Code of Conduct

Abraço Dance Montreal cultivates an environment where a passion for dance and yoga can flourish through mutual respect, safety, and inclusion. This code sets out the behaviours we expect and the support available to everyone, so our community stays healthy and welcoming.

Everyone deserves to be treated with courtesy and consideration, regardless of their level, experience, background, or dance preferences. Discrimination in any form is strictly prohibited.

• You are free to accept or decline any invitation to dance.
• You may stop a dance at any time if you need to.
• Your role choices (lead / follow) are respected without judgment.
• Communicate your preferences with kindness.

Clear communication

• Voice your limits around closeness, specific movements, or lifts.
• Ask permission before initiating advanced or intimate movements.
• Immediately respect any refusal or request to adjust.

In practice

• Accepting a dance does not equal unlimited consent.
• Head movements, lifts, and close embraces require explicit agreement.
• Physical contact stays strictly within the context of the dance or yoga.

Please maintain appropriate hygiene standards:

• Body cleanliness and fresh breath
• A change of clothes when needed
• Moderate use of fragrance
• Regular hand washing

Our staff, instructors, and collaborators commit to:

• Maintaining appropriate relationships with participants
• Staying sober and professional while on duty
• Serving as models for the behaviours we expect
• Stepping in when needed to keep the space safe

If something happens, here’s how to reach us.

During an event (urgent)

Approach a staff member right away, or come to the welcome desk.

Before or after an event

Email info@abracomtl.ca with the subject “Confidential – Code of Conduct.”

Our process

1. Listening: we receive your account without judgment.
2. Consent: no action is taken without your explicit agreement.
3. Confidentiality: your identity stays protected unless you authorize otherwise.
4. Assessment: we review the situation and the available options.
5. Appropriate action: measures proportional to the seriousness of the situation.

Depending on the situation, we may:

• Offer facilitated mediation
• Issue a formal warning
• Require a written commitment to change behaviour
• Impose a temporary suspension
• Issue a permanent ban

By taking part in our activities, you help create a space where everyone can:

• Learn and progress at their own pace
• Express themselves freely and respectfully
• Build authentic connections
• Celebrate the diversity of our community

Together, we build more than a school — we create a community where everyone can practise their art with joy and respect.

A few everyday situations, and simple ways to handle them.

Declining a dance

• A simple “thanks, I’m taking a break” or “not right now, thank you” is enough.
• No detailed explanation is required.
• Treat the other person with respect, barring exceptional circumstances.
• Remember that saying no is your absolute right.

Communicating your needs during a dance

• Be direct but kind: “Could you ease the pressure on my hand a little?”
• Repeated reminders are normal — some adjustments take practice.
• Favour words over body language to avoid misunderstandings.
• Common limits you might set: a looser embrace; avoiding head movements; no lifts or dips; adjusting hand pressure.

Patience and mutual learning

• Beginners deserve encouragement and patience.
• Guide with kindness rather than criticism.
• When possible, finish the dance even if it’s difficult.
• Save stopping for situations where your boundaries are crossed.

Brazilian Zouk — a note

• This dance naturally involves a degree of closeness.
• Clarify your preferences if you’d like more distance.
• Signature movements (cambré, head movements) always remain optional.
• Your comfort always comes before the look of the dance.