Guidelines of Consent

1. Take care of yourself.

Pay attention to what you’re feeling and what makes you comfortable.

Take responsibility for your safety and the way you’re moving affects others in the shared space .

2. Get a clear YES.

Approach gradually, without contact, until you get a clear YES, then make contact.

If it’s not a clear Yes , then it’s a No. When others communicate their boundaries pay attention. 

3. suggestions, not force.

Don’t make choices for other people or your dance partners, instead make suggestions and see how they respond . 

4. Exit when you want.

Don’t hesitate to end a dance or leave an exercise whenever you want to.

Every exit is graceful: if you want to leave 3 seconds or three songs into your dance with someone, it’s the perfect time

5. Platonic touch only.

Sexual feelings may arise, but on this dance floor, transmute those energies into dance.

6. Never take a “no” personally.

You don’t know someone else's situation, past experiences, nor mood, so don’t take their boundaries as a rejection.

Take it as a favor: if one person is feeling uncomfortable, you’re not going to have a good dance. Simple as that. Find someone else to dance with or enjoy dancing by yourself . 

7. Communicate.

On the dance floor, communicate with your body (prayer hands or a palm up for “NO”).

Off the dance floor, if you feel comfortable, speak up to the person or to one of the facilitators. You are doing them (and other people on the dance floor) a favor to express your concerns, boundaries, or correct their behavior if they have breached your consent.