Flowaka

flowaka danceschool Commitment to Safe and Enjoyable Brazilian Zouk

At flowaka danceschool, we are dedicated to fostering a safe and enjoyable environment for learning and experiencing Brazilian Zouk. We firmly believe that every individual should have the opportunity to appreciate this captivating dance form. Our aim is to cultivate a community built on mutual respect and a shared passion for dance.

As part of our commitment to this vision, we prioritize education for individuals who may inadvertently breach the following code of conduct, focusing on teaching proper dancefloor and class etiquette. However, if education proves ineffective or if the actions of an individual pose unacceptable physical or emotional risks to other students, we reserve the right to take appropriate measures.

By participating in our events, you consent to comply with our rules and guidelines and understand that accountability will be upheld for any engagement in unsafe or harassing behavior, as outlined in the violations below. Your commitment to a safe and respectful dance environment is greatly appreciated.

Diversity and Inclusion at flowaka danceschool

At flowaka danceschool, our core commitment is to provide a secure, inclusive, and enjoyable dance experience for all individuals, irrespective of their dance proficiency, background, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, or any other unique trait or characteristic. We count on the cooperation of every participant to ensure that our dance environment remains inclusive and safe for everyone.

We strongly endorse the idea that dance roles, such as leading and following, need not be associated with gender. Our Instructors and Assistants employ gender-neutral language when referring to dance roles in class, and we encourage all students to do the same. We advocate for a dance culture that avoids making assumptions about roles and encourages open communication between dance partners. You’re encouraged to approach anyone for a dance.

If any student ever feels marginalized, disrespected, or subjected to unfair treatment due to any particular characteristic, we encourage them to report such incidents to the flowaka Safe Spaces team whenever they feel comfortable doing so.

Safety on the Dance Floor: Technique

While any physical activity carries inherent risks, we are wholeheartedly committed to injury prevention. Many injuries in dance result from unsafe movements, which we define as any actions that unnecessarily jeopardize the physical well-being of participants. This includes but isn’t limited to abrupt partner actions, excessive force during leading or following, risky head movements, or lifts that pose a risk.

Brazilian Zouk is a dance style that demands technical complexity. At flowaka danceschool, we take great care to ensure that our students dance safely and responsibly. Our Series Classes are meticulously designed to establish a robust foundation before students progress to advanced movements characteristic of Brazilian Zouk. Execution of these advanced movements without proper technique can be hazardous. We kindly request that all students refrain from incorporating advanced movements into their social dancing at flowaka danceschool events until they have received proper instruction or have been assessed by an instructor. These advanced movements may include:

• Cambre (a dip)
• Balao (circular head movement while traveling)
• Boneca (circular head movement)
• Tilted Turns (turns where the follow is tilted to one side; traveling or in-place)
• Frango Assado (Roasted Chicken – head movement where the follow’s head stays tilted on one axis)
• Chicote
• One-footed spins
• Other Head Movements

flowaka danceschool instructors or staff/help out retain the authority to request that any student refrain from leading or following specific movement types if they believe the execution is unsafe or if the dancer lacks adequate training. While we aim to support students in exploring the rich range of Brazilian Zouk movement, we emphasize the importance of mastering the fundamentals.

We strongly encourage dancers to employ all their senses on the dance floor to prevent accidental collisions and injuries. Leads should remain vigilant and do their best to avoid leading their partners into collisions, especially when executing advanced movements that may place the follow’s head and neck in a vulnerable position. In crowded socials, we recommend exercising caution when leading or following head movements.

flowaka danceschool does not assume liability for injuries that may occur during our events. Attendees understand that they are responsible for their personal safety regarding injuries when attending our events.

