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Dance Studio Insurance Policy Information

Dance Studio Insurance. You're passionate about dance and decided that you want to start your own studio so you can share your passion with others. You've found a great location, have your permits, the equipment is all set up, and you may have even hired a few instructors to assist you.

Before you start marketing and accepting students, there's just one more thing that you need to do: get insured.

Dance schools and studios teach the art of dance in various forms, such as ballet, ballroom, hip-hop, jazz, modern, and tap. The school may specialize in one specific type of dance or offer all types.

Some studios offer instruction in cheerleading and gymnastics. Dance schools have smooth floors, generally hardwood, with the flexibility to absorb the impact of various dance steps. There may be barres used for support, or large mirrors allowing students to visually determine that the movements are being performed correctly.

Most dance schools are privately funded through tuition charged to students. Additional revenues are from retail sales, snack bars, fees for special instruction, and admissions to special events.

Why do you need dance studio insurance? What kind of coverage do you need? Below, you'll find the answers to these questions so you can protect yourself, your clients, and your staff so that you can run a successful dance studio.

Dance studio insurance protects your school from lawsuits with rates as low as $37/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked dance school insurance questions:

• What Is Dance Studio Insurance?
• How Much Does Dance Studio Insurance Cost?
• Why Do Dance Studios Need Insurance?
• What Type Of Insurance Do Dance Schools Need?
• What Does Dance Studio Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Why Do Dance Studios Need Insurance?

As the owner and operator of an dance studio, you face many of the same risks that business owners in any other industry face. Your commercial space could be damaged in a fire, a storm, or by an act of vandalism; a vendor could trip, fall, and suffer an injury while dropping something off at your studio, or an employee could suffer a work-related injury, for example.

You also face some unique risks; for instance, a student could get hurt while participating in one of the dancing classes that you sponsor.

If any of the above-mentioned incidents occur, as the proprietor of your dance studio, you are liable and will be responsible for paying the related expenses. For example, if a client breaks their ankle during a hip hop class you teach, you'll have to pay for their medical bills, or if your building is damaged, you'll need to cover the cost of the repairs.

As you can imagine, the cost of medical bills, property damages, and if someone files a lawsuit against you, legal fees, can be exorbitant. If you aren't properly insured, you'll need to pay for these expenses out of your own pocket.

Having the right dance studio insurance coverage in place can help you avoid serious financial turmoil because if something does go wrong, instead of paying the related expenses yourself, your carrier will cover them for you.

In addition to helping you avoid serious monetary losses, certain types of dance studio insurance are compulsory for dance school owners of all styles of dancing, including some of the most popular types:

1. Ballet
2. Ballroom
3. Contemporary
4. Hip Hop
5. Jazz
6. Tap Dance
7. Folk Dance
8. Irish Dance
9. Modern Dance
10. Swing Dance

If your dance instructors and studio aren't insured, you could face serious fines and there's even a chance that you could lose your school of dance.

Dance School's Risks & Exposures

Property exposure is moderate. Ignition sources include audio/visual equipment, electrical wiring, and heating and air conditioning systems. All must be well maintained and meet current codes for the occupancy. The chemicals used to maintain floors and the paints used for backdrops for shows are highly flammable. These should be stored in appropriate cabinets and kept away from combustibles.

Costumes and backdrops are susceptible to damage from fire, smoke, and water. Extinguishing equipment must be easily accessible. If there is cooking on premises, all cooking equipment must be properly protected. Housekeeping must be excellent. Business income may be needed after a loss if backup facilities are not readily available.

Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty and theft of money and securities. Background checks, including criminal history, should be performed on all employees handling money. All job duties, such as ordering, billing, and disbursement, should be separate and reconciled on a regular basis.

If cash is received for tuition payments, receipts should be provided. Bank deposits should be made on a timely basis to prevent the buildup of cash on premises. Books must be audited at least annually. Should students assist in collecting cash in concession stands or for special events, there must be adequate supervision to prevent pilfering.

