Orientation & Class Guidelines ::: self-care & getting along
When we come to class, our sense of comfort, security, freedom, empowerment, and responsibility can be enhanced, and it can also be degraded.
It's up to us to create spaces that support goodness.
Core values.
No previous dance or meditation experience required to inhabit this invitational zone of attention.
This is a space for embodied experience: breathing, sensing, feeling, occupying different shapes, positions, and locations, resting, and moving. You don't have to "dance".
People of all genders/sexualities, cultures/colours/creeds, sizes, states of health and (dis)ability, and ages 13+ are welcome. Benches/chairs will be on hand for seated dance.
No one turned away for lack of funds. Please contact me if you're facing access obstacles.
We move in a field of consent: mutual transparent communication and boundary observance that can be requested, extended, and withdrawn.
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Essential practices.
1. We show respect to all people, irregardless of how we perceive and interpret them.
2. The whole process from arrival to departure is sacred space for embodied, meditative, exploratory practice -- not a space for current-events talk.
When arriving onsite, please take a moment to consciously step away from your reactions and dogmas of the moment, *then* step toward class.
3. Our default setting is to give others at least 6 feet of space. We pay attention to preserving this cushion.
4. We can request options such as small-group or partner dance, and we can say no or yes, if and for as long as we choose, no reasons required.
5. We assume that others are content to dance solo unless we receive clear consent to partner or small-group dance.
6. We don't make physical contact with others unless we receive clear, ongoing consent.
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Practical housekeeping and boundaries. These are attended to.
YES, always tell me or a crew member if you’re leaving early, so we know you’re okay.
YES, ask me for attention or orientation if you need it during practice, including first aid. It's an important part of my job to give you appropriate support.
YES, avoid all chatting in the space where others are practicing. It interrupts and derails them.
YES, if you need to communicate with another on a matter of the dance, such as space sharing, partnering, or safety, often you can do so with movement. Sometimes dancers find themselves in a situation that requires an unmistakable message. If this happens to you, it's perfectly okay! Do speak up. Use direct words, e.g., "Are you available to partner right now?" "I don't want to partner." "No." "I'm injured." "Don't touch." "Do you need first aid?" "I need first aid." "Sorry I bumped into you." "Are you okay?" "Can I help? " "I need the teacher." "Give me more space." "Stop."
YES, please wear shoes for support or warmth, or bare feet. Indoor floors require clean shoes. Socks are slippery; falls do happen.
NO phones/devices in the practice space. Our need for real-world, non-distracted time has reached a critical state. Power them off unless you're a medic, caregiver, or parent on call, or you use a device to monitor a health condition. Outside of these important purposes, when someone's device is active in our shared space, it has direct impacts on the group.
NO photography or video-taking during practice. It punctures others' emotional safety and the group field.
NO intoxicants. If you take CBD/THC for health reasons, non fresh-smoke methods would benefit the group.
NO to strong scents such as perfumes, scented laundry products, etc. These often trigger headaches and compromise breathing.
If you'd like any clarification, please ask. Thank you!
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Practical care measures.
Bring plenty of water in your own containers. (Also take them back home with you.)
Wear comfy, un-restricting layers that make it easy for you to cool down or warm up at need.
If we're dancing outdoors, always come prepared for cold, wind, rain, and hot sun. Weather changes. A lot.
If we're dancing indoors, there's likely to be a lot of fresh-air ventilation. Come with lots of warm, loose layers.
If you have tender joints or injuries, it's a great idea to wear cushioned shoes.
If you are prone to blood-sugar dives, it's a great idea to have an easy-access snack on hand.
5Rhythms Teacher Joanne Winstanley offers wonderful "Points for Practice", a very helpful orientation.