CT Zouk Meetup Group

Welcome to CT Zouk! We are here to teach the fundamentals of Brazilian Zouk and to host dance socials.

Brazilian Zouk is a sensual partner dance that evolved from Lambada in the 90's in Brazil. Zouk incorporates head movement, body isolations and strong partner connection. This group is open to non-dancers and dancers of all levels and backgrounds; no partner or experience needed!

Events will consist of weekly classes which will take place at Ballroom Dancesport (behind Backer's) in Orange, CT. Classes will be followed with ~1 hr practica or social where attendees can ask each other to dance and enjoy the music and energy! Socials may also be planned on weekends in the same venue. We are excited to share this beautiful dance to all those interested!

***COMMUNITY GUIDELINES***
We must follow some community guidelines to have a safe and flourishing dance community. These guidelines are living documents and are open to feedback. By signing in and participating in any event, classes, or socials you agree to respect these guidelines. 
I agree to keep myself and the community safe by doing my best to complete the following:
I agree to be receptive to the needs of the individuals I dance with: As a social dance; we must do our best to be receptive to body language and cultivate an environment where everyone feels safe to speak up about their needs. 
I agree not to assume the wants of my partner: Avoid assuming which dance and role your partner would like to fill. Ask someone if they are comfortable with close embrace, dips, lifts, backbends, and head movement BEFORE doing so. Simply seeing someone complete moves or frames with another dancer does NOT give you consent to perform these with the person – everyone has different levels of experience, connection, and comfort with different dancers.  
I understand that consent to dance is ONLY consent to dance. I acknowledge that consent to dance is only consent to dance and does not invite or indicate a desire to be touched in a sexual or non-dance-related manner. Individuals can change their minds and revoke their consent at any time. 
I agree to respect “No”: A no should not be answered with aggression, disdain, or accusatory questions or comments. I also understand that if my “no”s are met with any of the above, I can discuss this with an organizer or teacher. Saying “no” confidently and comfortably creates a safe dance environment.
I agree to respect myself and self-advocate: I agree to advocate for myself, expressing if something is wrong when I can. The organizers are here for you and to make our dance scene as safe as possible. If something is wrong or other dancers do not respect my needs, I know I can go to an organizer, and they will help me.
I agree to respect the dance space and other dancers:  

• While all dancers have their preferences, both with their dance and individual expression, discrimination of any type will not be tolerated. Discrimination includes but is not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual identity, gender identity, political philosophy, age, physical ability, body size, dance background, and occupational history. 

Accountability within our community:

• Inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. Genuine social misunderstandings or miscommunications are understandable and easily fixed, and they will not earn the other dancer reprimands beyond letting the individual know. If you believe you have done something wrong, apologize.  
• An individual’s continued ignorance or direct disregard for consent culture will invoke a temporary removal from the event as per the community guidelines. This removal will be at the discretion of the organizers and dependent on the action and education taken.
• More serious community breaches will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, using the community organizers’ best judgment.
• Banning will be used as a last resort, predominantly if we think an individual’s continued attendance will cause further harm. 
• We are very open to alternatives to banning. For example, the group organizers may decide on person-specific conduct rules in collaboration with the person bringing up the complaint. Sometimes, this will involve group-facilitated conversations, a form of reparations, or other accountability rules. 
• We believe that the person who opened up the dialogue about an unsafe community member should be able to discuss with us what they need to feel safe in a manner that makes them feel safe.
• We believe that community members under question deserve the responsibility of improving their actions, the space to facilitate and expect change, and a proper way to apologize for their actions.
• The safety of someone who says they have been hurt is the priority. For this reason, you may be asked to leave before the investigation into the incident is completed. 
• We are open to community discussion but do not believe in public community bashing. 

How to bring up concerns and accountability:

• Our goal is to promote a culture of consent, individual agency, inclusivity, and community accountability. Please approach an organiser or teacher if you have any questions or concerns.
• You can bring up conversations regardless of complete thoughts or requests. 
• If your concerns are about an organizer, we will initiate an outside group to discuss the issue with you and take action. 

Resolution of Concerns: 
Connecticut Zouk reserves the right to immediately address risks to community or individual safety by asking the alleged violators of the code to leave any event, class, or practica immediately to allow the organizers to process the concerns. Overtly dangerous behaviour is grounds for removal or banning at the organiser’s discretion, without additional warnings, if the behaviour is a significant risk to the community or individuals.
All concerns and alleged violations of the Code of Conduct should be reported to the event organizer.
For lesser offences that cannot be amicably resolved between parties, Connecticut Zouk follows a “3 strikes” policy but reserves the right to remove any member deemed necessary at any time. 
If the “3 Strike Policy” is deemed an appropriate course of action, the following actions can be expected:

• An event coordinator will directly and privately address the violation separately with the parties involved.
• The responding Event Coordinator will note the violator’s offence and their response to feedback.
• The responding Event Coordinator will decide on an appropriate consequence based on the offence level, including but not limited to the documentation of a “first strike” on the formal record, being asked to leave the dance, up to a temporary or permanent ban. 
• Following the formal documentation of a “first strike”, if additional offences occur within the same event or across multiple events, a “second strike” may be assigned if deemed appropriate. A 3-month ban from the dance will accompany a second strike. If the offence is deemed more severe/dangerous, this step may be omitted in favour of more serious consequences, up to being banned from all future events. 
• Following the documentation of two strikes, any additional behaviours that violate the code of conduct will be considered grounds for a “third strike” and, regardless of the offence level, may be subject to a ban from future dances. 

Please note that these guidelines are subject to change and that the responding Organizer’s discretion will be used to judge the severity of the offence, including elements such as frequency and severity. Please note that submitting a concern does not inherently necessitate disciplinary action and that Connecticut Zouk does not mediate personal conflicts. If an outside situation may affect the safety of those attending the dance, Connecticut Zouk and its related organizers reserve the right to hear and act on those concerns as they deem appropriate.
If someone is banned from the dance, after a duration of no less than one year, they may appeal against the ban through a written request to connecticutzouk@gmail.com.(?) Submission of an appeal does not guarantee that access to the dance will be granted but will be considered on the grounds that actionable and sincere changes have been made. Return to the event may be accompanied by a probationary period at the discretion of Connecticut Zouk.