Community And Consent Guidelines

By Zig Tahir

Artwork By Z. Tahir

Ecstatic Dance is a powerful practice that allows individuals to express themselves freely through movement and music. These guidelines will help create a sacred container where everyone can connect with themselves and others in a supportive and respectful environment. 
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Short Summary

• ASK CONSENT before dancing or physically contacting another person, including your friends
• No drugs or alcohol. This is a sober event
• No talking or whispering. No verbal conversations
• No shoes. You may wear socks if you feel uncomfortable being barefoot
• No phones, photos, or videos. Respect everyone's privacy
• Nonsexual setting. This is a nourishing, healing, nonsexual container

Full Guidelines

This is a consent-based dance environment

• You must seek consent before dancing with another person including with your friends
• How to ask to dance with someone, and say yes or no
  • A simple nod or smile and eye contact can go a long way in ensuring mutual comfort
  • Ask may I dance with you? hands out, palms up, inviting
  • Saying no, or thank you I am done: prayerful hands with head nod, verbal “no thank you”
• Feel empowered to say "no thank you" to others"
• If you feel uncomfortable at any point, feel empowered to verbally express your boundaries and needs
• Respect another's person's answer of "No Thank You" without question

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Honor people's choice to dance solo

• Many people desire to dance alone for part or all of the dance event.
• Allow people room and space to dance alone. Only dance with them if you are invited in through mutual consent.

Nonsexual Space

• Nourishing dance contact is allowed with consenting dance partners. Examples include holding hand and contact improvisation dance.
• PDA, kissing and sexual touching and sexual expression is not part of our dance container.
• Ecstatic dance can lead to intense emotions and may also naturally arise sexual energy. Dance with it and experience your journey. If you need, take a break for integration and rest away from the dance container.

​Non-verbal space

• Ecstatic Dance is a non-verbal practice. Refrain from talking or whispering conversations on the dance floor to maintain the meditative and immersive nature of the experience.
• Verbal communication is appropriate on the dance floor for consent or safety issues if non-verbal communication is not working for you.

Intention and presence

• Enter the dance space with a clear intention to connect with yourself and others. Bring your awareness to the present moment and let go of distractions.
• Honor the sacred nature of the space by being fully present in your body, mind, and spirit.

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Substance free environment

• To maintain clarity and respect for oneself and others, Ecstatic Dance is a substance free practice. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs before and during the dance.
• Embrace the natural high that comes from movement, music, and connection.

Self-care and safety

• Bring water and hydrate well before, during and after the dance.
• Rest when needed and move when called. You are responsible for your own wellbeing.

​Dress code and shoes

• Dress in comfortable clothing that allow you express yourself, move, dance and sweat! The dance container will be one with an atmosphere of peace, reverence and sacredness.
• No shoes so that we can ground and connect with Earth and keep our dance container sacred and clean. If you wear want to wear socks, wear non-slip socks for safety.
• Do not wear perfumes or colognes. Do wear a deodorant as needed.

​Take care of your space

• Assist in putting things back and cleaning up our space after the event.
• There are valuable and beautiful art pieces at Inner Haven! Please be very aware of your surroundings to avoid damage to the precious artwork.