Community Guidelines

The following guidelines were crafted to support community accountability and allow everyone to participate safely. All participants of our classes and jams are asked to agree to and follow these baseline agreements around safety and CI practice.

Jam Etiquette - Preparing for the Jam

• Arrive to the jam with good hygiene, clean clothing, toenails & fingernails trimmed

• Avoid strong or artificial scents 

• Clothing that covers shoulders, legs and midriffs and that is made of natural fiber or non-slick material works best

• Jewelry, belts, and clothing with buttons and zippers can be dangerous

• No shoes on the dance floor

• Knee pads highly recommended

• Well-tended youngsters who can safely and respectfully engage in the space – including the opening and closing circles – are welcome

• We love our furry friends, but pets are not allowed at the jam

Jam Etiquette - At the Jam

• The jam space is non-conversational and screen-free - please take conversations and phones outside.

• Come and go quietly at any time. Stay for closing circle when possible.

• Open floor space is reserved for active dancing - please move cuddle piles and body work to the sides. 

• Active witnessing from the sidelines is always welcome and a great way to learn.

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Physical & Emotional Safety

• Contact improvisation involves some risk of injury. We encourage you to attend CI classes and workshops whenever possible to learn techniques for safe weight sharing and falling. 

• While we acknowledge that relationships and connections may form through dance, the focus of this space is dance and not dating or romantic intentions. 

• Sexual touch is not allowed.

• Practice consent during all phases of the dance - entering/dancing/exiting. If you ever feel unsafe, pause the dance and express your concerns. If further support is needed, speak to a facilitator and we will help.

• Our jams are drug and alcohol free - any person who comes to the jam under the influence will be asked to leave.

• If a complaint or observation is made regarding these guidelines the following steps will be taken:

1. The facilitators will have a conversation with the participant.

2. Continued agreement violations could result in an escalation of outcomes, including asking the participant to take one or more private CI lessons before returning to AVL Jam. In extreme cases the participant may be asked to take a break from AVL Jam.

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