Deep Dance Inclusivity Policies, Code of Conduct, & Resources

PREAMBLE

This policy is designed to uphold the core values of our dance collective: inclusion, empathy, somatic intelligence, freedom of expression, respect, personal accountability, and community. We acknowledge that everyone is having a different lived experience, and we honor that. We also believe the dance floor can be a space to celebrate our differences and come together to revel in the human experience we all share. Though we strive to make this space as safe as possible, we consider this a “brave” space as we make our way toward that.

This policy focuses on behavior that aligns with our values and maintains a welcoming and harmonious environment.

POLICIES

Inclusivity: Deep Dance welcomes individuals of all genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, religions, abilities, ages, and body types. We are committed to creating a space where everyone feels respected, valued, and safe to express themselves.

Age: Participation is open to individuals 18 years and older. The only exception is for infants who are held by their caregivers at all times.

Anti-Harassment: Harassment of any kind is not tolerated at Deep Dance. Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

  • Unwanted physical contact.

  • Verbal abuse, slurs, or derogatory comments based on identity.

  • Intimidation, stalking, or invasive behavior.

Hate Speech comes in many forms. It can include hatred rooted in racism (including anti-Black, anti-Asian and anti-Indigenous racism), misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and white supremacy.

We define Hate Speech as speech that contains all of these features:

  • It is expressed publicly

  • It targets a person or group of people with a protected characteristic such as race, religion, or sexual orientation

  • It uses extreme language to express hatred towards that person or group of people because of their protected characteristic

Hate Symbols encompass any symbols, images, or objects that propagate hatred, intolerance, discrimination, or intimidation. Examples of Hate Symbols include, but are not limited to, nooses, burning crosses, swastikas, Confederate flags and any other symbol, image, or object that is widely recognized to be associated with hatred, intolerance, discrimination, or intimidation.

Conflict Resolution: Any violations of the policy or code of conduct should be reported to the Deep Dance Council at DeepDanceLA@gmail.com. To maintain the integrity of the space, we kindly request that participants avoid directly approaching council members during events (unless there is an immediate threat to safety). The council will use reasonable efforts to review and address all reports in alignment with our values and policies.

Privacy: We respect the confidentiality of personal information and stories shared in the Deep Dance space. Members are encouraged to honor the privacy of others by refraining from sharing identifiable details about participants’ experiences without their explicit consent. We also ask that you refrain from taking photos or videos in the dance space.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Respect for Boundaries: Participants must seek and receive clear consent before engaging in physical interaction. Consent can be verbal or non-verbal, but it must be an enthusiastic and unequivocal “yes.” Always respect the autonomy and personal space of others.

Embodied Awareness: Be mindful of your body’s impact within the shared space. Avoid behaviors that could compromise the safety of others, such as lifting participants, or other actions that might cause physical discomfort or harm.

Inclusivity in Action: Deep Dance is a space where we celebrate diversity. Discriminatory or exclusionary language and behaviors are not permitted. This includes derogatory comments, Hate Speech, displaying Hate Symbols, or any actions that marginalize individuals based on their identity. 

Emotional Safety: In this space, emotional processing may occur, and we ask that if you are witnessing someone deep in a process that you respect their space to have that process. If you find yourself called to step in, this may say more about what you need than what they need. Please check in with yourself and refer to our guidelines about consent.

We encourage self-expression while asking participants to respect others' experiences. If you choose to wear clothing or accessories that might trigger others, please be mindful of how it may impact other community members, and to operate from kindness and tolerance in our space.

Substance-Free Environment: Deep Dance is a safe, sober environment free of drugs and alcohol.

RESOURCES

If you find yourself having a conflict with another dancer and it does not violate our code of conduct, know that we support you in taking responsibility for your own experience in alignment with Deep Dance values and policies. Here is a link to Nonviolent Communication practices that may be helpful in resolving conflict: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9bt2841XDY

Effective as of February 1, 2025