Sexual Abuse in Dance and Performing Arts Programs

Where Trust and Talent Shouldn’t Be Exploited

Dance, theater, and performing arts give young people confidence, discipline, and an outlet for expression. These creative spaces are meant to inspire, not to harm. But when sexual abuse happens in dance studios or performance groups, it often hides behind hierarchy, silence, and misplaced admiration for those in authority. Some survivors are made to believe that being mistreated is just part of the experience, or worse, that it’s their fault.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our sports sex assault lawyers have represented individuals across New York who were abused by instructors, choreographers, directors, and others trusted within the artistic community. These are often places where personal and professional boundaries blur. That makes it easier for abuse to go unchecked, and much harder for young people or families to speak up.

Why Abuse in the Arts Is Overlooked So Often

The performing arts demand physicality, vulnerability, and often unquestioning dedication. In dance especially, there’s a culture of pushing through discomfort and obeying authority. When a choreographer or director crosses a line, the environment may excuse it as part of artistic expression.

But abuse is never artistic.

Some behaviors that can signal boundary violations:

• Repeated private rehearsals with no supervision
• Inappropriate comments disguised as critiques or character building
• Encouraging touch that feels invasive or unnecessary
• Dismissive responses to discomfort or objections

Abuse in these programs rarely looks like a clear-cut moment. It’s often a slow erosion of trust. Survivors have shared stories of how deeply they questioned themselves, wondering if they were “too sensitive” or “not dedicated enough.” That kind of self-doubt is part of how predators manipulate.

The Role of Power and Control

Performing arts instructors often control who advances. They decide casting, solos, lead roles, and opportunities beyond the studio. That control can be intoxicating for abusers, and terrifying for those under their influence.

Grooming in these environments can look like:

• Public praise followed by private manipulation
• Gifts or extra coaching presented as special treatment
• Emotional dependency that blurs the line between mentorship and control

In some cases, students were pressured into silence because their abuser promised future success, threatened to damage their reputation, or made them feel complicit.

This manipulation is intentional. It isolates victims while building an outward image that keeps suspicion away.

When Institutions Stay Silent

Sometimes, the studio or school where the abuse happened knew, or should have known. But they stayed quiet to protect their name or avoid drama. In doing so, they let the abuse continue.

Red flags that a program isn’t protecting its students:

• No clear policies around student-teacher boundaries
• Refusal to address or investigate complaints
• History of protecting staff after repeated accusations
• Resistance to involving parents in performance or travel planning

In many of our cases, families reported that their concerns were dismissed, ignored, or even blamed on the child. No program should ever discourage a student from speaking up.

The Emotional Toll on Survivors

Survivors of abuse in artistic spaces often carry unique forms of shame and confusion. They may feel betrayed not just by the abuser, but by the art form they loved. Some leave dance or theater entirely, losing a piece of themselves in the process.

They may struggle with:

• Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress
• Feelings of isolation or guilt
• Loss of trust in authority or creative mentors
• Disconnection from a community they once cherished

These emotional wounds are real, and they deserve care, not silence.

How Parents and Peers Can Help

If your child or a loved one is involved in a performing arts program, staying engaged can make a world of difference.

Here are ways to stay informed and supportive:

• Attend rehearsals or volunteer behind the scenes
• Know the adults who regularly interact with students
• Ask about the program’s supervision policies and abuse prevention training
• Create open dialogue about boundaries and trust

If your child begins to show signs of fear, hesitation, or sudden changes in enthusiasm, take it seriously. Ask them gentle questions. Let them know you believe them, no matter what they say.

What to Do If Abuse Has Occurred

If you or your child has been abused in a performing arts program, you are not alone, and you have legal rights. Whether the abuse happened last month or decades ago, it’s worth reaching out.

Here’s what to consider:

• Document texts, emails, or any communication
• Write down memories with as much detail as possible
• Report to law enforcement if the abuse involved a minor

In New York, you can also file a report with the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment if the survivor is under 18.

And if the abuser is a licensed professional, such as a school-affiliated dance instructor, you can also report them to the New York State Education Department’s Office of Professions.

Legal Options for Survivors and Families

You may be able to bring a civil lawsuit against the individual and the institution that failed to act. A lawsuit doesn’t only offer a path toward financial recovery. It can:

• Hold organizations accountable
• Prevent future harm to others
• Help survivors regain power and control

At Horn Wright, LLP, we walk families through every stage, compassionately and privately. We tailor the process to meet your comfort level. Some want public accountability. Others want to move quietly. Either path is valid.

What If You Haven’t Spoken About It Until Now?

It’s common for survivors of abuse in dance and arts programs to wait years before coming forward. Many were children or teens when it happened. Others stayed silent out of fear of being blacklisted in the industry.

But in New York, you often still have time. Child survivors can file civil claims until they’re 55. And depending on the timing, adult survivors may still have options, too.

The first step is a conversation, not a courtroom. We’ll help you explore your rights, your timeline, and your choices. No pressure. No judgment.

You’re Not Just Reporting Abuse. You’re Reclaiming Your Voice.

Abuse in artistic settings silences people in unique ways. It turns dreams into trauma. But that silence doesn’t have to last.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our sexual abuse attorneys are here to listen, protect, and guide. We’re committed to helping survivors hold individuals and institutions accountable, while helping them rebuild what was taken.

If you’re ready to speak, we’re ready to listen. The stage doesn’t belong to abusers. It belongs to those brave enough to reclaim it.