Inland marine exposure is from accounts receivable for tuition payments, audio-visual equipment used both on and off-premises, computers used in the office and for choreography, and valuable papers and records for students' and vendors' information.

Duplicates should be made of all data and stored off premises. A theatrical property floater may be needed for the backdrops, costumes and other items necessary when the students perform off-site.

Premises liability exposures are high due to the type of instruction and the age and number of students and visitors to the premises. The adult/student ratio should be low enough to permit adequate supervision. Classrooms should be arranged so instructors can see children at all times.

Flooring should have nonskid surfaces. Slips and falls can be reduced through requiring proper footwear, maintenance of flooring, housekeeping, supervision of students, and prompt attention to spills. Sufficient exits must be provided and be well marked, with backup lighting systems in case of power failure. Parking lots and sidewalks need to be in good repair with snow and ice removed, and generally level and free of exposure to slips and falls.

Communicable diseases can be spread quickly to others. Students and staff should be encouraged to wash hands regularly. Emergency procedures should be posted, with employees trained to use them. Evacuation drills should be practiced on a regular basis.

Security is important because the school is responsible for the safety of teachers, staff, students, and visitors. Entrance and exits must be controlled to prevent unauthorized access. If there are dormitories, supervisors' references must be verified, including a criminal background check, and there should be a hard-wired smoke detector in each living unit.

Personal and advertising injury exposures include allegations of copyright or patent infringement, discrimination, failure to prevent intimidation, humiliation, hazing or bullying by instructors or other students, false arrest or detention, invasion of privacy, or unauthorized or intrusive searches. Written procedures should be in place.

Abuse and molestation exposure is very high when there is care and supervision of children and young adults. No coverage is available for the abuser. While there is some coverage for the school where the abuse takes place, it is very restricted. More complete coverage should be purchased through specialized markets.

The school must take all care possible to protect students from predatory adults and older students through background checks, monitoring, and supervision, and reporting all allegations of abuse to the proper authorities.

Automobile exposure is generally limited to hired non-owned exposures due to employees running errands. If there are owned vehicles, all drivers must have appropriate licenses and acceptable MVRs. All vehicles must be well maintained and the records kept at a central location.

Workers compensation exposures for dance instructors is high as physical interaction with students is required during classes, which can result in injuries from lifting, hernia, back sprains, and strains. Exposure to communicable disease is high when working with children. All employees should have up-to-date immunizations to prevent the spread of communicable disease. Working on costumes or staging can result in burns from welding, cuts and puncture wounds from sewing and woodworking, and lung, eye, and skin irritations from dusts, paints or solvents.

Custodians can develop respiratory ailments or contact dermatitis from working with chemicals. If food is prepared on premises, kitchen workers can incur cuts, scalds, and burns. Instructors may travel with students for competitions or performances and may intervene to protect them from injury. Unauthorized visitors can pose a threat to employees as well as students.

What Does Dance Studio Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Dance studios can be sued for various reasons, including personal injury, property damage, discrimination, and copyright infringement. Here are some examples of potential lawsuits and how insurance can protect dance studios:

Personal injury: If a student slips and falls while taking a dance class, they could sustain injuries and hold the dance studio liable. Insurance can help cover medical expenses, legal fees, and any damages awarded in a lawsuit.

Property damage: If a dance studio rents space and damages the property, the owner of the space could sue for damages. Insurance can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement.

Discrimination: If a dance studio discriminates against a student or employee on the basis of their race, gender, or other protected characteristic, they could face a lawsuit. Insurance can help cover legal fees and any damages awarded.

Copyright infringement: If a dance studio uses copyrighted music or choreography without permission, they could be sued for copyright infringement. Insurance can help cover legal fees and any damages awarded.

