CONSENT, Ethos & Policies

Rhizome Springs strives for an open,
transparent, safe enough, creative, connective and forward thinking space.
We are here to explore and learn with and from each other. This reaches beyond the physical.

We feel everyone deserve 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 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.

:::OFF-LIMIT TOUCH:::
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 or interaction by walking away.
If you are unable to give feedback to your dance partner directly or if this is happening off the dance floor and you need support, please approach one of our care team, who are here to support you. We reserve the right to remove a participant from the premises without refund in serious cases.

:::SEXUALITY:::

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

If you would like to check in with the other person at a later time off the dance floor,

we invite you to do so clearly and respectfully with words. Be prepared to accept a ‘no’.
Our events are not a place for overt sexual behaviours.

:::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.

:::CONSENTUAL BODYWORK:::
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 one of our care team for assistance in de-escalation and resolution.
In extreme cases, an aggressor may be asked to leave the property.

:::DANCE FLOOR ETHICS:::
Please treat our dance floor as sacred.
No outdoor shoes inside the Dome (please leave in the entryway or outside).

We thrive in an uncluttered space - minimize what you bring into the Dome and keep all items to the sides.
Do not bring food, sugary drinks or hot beverages into the Dome. Please enjoy outside!
Cellphones, lap tops, etc should be used outside the Dome.
For practices that involve rolling on the floor: no zippers, buttons, beads or anything that can scratch the floor or each other.
No strong scents or perfume due to allergies. Thank you!

:::OFF-FLOOR ETHICS:::

We thrive in an uncluttered environment. Please tidy up after yourself.
Be aware that a loud voices from outside may carry into the Dome and may disturb quieter practices.
Remember that touch/proximity that was consensual during a dance, requires another check-in off the dancefloor. Ask, don’t assume.

Be aware that loud voices late at night or early in the morning may disturb those sleeping nearby in tents.

:::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.

:::RESPECT OF NATURE:::

We live off grid and practice mindfulness around energy consumption (turn off lights, devices when not in use).
Well water here is precious, please limit shower time and make sure taps are turned off. Alert us ASAP if you see a leak please!
Absolutely no soap, oils, etc 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 in the floating bog.
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/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.
Bleeding or infected wounds need to be covered with bandages. See first aid kit and/or first aid responder for support if needed.

:::FOOD & SAFETY:::
Our kitchen is for the cook and volunteers only. Please stay out.
Everyone must wash their hands before each meal.
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 Dome.
In case of fire, follow instructions given by organizers immediately per the safety plan outlined during orientation.

::: EMERGENCY:::
In case of emergency we will have a muster point and emergency exit plan outlined during orientation.
3 honks will mean we are to gather at the muster point.


:::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’?

Would you like to ‘lead’ ‘follow’ or ‘switch’ 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.

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