Respecting Personal Boundaries on the Dance Floor at flowaka danceschool

As a dancer at flowaka danceschool, every dance is a unique and precious experience that you offer and receive. It’s important to remember that you are never obligated to dance with anyone, and you have the absolute right to decline a dance or end it prematurely for any reason. You are the ultimate authority when it comes to your personal boundaries, which may vary with different partners and evolve over time. If you ever feel that a dance has crossed a boundary, you have the freedom to communicate this to your partner, or you can reach out to a flowaka Instructor or Staff member for assistance.

Similarly, every dance you receive is a gift, and it’s essential to recognize and respect your partner’s autonomy and boundaries. You are not entitled to dance with anyone, and being turned down should not be taken as a personal offense. Every dance should be treated with respect, and it’s crucial to acknowledge that your partner has the final say regarding their boundaries and physical well-being. Dismissing or belittling your partner’s feelings is not acceptable. Always seek consent for any move you believe might cross a boundary. If you suspect you’ve crossed a boundary or your partner expresses discomfort, it’s recommended to apologize and ensure your partner’s comfort.

In Brazilian Zouk, there are specific movement types and techniques that not all students may feel comfortable with. We kindly request that all students exercise mindfulness and respect for their partner’s comfort levels concerning physical proximity, body contact, hand placement, or any movements that may challenge personal boundaries.

Dance is a conversation, and while we encourage students to develop a keen awareness of their partner’s non-verbal cues, the simplest way to gauge your partner’s comfort level with a particular move is to ask. We highly recommend asking a new partner if they are comfortable with close embrace (or other intimate moves) before attempting to lead or follow it. Additionally, please be considerate of the fact that a familiar dance partner’s boundaries may evolve, and they have the right to adjust their comfort levels at any time.

While close physical connection can be a beautiful aspect of Brazilian Zouk, it’s not a prerequisite for a fun, connected, and enjoyable dance. Any movements typically performed in close proximity to your partner can be modified for an enjoyable and comfortable dance experience. If you have questions or concerns about connection and intimacy in dance and wish to adapt your dancing to align with your personal comfort level, our instructors or team are here to support you on your journey—don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for guidance.

Any complaints regarding forced or unwanted physical intimacy, boundary violations, or excessive verbal pressure to engage in intimate holds or connections will not be tolerated at flowaka danceschool events and may result in removal from our events. We are committed to creating a safe and respectful dance environment for all.

Harassment and Substance Use Policy at flowaka danceschool

At flowaka danceschool, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding harassment of any kind. Harassment encompasses inappropriate verbal comments, verbal abuse, deliberate intimidation, bullying, stalking, following, unauthorized photography or recording, continuous disruption of events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. We extend this policy to include online harassment between students within our dance school. Unjust defamation, verbal intimidation, and bullying that are reported to our Flowaka staff or Instructors will result in decisive actions against the aggressor.

We understand that harassment is not always intentional, but it remains unacceptable in any form. In the event that someone engages in harassing or unsafe behavior, our Flowaka staff may take any necessary action deemed appropriate. Those asked to cease any harassing or unsafe behavior are expected to comply immediately. Failure to comply may result in sanctions or expulsion from flowaka danceschool events, at the discretion of our staff.

If you are a victim of harassment, witness someone else experiencing harassment, or have any concerns related to this matter, please do not hesitate to contact a flowaka staff member immediately. We will always respect the wishes of the reporter and/or victim regarding anonymity when addressing harassment claims. You can also reach out to a front desk volunteer, instructor, or DJ for assistance in locating a flowaka staff member.

During flowaka events, we are committed to promptly addressing concerns and offering assistance to anyone who feels unsafe due to harassment. Your well-being and safety are of utmost importance to us, and we value your participation in our community.

Use of Intoxicants at flowaka events

flowaka danceschool maintains a policy regarding the responsible use of alcohol and other intoxicants at our classes and events. While we do not strictly police the use of these substances, we prioritize the safety of all participants. If any participant is observed to be visibly intoxicated to the extent that their dancing and social interactions become dangerous, flowaka danceschool reserves the right to request that the individual safely leaves our event. Additionally, further restrictions may be imposed on individuals who are found to be using alcohol or other substances in a hazardous manner, at the discretion of our staff following such incidents.

