Ecstatic Dance Atlanta guidelines:

DANCE FREELY: Come as you are and move how you like. We hold intentional and inclusive space to meet you where you’re at. Feel free to move how you like, with respect for others and their personal space, on the dance floor as well as on our mats. No expectations, no judgements, no “shoulds”, no “oughts,” no worries! Be yourself with respect for yourself, the space, and other dancers.

GAIN CONSENT: Obtain a non-verbal “Ecstatic Yes” to dance closely with, or in physical contact with, another dancer. Asking for consent non-verbally can look like holding out your hand to another dancer. A non-verbal “Ecstatic Yes” can look like taking the offered hand or nodding your head “yes.” A respectful non-verbal “no thank you” can look like breaking eye contact, dancing away, nodding your head “no,” and/or bowing with your hands in prayer position as a respectful “no thank you.” If you aren’t sure if you’ve obtained an “Ecstatic Yes,” then please err on the side of caution and do not impede on another dancer’s personal space or touch them.

SHOE FREE: Please do not wear your street shoes on the dance floor. Dance shoes/socks or specialized shoes/equipment/apparatuses for disabilities and other physical conditions are OK! Where able and capable, we dance barefoot which allows us to connect more fully with the ground. We sweep and mop the floors in preparation for our dancers!

PHONE FREE: Please do not take any phone calls, photos, videos, or be on your phones while on the dance floor. This helps our community feel safe to engage in vulnerable and authentic non-verbal expression through movement. We provide social space in the front room, where the sign-in desk is located, for checking your phone.

TALK FREE: We dance without conversation on the dance floor to help facilitate a meditative state. Trills, yips, laughs, and other ecstatic sounds of appreciation and celebration are OK. We provide social space in the front room, where the sign-in desk is located, for friendly conversation. There are no instructions provided by the facilitators. Ecstatic Dance is a space for free-form movement.

DRUG/ALCOHOL/SUBSTANCE FREE: We dance as we are. Come as you are, how you are, where you are within, and move how you like and need. At Ecstatic Dance, we don’t use any mind altering substances to induce or change our states of being.

SCENT FREE: Some people are allergic, triggered, or distracted by strong smells, or odors, from chemical fragrances or poor hygiene. Please be mindful of any perfumes, oils, colognes, or any other actions you take that may significantly impact your personal scent and/or create a personal scent that is significantly noticeable.

REPORT YOUR CONCERNS: If you have any questions or feel that any of these guidelines are not being honored in our space, please immediately let one of our facilitators know.