Dianne Leathem

With over 40 years experience as a dance professional, I have seen dance from many angles - as a dance teacher, adjudicator, professional dancer/performer in many genres, choreographer, director, mentor, student and parent of a professional ballet dancers.

Together with fellow dance professionals I have been increasingly concerned, and sometimes shocked and horrified, over the way i which many vulnerable parents and their children are being, misled, injured and exploited as dance studios and various competitions and conventions profit. I have written the book "Look Before You Leap" out of a sense of responsibility and to urge all parents, students, teachers and the wider dance community to become more well informed about the dance world and what your children may be subjected to . The worldwide issues that are damaging dance students are: extreme over stretching, over training, unqualified teachers, and the sexualisation of dance students.

I am committed to helping parents to guide their children on a safe, successful and happy dance journey and proper dance education