Dance Coach Charged with Child Abuse in Prince George's County

Julia Wagner · 2026-02-19

Let's talk about something that's tough to discuss but incredibly important. A dance coach working within Prince George's County Public Schools has been charged with child sex abuse. It's the kind of news that stops you in your tracks, especially for those of us in the dance community who dedicate our lives to creating safe, nurturing spaces for young artists. This isn't just another headline. It hits close to home for studio owners, choreographers, and instructors across the country. We build our reputations on trust—the trust of parents who hand us their children for hours each week, believing we'll protect them while teaching them to express themselves through movement. ### The Reality of Background Checks When something like this happens, it makes everyone pause and ask: are we doing enough? Most studios require basic background checks, but let's be honest—those systems aren't perfect. They can miss things, especially if someone hasn't been caught before. It's like checking the weather report for yesterday's storm; it tells you what already happened, not what's coming. Here's what many studios are now considering beyond standard checks: - Multiple reference checks from previous employers - Observing instructor behavior during trial classes - Implementing clear policies about adult-child interactions - Regular training for all staff on recognizing grooming behaviors ### Creating a Culture of Safety Safety isn't just about paperwork and procedures. It's about creating an environment where kids feel empowered to speak up if something feels wrong. I remember talking to a studio owner who told me, "We teach our dancers to listen to their bodies when they're stretching. Why wouldn't we teach them to listen to their instincts about people?" That conversation stuck with me. It's about building more than just technical skill—it's about building confidence and awareness. When children understand they have a voice that will be heard, they're less likely to become victims. ### What This Means for Studio Owners If you're running a dance studio right now, you're probably thinking about your own policies. That's good. This news should make us all reflect. But here's the thing: we can't let fear paralyze us. We need to channel that concern into creating better systems. One studio director I know implemented what she calls the "two-adult rule." No instructor is ever alone with a single student behind closed doors. There's always another adult within sight or hearing distance. It's not about distrusting her staff—it's about protecting everyone, including the instructors themselves from false accusations. > "The measure of our community isn't in avoiding problems, but in how we respond when they occur," she told me during our conversation. ### Moving Forward with Awareness This case in Prince George's County serves as a sobering reminder. The dance world is small, and news like this travels fast. It affects how parents view all of us, not just the individual involved. That's why transparency and proactive safety measures matter more than ever. We need to have these difficult conversations with our staff, with parents, and even with our older students. What does safety look like in our studios? How do we create boundaries that protect without creating barriers to genuine mentorship? It's a balancing act, I know. You want to create that family atmosphere where everyone feels connected, but you also need clear professional boundaries. The truth is, you can have both. It just takes intention and consistent practice. ### The Path Ahead for Dance Professionals So where do we go from here? First, take a look at your current policies. When was the last time you updated them? Background checks should be renewed regularly, not just when someone is hired. Consider bringing in a child safety expert to train your staff—not just once, but as part of ongoing professional development. Talk to other studio owners in your area. Share best practices. This isn't about competition; it's about raising standards for our entire industry. When one studio implements better safety measures, it benefits everyone by increasing community trust in dance education. Most importantly, keep the conversation going. Don't let this be something you think about for a week and then forget. Make safety part of your studio's culture, as fundamental as proper technique or musicality. Because at the end of the day, what we're really teaching isn't just dance—we're teaching young people how to move through the world with confidence and grace, and that starts with making sure they're safe while they're with us.