Priciples, Policies, & Procedures

INCLUSIVITY

• Soma’s goal is to facilitate an atmosphere for all dancers – an open space where they feel safe, seen, and valued in order to grow, thrive, and flourish in both their artistry and in life.  

• We acknowledge the individual dancer, honor their unique differences, and recognize their distinct lived experiences. 

• Soma believes that everyone has full autonomy of their body, feelings, and personal boundaries – including the self-determination of their gender identity.  

• Soma acknowledges ALL pronouns and the full spectrum of gender expression.

• Procedure:

• Soma Faculty and Staff promise to uphold, maintain, and champion the principles and values that Soma stands for in the Soma’s Principles, Policies, & Procedures. 

• Soma has an Inclusion Calendar, highlighting historical racial diasporas such as the Jewish and African Diasporas, as well as celebrating cultural & personal awareness months such as Black History, Mental Health Awareness, Hispanic Heritage, World Peace, and Pride Months.

• Our Soma audience are educated both on stage at events and online with the cultural accomplishments and exceptional stories of inclusive contributions to the dance community.

• At Soma, we respect and honor our dancers as individuals and will address them by their desired pronoun.

• Soma celebrates all bodies and reaffirms that all bodies are dancing bodies!  Auditions, scholarships, and recognition are based on talent and ability, not shape or size.

• Soma is intentional in creating safe, modest, gender inclusive dressing policies and spaces.

• At performances, Soma provides inclusive dressing rooms for all genders so that our dancers are safe, respected, and are comfortable in the space.

DIVERSITY

• Soma wants all faculty, staff, and participants who attend our events to feel represented and welcomed. We celebrate diversity of people of all backgrounds, religions, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, disabilities, shapes, physical abilities, and any other protected classes.  

• Procedure:

• Soma will continue to hire diverse and colorful faculty, staff, and guest artists that represent and enriches the culture of our audience. 

• Soma posts and promotes diversity regularly in our social media and advertising.    

• Soma engages in topical & fun-fact discussions & interviews on cultural dance styles etc. based on the inclusion calendar.  

• Awareness of opportunities (financial and industry related) are provided to all dancers. Opportunities are given to dancers from a range of backgrounds, cultures, religions, colors, shapes, sizes, gender identities, and physical abilities. 

• Soma respects, welcomes, and provides the space and/or time for the observation of religion & prayer when our attendees need it. 

ANTI-RACISM

• Soma wants all people to feel respected and seen, and we take a stand against prejudice, microaggressions, and racism.  We promote a culture of anti-racism and prohibit all forms of discrimination and harassment.  

• Soma will take action against hatred and uphold a zero-tolerance policy for any language or behavior that promotes ideologies rooted in racism and prejudice. Every attendee of Soma (student, parent, or staff), regardless and because of their identity, deserves the right to rise to their most pure and best potential.

• Note: Our Zero Tolerance Policy extends to ideas, words, and/or actions that promote discriminatory, bigoted, sexist, homophobic, hateful, or regressive ideals that are contrary to the inclusion expressed in our Soma Policies, Principles, & Procedures.

• Procedure:

• Soma acknowledges implicit biases inherent in our thinking and vows to counter such biases with education, awareness, listening, and an overall goal & desire to embrace differences.

• Soma makes every effort to reach out to students/dancers that may not have the same opportunities and privileges as studios that have been represented typically.  Outreach/accessibility  includes our pay-what-you-can programming, scholarships, and discounted rates.  

• Dance history classes and teacher classes are offered to enrich the depth of our understanding and expression of dance. 

• In the event that an incident of discrimination, prejudice, microaggressions, and/or racism arises, we will listen to everyone’s voice in order to understand, and not to defend or deflect.

• Soma does not allow shirts, clothing, media, propaganda, or music of artists that support, promote, racism. Any such materials will be removed.

• Soma upholds its discrimination and racism zero tolerance policy and will remove any individual causing harm.

MENTAL HEALTH & MINDFULNESS

• Soma promotes mental health awareness and believes that mindfulness is the key to a flourishing, artistic atmosphere.  

• We support self-awareness and body positivity to encourage the intrinsic and unique value of our dancers. 

• Procedure:

• We ask our dancers to come prepared to all Soma events when at all possible. This includes planning breaks when needed, getting proper rest, and nourishing their bodies with healthy food and proper hydration. 

• We encourage our dancers to first understand that calories (food) are energy above all else. Before thinking about what to eat, Soma wants to ensure that our dancers are eating and hydrating throughout rehearsals, classes, and while training in general. 