In general, dance studios can protect themselves from lawsuits by purchasing liability insurance. Liability insurance can cover the cost of legal fees, settlements, and judgments associated with lawsuits arising from accidents or incidents that occur on the studio's premises or during dance classes.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

• SIC CODE: 7911 Dance Studios and Schools
• NAICS CODE: 611610 Fine Arts Schools
• Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 8868 School - Professional Employees & Clerical, 9101 School - All Other Employees

7911: Dance Studios and Schools

Division I: Services | Major Group 79: Amusement And Recreation Services | Industry Group 791: Dance Studios, Schools, And Halls

7911 Dance Studios and Schools: Establishments primarily engaged in operating dance studios, schools, and public dance halls or ballrooms. Establishments primarily engaged in renting facilities used as dance halls or ballrooms are classified in Real Estate, Industry 6512.

• Ballroom operation
• Children's dancing schools
• Dance hall operation
• Dance instructors
• Dance studios and schools
• Discotheques, except those serving alcoholic beverages
• Professional dancing schools

Dance Studio Insurance - The Bottom Line

To find out more about the dance studio insurance coverage you'll need and for help building an insurance package that will properly protect your dance school, speak with a reputable insurance agent.

Additional Resources For Arts & Recreation Insurance

Read up on small business arts and recreation commercial insurance.

• Amusement Parks
• Archery Ranges
• Artist
• Athletic Fields
• Ballparks
• Ballrooms
• Billiard And Pool Halls
• Bowling Alleys
• Carnivals
• Cave Tours
• Dance Studio
• Disc Jockey DJ
• Drive-In Theaters
• Entertainers And Performers
• Event Planning
• Fairs And Fairgrounds
• Film Production
• Fine Art
• Guides & Outfitters
• Handball & Racquetball Courts
• Horse & Dog Racetracks
• Indoor Sports Complexes
• Interior Decorator
• Interior Design
• Motorsports Racetracks
• Musicians
• Photo Booth
• Photographer
• Recording Studio
• Recreation Centers
• Riding Stables
• Roller Sakting Rinks
• Shooting Ranges
• Skateparks
• Skeet & Trap Shooting Ranges
• Ski Resorts
• Stadiums
• Talent Agency
• Tennis Centers
• Theaters
• Video Arcades
• Wedding And Special Event
• Specialty Arts And Antiques
• Specialty Clubs And Leisure Time Activities
• Specialty Entertainment

The arts and recreation industry is a vital part of our society and culture, providing entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. However, as with any business, there are inherent risks and potential liabilities that can arise. This is where insurance comes into play.

One of the main reasons the arts and recreation industry needs insurance is to protect against financial losses due to accidents or injuries. For example, if a performer is injured while rehearsing or performing, their medical bills and lost wages could be significant. Without insurance, the cost of these expenses could potentially bankrupt a small arts organization.

In addition to protecting against accidents and injuries, business insurance can also cover damages or losses due to weather events, natural disasters, and other unexpected circumstances. For example, if a theater is forced to cancel a performance due to a power outage or extreme weather, insurance can help cover lost income and expenses.

Another important aspect of commercial insurance for the arts and recreation industry is liability coverage. This type of insurance can protect against legal claims and lawsuits if someone is injured or becomes ill while attending an event or using facilities. For example, if a patron slips and falls at a theater, they may file a lawsuit against the venue for damages. Liability insurance can help cover the costs of legal fees and any settlement or judgement.

Overall, the arts and recreation industry needs insurance to protect against financial losses and legal liabilities that can arise in the course of business. Without commercial insurance, small arts organizations and recreational facilities could be vulnerable to financial ruin in the face of unexpected events or accidents.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Income with Extra Expense, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, Accounts Receivable, Commercial Articles Floater, Computers, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Employee Benefits Liability, Umbrella Liability, Hired and Non-owned Auto Liability & Workers Compensation.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Bailees Customers Floater, Money and Securities, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices Liability, Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage and Stop Gap Liability.