Sooooo, what’s with the elephant?

There’s almost too much symbolism, we couldn’t resist.
Here’s why elephants are so symbolic to this cause…

It’s time to talk about the elephant in the room.
You know the one.

“The elephant in the room” refers to the big, obvious issue everyone sees but no one really wants to talk about. Silence feels safer than risking awkwardness, conflict, repercussions or consequence.

To truly address the elephant in the room, we must admit that as a whole, the Australian dance industry has not done enough to protect and advocate for its young dancers.

It's not exactly easy to shout this one from the rooftops, but someone has to.
So here we are, giving it a crack.

Abuse and exploitation of children and young people in the Australian dance industry is pervasive and ever-present.

It is a complicated, uncomfortable and unspoken truth but none of those things make it any less real.

Our industry has normalised harm and abuse for too long. Children and young people have been left unprotected while misconduct has been excused, minimised or ignored.

The Mighty Elephant exists to break that cycle.

Anddddddd… why is said elephant ‘mighty’?

These are some of the many attributes of elephants that inspire us:

  • 1. Strength

    As the largest and strongest land animals, elephants often symbolise physical power. But they’re also strong in other ways, demonstrating courage and resilience in times of danger and hardship. They are intensely loyal to their herds, and will put themselves in danger to help others.

  • 2. Deep Sense of Responsibility

    Through strong social connections, and led by an elder female (matriarch), members of the herd care for and support each other. They nurture and vigilantly protect young and vulnerable members of the herd.

  • 3. Wisdom and Memory

    Elephants have large brains, exceptional memories, and long lifespans, so they are able to pass down important information to younger generations which is crucial for the herd’s survival.

  • 4. Emotional Intelligence

    Elephants display compassion, empathy and kindness towards each other, and even towards other animals including humans.

  • 5. Collective Behavior

    Elephants work together and share resources to achieve goals and solve problems.

The Mighty Elephant exists to confront the realities the dance industry has ignored for too long.

We initiate important conversations, facilitate change, and hold the Australian dance industry accountable.

This means working alongside government agencies, building pathways for reform and stepping into the role of independent regulator where the industry has failed to regulate itself.

Our focus is broad, because no form of harm or abuse happens in isolation.

We address:

  • Sexual abuse and grooming.

  • Overtraining and unsafe practice.

  • Body image pressure, body shaming, and eating disorders.

  • Favouritism, exclusion, and status mentality.

  • Physical and emotional abuse.

  • Lack of cultural safety.

  • Unqualified teachers and lack of regulation.

  • Crossing or blurring of boundaries.

  • Complicity, bystanding, and the misuse of power.

  • Isolation from family and the training of obedient dancers at the expense of wellbeing.

Our Values

  • 1. Safety is non-negotiable.

    Every child deserves to dance in an environment where their wellbeing comes first. No performance, reputation, or profit is worth risking a young person’s safety.

  • 2. Young people deserve real advocacy, not empty words.

    In our industry, problems are often talked about but rarely acted on. Statements are made, posts are shared, then those accused are protected or rehired and the cycle of harm continues. We are committed to action that breaks the cycle and puts the safety of children and young dancers first.

  • 3. Accountability must replace complicity.

    Looking away, dismissing harm or excusing misconduct makes abuse possible. We call for courage from bystanders, leaders and communities to act.

  • 4. Education is empowerment.

    Real protection comes when dancers, teachers and parents understand their rights and responsibilities. We believe knowledge is the strongest prevention tool against abuse.

  • 5. Change is collective.

    No single person can transform an industry alone. Lasting reform depends on communities working together and holding each other accountable.

Our Committments

  • 1. Highlighting unsafe practices, misconduct and systemic abuse.

    The first step toward change is admitting the truth. We shine a light on harmful behaviours and systems that keep abuse hidden in plain sight.

  • 2. Demanding accountability at every level of the industry.

    No title, reputation or organisation is above responsibility. We push for clear standards for studios to directors and choreographers that protect dancers.

  • 3. Building pathways for independent regulation.

    The industry has failed to regulate itself and external regulators fail to understand the nuance of the issues our industry faces. We work alongside the recommendations and safeguards of government agencies to enforce standards that keep young people safe. And when those standards are not met, we keep the public informed.

  • 4. Equipping teachers, parents and dancers with tools to recognise and prevent harm.

    Knowledge is protection. We provide practical education so that unsafe situations are recognised early and addressed effectively.

  • 5. Reimagining what a safe, thriving dance culture can look like.

    Safety is not the opposite of creativity but the foundation of it. We are committed to reimagining an industry where joy, artistry and wellbeing are at the center of dance.

Our Story

My name is Dean Webster. I am a dancer, teacher, choreographer and advocate.

I am also a survivor of child sexual abuse by a former dance teacher.

*Pictured - Dean sporting an assortment of plush toys at age 7*

Dance has been part of my life since I was seven years old. It has given me joy, belonging and purpose, and it has connected me to a community I care deeply about. Yet alongside that joy, I have also experienced the harm. I have lived it, and I know too many others have as well.

Abuse, grooming, unsafe teaching, and the misuse of power are not distant stories. They are ingrained in the culture of dance in Australia, and for too long they have been ignored, minimised and excused.

The Mighty Elephant is my response. It is the place where my artistry meets my advocacy, and where I channel lived experience into meaningful, systemic change for our community. I believe dance should always be a space of creativity, expression and connection. Never silence, harm or fear.

It is about reimagining a future for dance that protects its youngest voices and restores trust in the art form we love.

This is the vision I carry, and why I will not stop until every child is safe.

“What happened to me should never have happened. And it should never happen again.”

— Dean Webster

One voice starts the conversation but many voices invoke real and lasting change.

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