Care Ethos

I take care of my body and make choices based on my own comfort and safety. I have the right to make modifications, and to ask for help in figuring out modifications from the teacher or other participants. I have the right to incorporate injury prevention into my movement at any time. 

I have autonomy: I have the right to sit down/take breaks/drink water/leave.

I can give feedback on teachers and the organizers. For negative experiences, I know I can come to the organizing group, personally or anonymously, to help figure out next steps forward.

I respect those around me and I contribute to a judgment-free zone.

By participating in class, I am giving my consent for images and film that may be taken of me by PDS Organizers to be used for class promotion. I have the right to withdraw my consent at any time, and this can be communicated to PDS Organizers verbally or in written form.

Anyone can teach!

We believe in the diversity of dance disciplines and experiences. We welcome form and formless movement, as we collectively embark on dismantling hierarchies in dance.

This is a space designated for play, learning, growth, and collaboration. Safety is a must. 

We listen to each other (and teachers and participants) and stay open about what this program can be/become.

We work actively to create the most open/expansive/inclusive/safe environment possible, and figure out action items to achieve that goal.

We give and receive feedback.

We have the right to act on feedback that has been given about teachers or participants; we take negative and harmful experiences seriously and will address any concerns with actionable steps.

We have the right to protect the program, its participants, and its teachers from discrimination or prejudice of any kind.

We ask that teachers center “caring for the body” in their classes – physically, emotionally, and interpersonally.

We ask that teachers be prepared to scaffold their classes. Please be prepared to give options for modifications and scaling of movement for different levels of experience, access, bodily knowledge, and injury.

We ask that teachers use keywords in their class description(s) to help participants self select into classes that they want to take.

We ask that teachers prioritize consent, especially in any practices that include touching participants, and participants touching each other.

We ask that teachers limit photo taking/video taking, unless that is specifically communicated in the class description/is part of the class content. Class’s focus is learning, curiosity, and play. We make room to make mistakes and learn from them.