By attending a Boise Ecstatic Dance event, you agree to follow the following code of conduct. The Code of Conduct may change over time so please review it periodically. (Version: May 28, 2025.)
I. Participation Guidelines
- Dance your dance: No talking on the dance floor. Express with your body, breath, and movement.
- No phones or recording: This is a screen-free, performance-free zone. Please keep phones off or on silent and out of sight during the dance to preserve the collective experience.
- We are a sober space: No drugs or alcohol—come present and sober to honor the space and others.
- Dress with mindfulness: Wear clothing that allows for full, comfortable movement and reflects the non-sexual, respectful nature of the space. Outdoor shoes are not allowed on the dance floor, please bring clean dance shoes or dance barefoot. If you need to wear supportive footwear for medical or mobility reasons, you're welcome to do so.
II. Consent is Required
- Verbal Consent: In verbal contexts (before or after dance), ask clearly before touching, e.g., "Are you up for a hug?"
- Non-verbal Consent: When words aren't possible, ensure you have the other person's attention with eye contact. Indicate your intention with a clear gesture that invites a response.
- Acknowledge Rejection: Recognize that it can be challenging for someone to decline an invitation to dance. Always assume there is no consent from ambiguous signals, prioritizing space over contact.
- Respect "No" Immediately: If someone declines an invitation or seems uncomfortable, honor their response without question. A "no" should be respected throughout the interaction.
- Previous Consent Doesn't Imply Future Consent: Consent must be obtained each time. Past agreements don't affect the need for clear consent in every new interaction.
- Accidental Contact: Accidental contact does not imply consent. Always seek clear communication through eye contact and non-obligatory invitations.
- Group Contact: In group settings, engage or disengage as comfortable. All invitations must follow consent protocols.
III. Respect Space and Autonomy
- No staring: Prolonged or intense staring at someone can feel invasive. Maintain soft eyes and internal focus.
- Give people space: Allow room for others to move freely. Don't crowd or follow someone who is creating distance.
- No following without permission: Do not shadow, track, or repeatedly approach someone unless there is clear mutual engagement.
- Behavior that makes others uncomfortable: If your behavior makes someone uncomfortable, even unintentionally, it may be addressed by facilitators to maintain a safe and welcoming space.
- Don't sexualize the space: This is a sacred space for movement and healing. Sexual advances, lewd comments, or overtly sexual behavior are not welcome.
IV. Confidentiality and Care
- What happens on the dance floor stays on the dance floor: Do not share personal moments, conversations, or names without permission.
- Be a steward of safety: If you see someone acting inappropriately or notice someone in distress, discreetly alert a designated safety steward or facilitator.
V. Accountability and Response
- We take concerns seriously: Reports of harmful behavior will be met with curiosity, care, and a commitment to community safety.
- Possible responses: Depending on the situation, facilitators and safety stewards will decide on appropriate responses in consultation with each other. Responses may include a conversation, a request to read or reread the code of conduct, a cooling-off period, or being asked not to return.
- Safety stewards/facilitators are here to help: You can approach them during or after the event to share concerns confidentially.
VI. Family and Beginner Friendly
- We are a family-friendly space: We welcome children (as long as they can follow our other guidelines, see below), parents, spouses and other family members. To maintain a safe environment for all, we ask that individuals who are legally restricted from being in spaces with children refrain from attending. We also ask that you conduct yourself in a way that includes awareness of the broad age and culture range of our participants.
- We prioritize new dancer experiences: If there is activity occurring that may discourage or confuse new dancers, we may ask those with more experience to adjust their approach to the space.
VII. Respecting our Environment
- Care for the environment and equipment: Treat the building and surroundings with respect by keeping floors clear of personal items and disposing of trash in designated bins. Use all equipment as intended and communicate any damage to the organizers.
- Handle instruments and decorations with care: Interact gently with musical instruments, ensuring they are returned to their proper places. Please do not touch or remove decorations, but you are welcome to engage with the altar and its items.
VIII. Children are welcome!
- The music needs to be the primary audio in the space: If your child needs to use their voice, please take them to the front foyer for a break until they are ready to re-enter the space quietly.
- Please keep children from running excessively on the dance floor: This becomes a concern of safety. Participants come to ecstatic dance to move freely, largely, and sometimes with their eyes closed. Monitor your child to ensure they are moving carefully around the dance floor.
- Instruments are for everyone, but please: Ensure your child is able to play with them gently and with care to prevent damaged items or loud disruptions during dance.
- Opening & Closing Circles: Our sacred sharing circles are held with respectful quietness while one person is speaking. If your child is disruptive while others share, please take a break in the front foyer until they are ready to re-enter the space quietly. Thank you!
IX. Accessibility and Inclusion
We strive to make Boise Ecstatic Dance a welcoming space for all bodies, abilities, and identities. We recognize that access needs vary, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can participate as fully as possible.
- Chairs are available and can be brought onto the dance floor upon request for those who prefer or need to sit while dancing, resting, or participating in the space.
- Our facilitation space may be stimulating for highly sensitive individuals, with loud noises, sound vibrations, and low ambient lighting enhanced by a disco ball. Earplugs are available at the entrance for those with sound sensitivities. The altar space provides a quieter retreat from the main dance floor, and outdoor areas are available for breaks.
- Our events aim to support neurodivergent dancers by minimizing verbal instruction and allowing for self-regulation.
- If you have specific mobility, sensory, or support needs, please reach out to a facilitator or safety steward before or during the event—we're happy to collaborate to make the space more accessible.
We are learning and evolving—your feedback helps us create a more inclusive space for all.