that level. These decisions will be made at the discretion of the Artistic Director and the staff.
Students who are unable to complete the class to 80% due to illness should not be in school. They will be asked to phone home and leave school as soon as arrangements can be made to pick them up. Students with severe illnesses may be removed from choreography to prevent them from injury and undue strain at the discretion of the Artistic Director in consultation with his/her teachers.
Staff will complete student review each month to check individual progress. Parents and students will be notified if there are concerns about progress or performance opportunities.
Please note that regardless of past participation, students who are unable to dance full out or are absent from final rehearsals, dress rehearsals and/or stage rehearsals will not be permitted to perform. This is for the professionalism and safety of all involved.