Last modified on Wed 12 May 2021 10.33 EDT
A revered former English National Ballet (ENB) principal dancer faces a lengthy prison sentence after he was convicted of sexually abusing young dance students in his care.
Yat-Sen Chang, 49, a leading figure within the British and international ballet scene, used his “power and prestige” to commit sexual offences against young students at ENB, a trial heard.
A jury at Isleworth crown court in west London on Tuesday convicted him of 12 counts of sexual assault and one count of assault by penetration.
Young girls whom he had been entrusted to teach had been in awe of his status and Chang had believed his fame would protect him from any complaints, according to prosecutors.
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May 11, 2021 - 10:35 AM
LONDON (AP) â A former English National Ballet principal dancer was convicted Tuesday of sexually assaulting young female dance students.
Yat-Sen Chang, 49, was found guilty of 12 counts of sexual assault and one count of âassault by penetration.â The offenses took place at the English National Ballet and Young Dancers Academy in London from 2009 to 2016, and relate to four teens who were between 16 and 18 years old at the time.
The victims accused Chang of touching them inappropriately during massages at the schools. During the trial, Chang said he had âno ideaâ why the allegations were made against him, and said he hadn t touched any of the complainants in an inappropriate or sexual way.
Ex-English National Ballet dancer convicted of sex crimes
by The Associated Press
Last Updated May 11, 2021 at 1:44 pm EDT
LONDON (AP) A former English National Ballet principal dancer was convicted Tuesday of sexually assaulting young female dance students.
Yat-Sen Chang, 49, was found guilty of 12 counts of sexual assault and one count of “assault by penetration.” The offenses took place at the English National Ballet and Young Dancers Academy in London from 2009 to 2016, and relate to four teens who were between 16 and 18 years old at the time.
The victims accused Chang of touching them inappropriately during massages at the schools. During the trial, Chang said he had “no idea” why the allegations were made against him, and said he hadn’t touched any of the complainants in an inappropriate or sexual way.