• Soma supports dancers when they need time and space to nourish their bodies throughout rehearsals and classes by providing a water & snack station. Soma understands that a dancer might need a break during a long rehearsal or day and will provide a break area for such dancers to refuel. 

• Soma encourages dancers to carry electrolytes with them. but if any dancer starts to become deficient Soma carries electrolytes on hand. 

• Soma offers yearly nutrition courses to educate instructors on proper nutrition for dancers. These classes include what to eat, when to eat and how to inspire dancers to view food as fuel when training.  

• Soma promotes self care & the importance of having a healthy relationship with self & food. Self care awareness is highlighted in our regular classes.

• Soma announces and offers the resources for professional help hotlines at events.  These include but are not limited to hotlines to offer support for eating disorders, abuse, and suicide prevention. 

• Resource hotlines are listed online at the link below and located in our studio on the fridge. 

• Please be advised that we are not trained professionals, nevertheless, if you have any issues you are welcome to approach our faculty and staff at Soma. We vow to listen and guide you to an appropriate professional resource. 

ACCESSIBILITY

• Neurodivergent dancers, disabled dancers, dancers with neurodiversity, and dancers with chronic illnesses are encouraged, appreciated, and warmly welcomed to Soma.

• We will meet dancers where they are in their emotionality, mentality, and physicality to provide reasonable accommodation so that they feel cared for and valued. 

• Procedure

• Soma will not promote economic favoritism of any kind. Recognition in our studio is not indicative of the monetary value a studio contributes or the connection/relationship with the studio and/or dancers. 

• Soma provides Financial Need Scholarships, & pay-what-you-can-pricing to all dancers that might benefit from it. 

• *Dancers need to submit either a 500 word essay or 3 minute video that gives us more background on you, why you want to join us at Soma, and why a scholarship would be helpful. Any dancer/parent needing financial support should contact hello@somaky.org

• For attendees whose first language is not English, Soma makes the effort to communicate and connect by utilizing electronic translation services.

POWER DYNAMICS

• Soma understands the inherent power dynamics in our studio’s environment and continues to take the appropriate steps to protect our young dancers. 

• Soma Faculty and Staff act in a professional and respectful manner when communicating with attendees, particularly minors. They use age appropriate language and acknowledge the inherent power dynamics of communication. 

• It’s Soma’s desire that our dancers feel strong and powerful, not less than, regardless of age or position. We do not speak, act, or conduct ourselves with an air of superiority or hierarchy in communicating with our dancers, staff, and parents.   

• Soma takes a stand against grooming & coercion, and acknowledges that seemingly innocent communication and actions can lead to harm.

• Procedure

• Soma Faculty and Staff will not communicate privately, without the consent/knowledge of the dancer’s guardian.  This includes text and direct messaging on social media.  

• Soma  is here to help our dancers!  If you have a specific question, dancers are welcomed encouraged to reach out to Soma on Instagram @somamoves or hello@somaky.org

• To reduce the risk of grooming & coercion, if dancers reach out to Soma faculty and staff via social media they are encouraged to direct them to Soma via email/band. Regardless, faculty and staff will move the conversation to the more professional line of communication, email. 

• In acknowledging power dynamics, we know that a third party might be the best resource to meet your dancers needs. Dancers are encouraged to reach out to professionals  and professional resources: including DEEA, The Dance Safe, The Trevor Project, suicide hotlines, their primary physician, etc. Resources can be found below:

• The RAINN resource on Red Flags for Grooming are posted at events at the Soma fridge and can be found at the following link: https://www.rainn.org/news/grooming-know-warning-signs

• Soma provides topical and timely discussions in our classrooms to keep our dancers safe. We have dedicated time allotted in several of our classrooms to provide an opportunity for dancers to discuss.

SELF-ADVOCACY

• Soma encourages dancers to examine their feelings & self and to self-advocate for their well-being.  We invite dancers to always self-advocate!

• Soma provides a supportive and accessible environment where dancers can communicate their needs and feelings. 

• Procedure

• If dancers need to take a break for rest, water, or to use the bathroom, please do so when needed and notify a staff member where you are going.  A designated break area soma. Before rejoining your class, please make sure that you warm yourself up. 

• In the event that a dancer does not return in a timely manner, the staff will notify the Directors and staff to locate the dancer. 

• We support participants using bathrooms that align with their gender identity. Soma will make every effort to facilitate, but cannot guarantee Gender Neutral bathrooms at every event. Dressing rooms are provided for all who identify beyond the gender binary. 

EQUITABLE AUDITIONS & APPROPRIATENESS

• Soma pledges to uphold equitable judging/teaching standards that will ensure transparency for every artist to feel comfortable and strong during auditions/class. From soloists to large studio productions, we want dancers to feel confident in Soma’s company.

