Aziza Sa'id's FAQ - Insurance

Q: What about insurance for dance instructors? Do you need Dance Waviers and what should they say?

A: James Janner : The leading (and usually least expensive) source of liability insurance for dance instructors is www.danceinsurance.com. The insurer is Markel Insurance Company. $1,000,000 of liability insurance is a bit high for a venue to require of a dance instructor, unless their are recitals, haflas or similiar events planned at the venue. Then it's average. Without these events a limit of $500,000 is more typical. This is for USA.

A: Roya : My complete, yet short signed waiver states:

I, (name) agree to take full responsibility for my own body and welfare and will not hold R-- W-- dba Roya, MoveIt Studio, or (owners of building) responsible nor liable for any injuries or loss sustained attending Roya's classes.

This also protects the owners and the woman I rent my space from. Slipping on steps, stairs etc, is covered by the owner's own liability policy where I teach, YMMV.

I also (in a form I make every new student fill out, even for one class) ask if they have any physical limitations, challenges, or previous injuries that I should be aware of. I read each one before the students start, and it also helps me to watch out for the bad backs, knees and give attention to modifying movements if needed. (I keep those forms too, since it proves that I did ask, and the person offered any problems that they might encounter.)

Truly, it's a good idea and standard for any good exercise instructor to use. If we want to be professional, then we must BE professional teachers. It's a great responsibility as well as a sacred calling :)

A: Schelli Nimz: Ok, the insurance geek has to step in on this one. Please don’t assume homeowners will cover dance liability. Read the wording of your policy carefully. Without using jargon, most policies cover accidental injury to people. If your sword falls off the wall brackets and pokes them, that would generally be covered. If you are out in public and a coin flies off your costume and chokes a bystander that is generally covered, as long as it isn't related to your business or employment. Note the last two words there.. business and employment. If you are teaching a class, and receiving compensation for it, or if you are in a restaurant, and receiving compensation, chances are your company will decline any claims of injury, it is too much of a liability exposure.

Being the over cautious geek that I am, I have people sign a release of liability waiver. It is generally worded:

I understand Middle Eastern/ Belly Dance is a strenuous activity. I understand I should check with my physician before engaging in strenuous exercise. I release from liability of injury related to participation in this dance class (insert your name here) and (insert name of facility and owner of facility). Sign, date, witness....

Depending on the state you live in, it may not hold water but *generally* a signed/witnessed statement will put you in much better standing if someone decides to make a claim for you. This has actually helped me get in to places to teach that otherwise wouldn't want the risk (a book store). You can check with your insurance carrier to see if they will extend that coverage. Some home/renters policies have a business liability clause that can be added, but that is geared more towards property than injury, and is often subject to a dollar amount way below your other limits, plus the deductible.

A: Amaya: Here in New Mexico, there is a statewide dance organization called the "New Mexico Dance Coalitiion." The very best thing about this group is that I can buy liability insurance for my teaching for $20/year!!! Also I can buy insurance for my shows at a very reasonable price. Membership to NMDC is only $20/yr. Perhaps there is something similar in your state?