What is Consent culture?
Ecstatic dance is a space for freedom, expression, and connection. Consent is what makes that possible.
When consent is practiced by the community:
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You feel unapologetically free to dance how you want and express yourself without fear
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You can say "no," step away, pause, or change your mind without pressure to explain
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Connection only happens in ways that are mutual
Consent is what allows us to dance boldly, safely, and with trust.
Want a deeper understanding? Read more about our Culture of Consent.
How Consent Works at Seattle Ecstatica
Our consent practices rest on these three interconnected layers:
1. Participant Safety
You deserve:
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To move freely in this space without managing others’ impulses or desires
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To move, pause, or disengage without needing to justify yourself
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Support from HeartTenders if something feels unclear or off
This is about your right to safety, not someone else’s comfort.
2. Mutual & Ongoing Consent
In our space:
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Consent is mutual, ongoing, and reversible
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Attraction, curiosity, or intention do not equate to permission
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When desired connection isn’t mutual, the practice is to adjust or step back
How you respond when you make a mistake matters more than getting it perfect.
3. Support & Process
If something feels off:
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HeartTenders and organizers are here to support you with clarity and care
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You are not required to confront anyone directly
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You decide how much (or how little) you want to be involved
If you reach for our support, your agency is respected throughout the process.
Practicing consent on the Dance Floor
Consent isn’t something you learn once and then check off.
It’s a living practice that you keep refining as you learn to listen more closely through movement and embodied awareness.
Before Contact
✓ Approach slowly, where they can see you—make your ask friendly and obvious
✓ Look for a clear, mutual yes (verbal or nonverbal)
✓ If you’re unsure, treat it as a no
During the Dance
✓ Stay attuned to your partner’s cues
✓ If contact feels off, you can pause or step away at any time
✓ Anyone can change their mind at any moment
Attention & Proximity
✓ Attention can feel like contact
✓ Turning away, creating distance, or disengaging are forms of communication
✓ Trust grows when people know you can give them space
Shared Agreements for the Dance Floor
The shared agreements help care for everyone on the dance floor.
No phones or recording on the dance floor
Don’t photograph or record others in the space. *At BloomDance we bring in professional photographers to document the event.
Support a scent-free space
Perfumes, colognes, scented oils, and strong fragrances can overwhelm shared space, especially for those with sensitivities.
No conversation
on the dance floor
Help keep the dance floor a sacred space. Quiet talking is welcome off the floor on the side stage or briefly to navigate consent and safety.
No sexual touch
This is a non-sexual dance space. Touch should remain non-sexual at all times and support mutual safety, presence, and care.
Tops stay on
(for gender equity)
To support gender equity and the comfort of all, everyone—of all genders—is required to wear a top (shirt, tank, sports bra, or similar).
No outdoor shoes
(indoor shoes ok)
To protect the floors and keep the space clean, please remove outside shoes. Indoor-only dance shoes are welcome.
How We Create Safer & More Accountable Spaces
We're all about taking action. Here's how we build a safer culture where each of us can learn to move confidently.
HeartTenders Program
Trained consent ambassadors circulate each dance, offering guidance, support, and mediation when needed.
Common Practices
We use visible gestures to communicate boundaries on the dance floor. Ex: “prayer hands” signal “no thanks.” Extending a hand signals an invitation to dance.
Dancing Solo Wristbands
We have wristbands available to signal if you prefer solo dancing, helping you communicate boundaries effortlessly.
Educational Materials
From consent guides to workshops, we provide resources to help everyone understand and practice safe interaction.
Consent & Support Fund
A portion of each ticket goes toward covering professional mediation, incident resolution, and community safety initiatives.
Incident Reporting
If you experience or witness something concerning, you can report it online safely and confidentially using this form.
Meet the HeartTenders
HeartTenders are trained consent ambassadors who help: offer support and grounding, navigate unclear moments, hold care-centered processes when needed
Beth Moon
she/her
Dancing at Om helps me feel free, alive and more like myself.
Noé Khalfa
they/them
Dance is where I feel at home to be my weird self with my weird friends.
Danielle
she/her
I love having a safe space to express myself through movement.
Saara Snow
she/her
It is such a gift to be able to come home into my body and community through dance.
Leila Mardoum
she/her
This community and dance feel so special to me, and I’m so grateful to be part of it!
Terry Pooler
she/her
May we all dance and weave together with intention in safe loving containers.
Lona Garner
she/her
To me dance is all about the spoken and unspoken connection that frees us!
Valene
she/her
I love how movement supports our shared expression, healing, and joy.
What happens When You Bring a Concern
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If something happens that feels confusing, uncomfortable, or unsafe, you don’t have to handle it alone.
You are not obligated to:
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Confront someone directly
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Educate or correct anyone
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Stay in a situation that feels uncomfortable
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Participate in mediation or follow-up
You can ask a HeartTender to:
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Help you find grounding and presence in the moment
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Listen to and help you understand your experience
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Support you in naming or maintaining a boundary
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Address unsafe or concerning behavior
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Submit a report form on your behalf
Other ways to get support:
You can also choose to fill out our online consent form at any time — during or after the event. This allows you to share an experience privately and in your own words, whether or not you speak to a HeartTender in person.
Consent FAQs
We create this container together
Respect • Agency • Mutuality
