Safe Space Policy
Dedicated to providing a safe space for Brazilian Zouk
zoukglow is dedicated to providing a fun, supportive, inclusive and comfortable dance experience for everyone. We believe it is the responsibility of the entire Brazilian Zouk community; organisers, teachers and dancers to aspire to and build a community, free from discrimination, harassment or unsafe behaviours in which to enjoy Brazilian Zouk & Lambada.
This policy outlines our expectations of anyone choosing to attend our classes, socials and events in order to make that possible. zoukglow will record, investigate and take action against anyone deemed to be engaging in behaviours conflicting with our Safe Space Policy.
WE BELIEVE…
IN A WELCOMING AND INCLUSIVE ENVIROENMENT FOR EVERYONE.
zoukglow has a core value of inclusivity and is committed to creating a safe, open-minded and welcoming environment, in which dancers can learn and enjoy Brazilian Zouk & Lambada in a community of respect and tolerance.
zoukglow believes all dancers should be free from intimidation or harassment, resulting from prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, ideology or culture, or any other form of distinction.
Freedom of speech and expression is important, yet intention to incite hatred is never acceptable. Language or behaviour resulting in individuals feeling harassed, bullied or discriminated against at any of our events will not be tolerated.
care should be taken to limit the risk of physical injuries and discomfort.
Brazilian Zouk & Lambada are social dances, but there's no doubt about it, they are as technically complex as they are magical.
We expect individuals to take responsibility for their own safety, experience and development and not to negatively impact or endanger others. It is each individuals responsibility to only Lead and Follow skills which you have taken due care to understand and are capable of.
zoukglow expects individuals to observe and respect their partners experience, capabilities and limitations as well as the space and environment of each dance, adjusting appropriately. Brazilian Zouk & Lambada does not require strength to execute movements; excessive force, pulling, jerking etc. demonstrates insufficient knowledge. If you feel physically uncomfortable or in danger of being hurt at any time, you should communicate this to your partner.
Lifts, tricks etc. are not suitable for social dancing and are not permitted at zoukglow events.
engaging in unsafe and /or harassing behaviours should be accountable.
Brazilian Zouk & Lambada are social dances that require physical contact and for which expression may be considered intimate or sensual in nature at times. We expect everyone to respect the boundaries of Brazilian Zouk & Lambada and not to use it with the intention of harassment.
Harassment is unwanted behaviour, physical, verbal or even suggested that makes another person feel uncomfortable, humiliated, or mentally distressed. This may include contact, verbal comments or verbal abuse, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording and other unwanted sustained behaviours.
If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the team immediately.
Reports of harassing behaviour will be investigated and zoukglow may take any further action they feel necessary in the best interest of their attendees.
EVERYONE SHOULD FEEL EMPOWERED TO COMMUNICATE Consent and boundaries.
One of the wonderful things about social dancing is getting to share it with lots of different people if you choose to, however;
You are not obligated to dance with anyone
You are the ultimate authority on your own boundaries, which may be different with different people and which may change at any time. You may choose to tell a partner that they’ve crossed a boundary, You can politely turn down any dance or end it early for any reason.
You are not entitled to dance with anyone
Being refused a dance should not be received as a personal insult. Acknowledge and respect that every dancer is the ultimate authority on their own boundaries, comfort and physical safety. You should apologise if you cross a boundary, avoid belittling or denying your partner’s experience, and ask consent for anything you think may cross a boundary.