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FAQ
Find the frequently asked questions here =)
Why do these events cost money? Where does it go?
Ticket revenue goes towards:
- Space Rental (we rent the church as a venue every week)
- Sound equipment (we are currently paying off a professional sound system)
- DJ and musicians (every week we remunerate our artists)
- Facilitators (this role in integral in our evenings)
- Lighting equipment (we are currently paying off lights)
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We strive to keep our dance’s costs low so it is accessible and sustainable.
Is it ok if I arrive late or leave early?
Yes; however, we strongly encourage participants to arrive for the opening circle to help create a container for the experience. Doors close at 7:30pm. If you’re planning to be later than 7:30pm, please send us a message directly so we can coordinate. Leaving early can also cause an energetic dispersing of the container before a proper close. When possible, please make your best effort to be with us for the duration of the event. We have space for lounging and relaxing if dancing is too much.
What kind of music are we dancing to?
This depends on which DJ is playing. We usually give a bio of each artist ahead of time via our WhatsApp group so folks know what to expect. Typically, the dance journey starts mellow so everyone can drop into their bodies and into the space. The middle of the journey typically consists of high energy dance music (mostly EDM) and ranges from 90-125 bpm depending on the genre. We encourage the DJs to be unique and curate their set based on a theme for the evening. We strive for a compassionate wind-down and often have a live musician to help with that.
What should I wear?
We encourage comfortable, breathable, and stretchy clothing to move in. Layers are smart as the church can be cool at first but moving bodies really heat up the space. We don’t allow nudity but encourage self-expression and flair. Shoes are not allowed unless medically necessary.
What should I expect with the closing and opening circles?
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Our dance journeys are intentional, connective, and supported by the container that is created at the beginning of the evening. We strive to offer connective prompts, land-acknowledgments, brief mindfulness practices, and more to enhance the integrity and intention of the event. We know not every prompt will land for every person so we try to keep things dynamic to cater to all the different desires. It can be really powerful to be seen and heard in a circle before and after these experiences so we make an effort to prioritize these circles every night. The facilitator role changes almost every night so not any two dances will be the same.
How loud should I expect the music to be?
We are so lucky that Dance Temple Squamish has access to high quality, professional-level speakers that enhances our dance journeys. We have a dedicated sound person (or two) each night to adjust the volumes accordingly and strive to never have the music at an uncomfortable or damaging level. With that said, if you are sensitive to sound, we suggest you bring ear plugs or choose to stay further back in the space. Also feel free to let the facilitator or sound persons know if the sound is not within our standard.
Am I expected to converse with people or share in the circles?
Absolutely not, this can be a space for introspection, processing emotions, and being with what is. If you aren’t feeling social, this space is still for you. We have a no talking policy on the dance floor and there are no expectations regarding the level at which people participate in the opening and closing circles. Before and after the dance is a great time to meet people and mingle but it is not mandatory.
Is dancing with other people ok?
Yes! We encourage people to dance together and connect. Putting a hand out to invite someone to dance is the easiest and most clear way to ask for consent. If you don’t want to engage, placing the arms crossed over the heart is a simple way to say “no thank you” without words. Contact improvisation is a common form of interaction in the space and we offer workshops to help people learn. Consent can be reversed at any moment so tune into one another and stay attentive to your own boundaries and needs. Please refrain from any sexual advances or gestures when engaging with someone else.
Can you elaborate on the substance policy?
Dance Temple Squamish STRONGLY encourages people to come sober and has a zero-tolerance policy for anyone coming in intoxicated. If someone is seeming off or making you feel uncomfortable, please tell an organizer and they will navigate it. Alcohol-free dance spaces are rare and we feel strongly that it contributes to a safe and special experience. We also understand the benefits that different plant-medicines can have when combined with dancing for some people, and it is very difficult to enforce a completely “substance-free” space. With that said, we encourage everyone to maintain integrity and contribute to this conscious dance space. We ask that you refrain from ingesting or smoking anything nearby and remain alert, tuned-in, and approachable. If anyone needs any support in this please get in touch.
If I need assistance during the dance, what do I do?
Locate one of the organizers or an appointed support person and use non-verbal cues to take the conversation out of the room. Don’t hesitate to ask for support.
Is there water available? Bathrooms?
Is there a way I can volunteer or help out?
Yes to both, there is drinking water and bathrooms in the hallway located to the left when entering the building.
Yes! We always need assistance before and after each dance. Moving chairs is the easiest way to help us out. If you’re looking for a bigger role in exchange for entrance, please get in touch with our organizing team so they can add you to a WhatsApp group. We are constantly in need of more help so volunteers are always appreciated.