Furthermore, if we become aware of any behavior in which alcohol or other substances are employed to intoxicate and take advantage of other participants at our events, the provider of said substances will face severe restrictions within flowaka spaces or may be banned entirely.

We are dedicated to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all participants, and we appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these policies to ensure the well-being of our dance community.

Providing Constructive Feedback at flowaka danceschool

At flowaka danceschool, we all share the responsibility of creating a positive and nurturing dance environment. Therefore, we kindly request that you refrain from offering unsolicited advice to your fellow dancers. Each person’s learning style is unique, and unsolicited advice can sometimes prove distracting or disheartening for a student’s learning experience.

Our classes and practicas are designed to be ideal settings for addressing movement-related challenges, with our skilled instructing staff available to provide guidance. We encourage you to rely on the wealth of knowledge and resources that our instructors possess. Please refrain from assuming that you have all the answers or that your partner is solely at fault. Our instructors are trained to offer constructive and considerate feedback.

While your intentions in providing feedback to your partner may be well-meaning, it can sometimes be misinterpreted as unkind, condescending, or may not effectively address the specific issue at hand. In cases where we observe such behavior or receive complaints about unsolicited advice or unkind comments on the dance floor, our flowaka staff will issue a warning and offer better tools for effective communication with your partner. flowaka danceschool reserves the right to implement more severe punitive measures (as deemed appropriate by our staff) if such behavior persists.

If you encounter difficulties while executing a move during a social dance or practica, we suggest using the following polite and respectful phrases to communicate with your partner:

• “I am having trouble with the move, how does it feel to you?”
• “Is there anything I can do to make the move more comfortable for you?”
• “I am not quite feeling what you are leading. Can we please try it again?”
• “I would love to have an instructor watch us to ensure we are doing it correctly, do you mind?”

Providing feedback on the social dance floor is not considered appropriate unless specifically requested by your dance partner. Social events are meant to be spaces where students can enjoy and experience the dance at their own technical level. Offering unsolicited feedback during social dancing can negatively impact the experience of the recipient. If you have concerns about someone’s safety while dancing socially, please reach out to a flowaka staff member for assistance.

Additionally, we do not encourage teaching on the social dance floor. It’s important to dance at your partner’s level and avoid attempting to teach them more advanced movements. This practice can lead to injury if the movement is not taught correctly or fully understood by both parties. Your safety and the safety of your fellow dancers are of utmost importance to us at flowaka danceschool.

Adherence to the flowaka danceschool Code of Conduct

We expect all participants to adhere to the rules and guidelines set forth by flowaka danceschool at all our event venues and related social gatherings. Violations of the flowaka danceschool Code of Conduct are treated with utmost seriousness, and flowaka danceschool reserves the right to deny entrance to any classes or events if a student or participant is found to be in violation of these codes.

Any violations can be reported in person to an organizer, instructor, or staff member, or through our online reporting page. Upon reporting, your concerns will be directed to our dedicated Safe Spaces Team, who will handle all complaints and inquiries following the initial report. We also welcome anonymous reports to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

Please feel free to contact us at [tjonlorenzo@gmail.com] with any questions or concerns related to the above Code of Conduct. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities.

As it pertains to flowaka danceschool Staff or Visiting Artists: Please be aware that all flowaka danceschool staff, volunteers, instructors, and assistants, as well as visiting artists, are held to the same high standards outlined in this Code of Conduct. Violations of this Code of Conduct by flowaka danceschool Staff or Visiting Artists will be treated with the same level of seriousness, if not greater, as student violations.

I acknowledge and understand the information provided above. I am aware that any behavior that raises questions or concerns could result in limitations on my participation in flowaka danceschool events, up to the possibility of being banned.

markdown

___________________        _______________________                  _______________
Name (Printed)                 Signature