Community Agreements

Our local dance scene exists as a small microcosm of a much wider community. While our local scene takes its own form, informed by the people who live and dance here, we are committed to having a positive contribution to the broader fusion community. This includes upholding widely shared fusion values such as consent, care and mutual respect, collaboration, and continuing conversations about evolving practices and values across the broader community. We recognize that our actions and culture extend beyond this space. By participating here, we join a wider network of dancers and organizers and share responsibility for fostering a fusion culture that is thoughtful, accountable, and grounded in care, both locally and beyond.

High West Fusion is a shared community space. These Community Agreements outline the expectations we hold for how participants engage with one another and with the environment, and they inform how we respond when concerns or harm arise.

By attending this event, participants agree to uphold these agreements in all event spaces, including the dance floor, classes, social areas, and any spaces associated with High West Fusion.

Consent

Verbal and nonverbal consent is foundational to our community.

By participating, we agree to:

• Practice informed, enthusiastic, ongoing, and revocable consent.
• Seek consent before initiating or changing physical connection, changes in embrace, sharing weight, dips, lifts, hugs, photographs, and personal or intimate conversation.
• Respect someone’s “no,” hesitation, or withdrawal immediately, without pressure or persuasion. Be mindful of nonverbal cues such as tensing or pulling away, creating more distance, closing off points of connection, etc.
• Not lead surprise dips, rough arm leading, lifts, or aerials without prior consent, appropriate skill, and clear floor awareness.
• Accept that consent may vary by person and context. If you’ve seen someone engage with another person a certain way, don’t assume they will engage that way with you. If you are unsure whether you have consent, ask.
• Accept that dancing can be close and intimate; this does not imply consent to social, romantic, or sexual contact outside the dance.
• Be responsible for communicating our own boundaries and for responding respectfully when boundaries are named.

Care for Self, Others, and Shared Spaces

We are committed to physical, emotional, and psychological safety.

By participating, we agree to:

• Attend to our own capacity, energy, and well-being.
• Take breaks, hydrate, and step away as needed.
• Be mindful of how our movement and presence affect others on the dance floor.
• Help maintain shared spaces by cleaning up after ourselves and respecting venue guidelines.
• Use substances responsibly. Alcohol or other substances may impact judgment and physical safety; if I am not able to dance safely, I will step off the floor.
• Leave firearms or other weapons at home.
• Offer support or help connect someone with the Support Team if someone appears in need of assistance. 

Communication

We value clear, honest, and direct communication.

By participating, we agree to:

• Express boundaries, needs, and feedback directly and respectfully.
• Ask for consent before offering feedback and have those conversations off the dance floor. 
• Listen attentively and with openness, even when perspectives differ.
• Address concerns as early as feels safe to do so.
• Avoid public shaming, gossip, or triangulation when concerns arise.

Respect, Accountability & Repair

We engage with one another in ways that honor autonomy, boundaries, and lived experiences.

By participating, we agree to:

• Treat others with respect across differences in identity, experience, and perspective.
• Take responsibility for the impact of your words and actions, even when harm is unintentional.
• Be open to feedback and willing to adjust behavior when concerns are raised.
• Recognize that missteps and harm can occur; how we respond matters.

When harm occurs:

• The needs and agency of those impacted are prioritized.
• Accountability focuses on responsibility, learning, and preventing future harm.
• Repair is encouraged when possible and appropriate.
• Clear boundaries may be set to maintain community safety.

Inclusion & Accessibility

We commit to making this event accessible and welcoming.

By participating, we agree to:

• Respect access needs and accommodations when they are identified.
• Recognize that access needs may not be visible or known in advance.
• Be open to adjustments in norms, logistics, or expectations when possible.
• Ask for support or accommodations when needed and respond respectfully when others do so.

Getting Support & Raising Concerns

Support is available throughout the event.

• Designated Support Team members are present to assist with questions, concerns, access needs, and safety issues.
• Participants are encouraged to seek support early if something feels off, confusing, or uncomfortable.
• You do not need to be certain that a policy has been violated to ask for support.
• Concerns may be raised for yourself or on someone else’s behalf.

If you have concerns, you can reach out to a Support Team member, core organizer, or fill out the online reporting form.

Support Team members will:

• Listen without judgment.
• Help assess next steps.
• Offer resources or options.
• Escalate concerns when appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Community Accountability

Upholding these agreements is a shared responsibility.

• Participants are expected to cooperate with the Support Team and Organizing Team when concerns arise.
• Responses to agreement violations may include conversation, boundary-setting, temporary removal from activities, or other actions as needed to maintain community safety.
• Decisions are made with attention to context, impact, and the well-being of the community as a whole.

Agreement to Participate

By attending High West Fusion, participants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to uphold these Community Agreements.