NONVERBAL CONSENT: HOW TO EXPRESS NEEDS & BOUNDARIES IN COUPLES DANCE - Consent through dance

Workshop description:

13:00 PM - 13:15 AM arrival in the space

13:15 PM workshop start

The discussion about consent often has a strong focus on verbal expressions of agreement and disagreement. In couple dance, closeness and distance are usually negotiated non-verbally. However, this negotiation is heavily influenced by (gendered) expectations and social norms. Patriarchal role models and unequal distribution of power shape the space of negotiable possibilities and by that the prerequisites for genuine consent. In brief: if there can’t be a no, the yes is of no value.

This workshop will focus on the specific skills that enable successful nonverbal communication about needs and boundaries - made tangible by using the example of couple dance. In concrete exercises we will increase our awareness for our individual personal space as well as learn to read nonverbal cues of those around us. At the same time we want to develop collective strategies for creating more safer spaces that allow for genuine consent by counteracting harmful power dynamics.

Facilitators: Alex Zuber (they) & Manu Sanz (she/they)

Manu Sanz (she/they) is a queer activist, dancer and tango teacher from Madrid. She is a co-organiser of the Chamuyoqueer International Tango Meeting in Valencia and teaches queer tango in Madrid and Bern. She likes to explore, through dynamics and games, what she perceive to be the soul of tango: listening and connecting.

Alex Zuber (they/them) is co-creating Queer Tango Bern since July 2023, offering monthly practicas, workshops and regular classes at Tanzheit. They love to explore the space beyond gendered ideas of movement and expression with the intention of creating a more authentic and egalitarian dance.

For whom:

• for people who are a minimum experienced in partner dance 

• for people who are 16 years old or older 

Accessibility:

🧘‍♀️  restroom accessible 

🌐 accessible room for wheelchair users 

🚽 accessible toilets for wheelchair users 

🖋️Content Note: Discussion of sexualized violence

en: the workshop takes place in english 

de/es: possibility to have an german or spanish translation

• Participants: Max. 16 participants

• target price: 45 CHF

• reduced 25 CHF