• Soma encourages the creativity and individuality of our dancers and will not shame dancers for their dress, we do strive to create a safe environment where dancers are not subject to sexualization/hypersexualization in either music, choreography or costuming.

• Sexualization and Hypersexualization is defined as giving an increasingly important place to sexuality, by multiplying references to it in the public space (media, advertising). The hypersexualisation of minors would be attributing sexual characteristics and behaviors to minors.

• The Harmful Effects of Sexualization and Hypersexualization include anxiety about appearance, feelings of shame, eating disorders, lower self-esteem, and depression.  Objectification and sexualization of girls in the media is linked to violence against girls, women, and trans individuals worldwide.  

• Procedure

• Soma will keep our events, interactions, and social media appropriate for all ages based on appropriate child development.

• We will protect our community on our social media accounts by posting only age appropriate content for minors.

ANTI-ABUSE

• Soma understands the importance of language, tone, and intention in the development of our dancers and will maintain an uplifting environment in our speech and actions.

• Procedure

• We will use encouraging language for constructive critique and will ask for consent for any physical correction.  

• We will not tolerate any act of verbal, physical harassment, and/or sexual harassment to make sure our dancers feel safe and protected.

• Soma requires directors, staff, and students to maintain clean professional content in their social media in regards to Soma; however, we acknowledge freedom of expression & speech and will not violate anyone else’s privacy on social media platforms (i.e. spotify, instagram, facebook, tiktok, twitter, etc.) What our staff does in their off time does not reflect soma’s values as an institution so long as their views do not harm others.

• Any act of bullying reported or witnessed will be addressed and followed up with an investigation to make sure all dancers feel accepted and welcomed. 

EVENT SAFETY

• In Case of An Emergency:

• Soma cares for the safety of all its attendees including their physical well-being during the events and in the event of an emergency.

• Procedure

• In the event of an emergency Soma will communicate to the attendees the severity of the emergency. 

• Parents should find and reunite with their children.  We will look to the direction of professional recommendations, but encourage adults to use discernment to stay safe for them.

• Soma provides door monitors for our studio and for our dancers’ safety. There are always at least two employees present at Soma at all regularly scheduled soma events. In addition, staff are constantly monitoring our events. If a solo rehearsal is taking place at Soma, the door must always be locked. 

• If an issue arises door monitors, staff, and/or faculty will alert our Soma Directors. For Questions on our Soma Policies, Principles, & Procedures please email: hello@somaky.org

CONTENT & CENSORSHIP

As educators, mentors, and guides, we seek to rectify gaps in music and dance education by utilizing content that uplifts, inspires, informs, and enlightens both our students and audiences.

Ultimately, our responsibility is not to act as censors for any individual or ideology, but to present accurate, whole, & relevant information to students and audiences at all times. 

We believe in creating well-informed, critically-thinking artists with a completely rounded dance education, and always invite constructive conversation about the thinking, growing, and creative processes.

We encourage instructors to first seek the most appropriate content for the lesson or idea being presented. Secondly, for classroom use, we strongly encourage teachers to use radio edits of any potentially explicit material that might be used in a lesson. And lastly, we trust our instructors. Their expertise and experience allows them the liberty to make useful decisions without excessive scrutiny within our organization.

• We do condemn the use of obscene music or choreography which, as defined by the Supreme Court, is as follows:

“Obscene content does not have protection by the First Amendment. For content to be ruled obscene, it must meet a three-pronged test established by the Supreme Court: It must appeal to an average person's prurient interest; depict or describe sexual conduct in a ‘patently offensive’ way; and, taken as a whole, lack serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.”

– FCC.gov, “Obscene, Indecent, & Profane Broadcasts”

• We condemn the use of content that actively promotes hate, violent rhetoric, or abusive language.

• We condemn the use of content that is a product of toxic or harmful ideologies, such as misogyny, racism, sexual abuse, body shame, glorification of violence or weapons, hate for other people groups or belief systems, etc. 

• We discourage the use of sexually explicit or hypersexual content.

• We do acknowledge the inextricable inclusion of some mature references, contexts, and innuendo that are very much an integrated part of much dance music, dance history, and culture, and we will adapt and use content within context and within reason as part of our educational and creative processes.

• Our responsibility as educational professionals is to stay in conversation with each other and our professional colleagues about what is considered “age appropriate” for our students and how best to present content in useful contexts.

• We seek not to expose students to content that might be reasonably beyond their range of cultural or individual experience, and we do take community input into consideration as a team.

• Complaints or concerns about content should be handled directly with Soma directors and only through the appropriate channels of communication.