code of Conduct

We respectfully acknowledge and thank Kaleidoscope Fusion for assistance and permission to borrow some of the language used in this code.

Rhizome Springs strives for an open,
creative and connective space.
We are here to explore and learn with and from each other.

We feel everyone deserves a space that feels safe enough to explore the multitude of practices and inquiries here.

We are mindful of the entire spectrum of human relationships, including why we are drawn together or pushed apart.

We understand that new connections often come with their own unique complexities and subtle shifts.

We aim to bring consent to the forefront to help understand, witness and support each other in all these dynamics.

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

:::STARTING A DANCE:::
Often a dance starts with yourself: a.k.a. "solo dance".
You may find some movement inspiration and embodiment prior to connecting with another dancer.
From this place, you are welcome to instigate a dance with anyone.

When in doubt, use your words to ask for consent to dance.

It can be helpful to establish consent upon beginning a social dance.

Ask: Are you comfortable with ‘close embrace’?

Ask: Would you like to ‘lead’ ‘follow’ or ‘switch’

Ask: Are you comfortable with lifts, dips, etc.?

:::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

Let go of what meaning a dance might have once the dance is over.
Allow meaning (i.e. you become friends with the person outside of the dance space) to happen on its own time, free from expectations.

:::OFF-LIMIT TOUCH:::
Dancing is often a close-contact activity, but inappropriate touching and sexual advances have no place on the dancefloor – keep it PG. If you graze someone somewhere you shouldn’t by accident, apologise and be more careful in future.

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. We reserve the right to remove a badly-behaving and unapologetic participant from the premises without refund.

:::UNWANTED SEXUAL ADVANCES:::

If you are experiencing unwanted sexual advances, you may end the dance or interaction by walking away.
If you need support, please approach one of our care team, who are here to support you.

:::SEXUALITY:::

Our events are not a place for overt sexual behaviours.

That said, we are all human, and sometimes you may notice yourself becoming sexually aroused during a dance. This is not a reason for shame, it is part of being human.
We ask that in these circumstances, you do not escalate or express this arousal during a workshop/dance/etc. End the dance and take time to reorient yourself.

If you think they might reciprocate your interest you can ask them once, respectfully and in a public space off the dance floor if they would like to exchange numbers, get a coffee, kiss etc. and accept graciously if they decline.

Remember that touch/proximity that was consensual during a dance, requires another check-in off the dancefloor. Ask, don’t assume.

:::POWER IMBALANCES & 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 or off dance floor interaction.
While this can happen to any gender, it can be especially true for women identified folx and especially with those new to the dance/practice/etc.
We welcome you to approach one of the care team should you need support or see someone who might.

:::CONFLICT RESOLUTION:::

Unwelcome verbal and/or physical aggression or posturing is not tolerated.
If this arises, please approach one of our care team for assistance in de-escalation and resolution.
In extreme cases, an aggressor may be asked to leave the property.

:::ALLERGIES ALERT:::
No strong scents, perfume, cologne due to allergies. Thank you!

:::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/energetically arrive before you enter a dance.
Enter & leave a dance any time with no need to explain why.
Practice open hands — no closed grip on limbs/landing gear of other dancers. Let go without a struggle.

People coming from different dance styles have different norms. It’s always okay to ask someone to adjust the connection to make you more comfortable, and if in doubt check in verbally with your partner. If you are leading and someone is not following a move, this may be because they are not comfortable with it, move on.

Equally, if you are following, you are responsible for your own balance and momentum. Don’t spin faster than you can comfortably stop and don’t expect your partner to catch your weight unexpectedly.

:::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.

To request the removal of a photograph post event, please email us at: info@rhizomesprings.com and we will attend to it promptly.

Your curiosity, presence and enthusiasm are welcome.
Come dance!