:::ABOUT CONSENT:::

The Salt Spring Island Contact Improvisation community strives for an open,
transparent, safe, creative, connective and forward thinking space.
We are here for the practice of the form and we are aware that it reaches beyond the physical.

All our attendees deserve a safe space to explore the practice.
Our team is conscious of the wide palette CI is offering in terms of connection, attraction and repulsion.
We are aware of the nuanced and subtleties emerging relations might contain.
We aim to bring consent to the forefront to make sure we are all understood, witnessed and supported in all these relations.

By showing up in the dance space, you are giving consent to others to approach you for a dance, while acknowledging your right and responsibility to move away from an undesired connection and express your boundaries.
If you need support, our team is here to hear, support and mediate any conflicts.

Off-limit touch
Unless a prior rapport has been establish, non-consensual pass-by pokes, kisses, tickles, caresses, massages or pats
while dancing or passing by someone on or off the dance floor are not part of a consensual protocol

Unwanted sexual advances
If you are experiencing unwanted sexual advances, you may end the dance by walking away.
If you are unable to give feedback to your dance partner directly and need support, please approach one of the
core members , who will support you in how to deal with this type of situation.

Power imbalances and gender oppression
These dynamics can make it difficult for people to speak up
when they feel threatened or make them confused about what they are actually feeling during a dance.
While this can happen to men and women, it can be especially true for women and especially with those new to the form.
We welcome your expression and inquiry around this in our sharing circle and invite you to approach
a core member should you need support.

Consensual body-work
Consent is necessary before giving body work.
If you are unclear whether you are receiving non-verbal consent/body language, use your words to ask.

:::CONFLICT RESOLUTION:::
Unwelcome verbal and/or physical aggression or posturing is not tolerated.
If this arises, please approach a core member for assistance in de-escalation and resolution.
In extreme cases, some dancers may be asked to leave the property.

:::DANCE FLOOR ETHICS:::
Please treat our dance floor as sacred.
During jam-time, the space is a non-conversation zone.
Photos are to be taken with consent and by dedicated photographers only.
We thrive in an uncluttered space - minimize what you bring into the jam space and keep all items to the sides.
Do not bring food or sugary drinks onto the dance floor.
Cellphones, lap tops, etc should be used outside the jam space.
Clothing/ Jewelry - no zippers, buttons, beads or anything that can scratch the floor or each other.
No strong scents or perfume.
Clean feet before entering the dance floor.

:::OFF-FLOOR ETHICS:::
We thrive in an uncluttered environment
Be aware that a loud voices might make it into the dance space.
Remember different consent is necessary off-dance floor. Ask first before engaging in touch.

:::PHOTOGRAPHY:::
We generally have professional photography of our events which could be used for future promotional material.
If you are not comfortable with having your photo taken, communicate with our photographer and they will work around you.

:::RESPECT OF NATURE:::
We live off grid and hold respect all energy consumption
Water is precious, please limit shower time and make sure taps are turned off
Absolutely no soap in any body of water (i.e. ponds or lakes). Biodegradable soaps only in showers.
Be mindful at the lake: keep voice volume low, don’t climb on or disturb the delicate ecology on floating logs
Respect our neighbours and residents; do no approach their personal dwellings or work spaces.
Leave no trace at your camp spot.

:::PHYSICAL SAFETY:::
Self-Responsibility; Every dancer is responsible for their own body (i.e. their own body weight, speed, choices).
Take time to warm up before you enter a dance.
Enter & leave a dance any time with no need to explain.
Practice open hands — no closed grip on limbs/landing gear of other dancers.
If you’ve been still for a long time - please move to the sides.
Do not bring anything contagious (cold, flu or lice) into the Jam.
Bleeding or infected wounds need to be covered with bandages.

:::SEXUALITY:::
We are all humans and sometimes you may notice yourself becoming sexually aroused during a dance.
We ask that in these circumstances that you do not pursue this arousal. Just notice it and let it pass.
We are all responsible to witness each other to keep the space clear of sexual mis-behaviours.
Our events are not a place to look for sexual partner or for overt sexual behaviours.

:::FOOD & SAFETY:::
Our kitchen is for the cook and volunteers only. Please stay out.
Everyone must wash their hands before each meals.
Please clean your own dishes.
Take moderate portions of food, come back for seconds after everyone has had their first helping.

:::FIRE SAFETY:::
Smoking allowed in designated areas only.
During dry spells, no candles, incense, smudging or personal camp stoves permitted.
In case of emergency, fire extinguishers are at the kitchen and jam space.
In case of fire, follow instructions given by organizers immediately.

::: EMERGENCY:::
In case of emergency we will have a mustering point and emergency exit plan discussed at the event opening.
3 honks will mean we are to gather at the mustering space.

_______________________________________________

:::TO NEW COMERS:::
Every dance is different.
Slowdown.
Take classes.
Practice dancing solo.
Listen carefully, speak with your body.
Spend time watching.
Follow the point of contact.
Soften your joints. 
Keep your feet moving.
Practice gently pouring your weight.
Practice going up and down to the floor.
Dance with everybody.
Don’t take yourself too seriously.

Promoting Your Boundaries During Dance Improvisation Jams
You have the right to accept or refuse any dance without needing to give a reason or apology.
End a dance whenever you want, even if it has only lasted a minute
Learn non-verbal techniques to avoid being lifted that you can use when you do not want to be lifted.
Learn non-verbal techniques that let you be in control of how much weight is borne on to you (nudging someone back onto their own weight and refraining from offering ledges or only offering very steep ledges to bear weight often works best).
Learn non-verbal techniques that redirect a dance away from front-to-front contact in case you find yourself involved in a dance in which you are not feeling comfortable with front-to-front contact (putting your arms out in front of you like a barrel can work).
Move to verbal feedback whenever you need.
Speak with Jam Facilitator to learn how to assert your boundaries, or if you have concerns.

Starting a dance
Often a dance starts with yourself: a.k.a. "solo dance".
Find some movement inspiration and embodiment prior to connecting with another dancer.
From this place, you are welcome to instigate a dance with anyone.

Ending a Dance
Let someone disengage or end a dance when they want to.
Do not pressure a person into dancing with you.
Practice letting go of each dance experience.
Let go of any expectations for future dances, or what meaning it might have once the dance is over.
We offer that any meaning that may develop (i.e. you become friends with the person outside of the jam) does so on its own time, free from expectations that a dance may elicit.

What you have to offer is perfect!
Come play!

Many ideas and quotes are directly inspired by Kathleen Rea’s work for REAson d'etre dance (https://reasondetre.com/)