WADE DANCE INC.
POLICY AND PROCEDURE HANDBOOK

WADE is dedicated to the work of creating safe, equitable, and inclusive dance spaces. We are working to spearhead a new model for dance education. We are trained in the Dance Education Equity Association’s (DEEA) BE COURAGEOUS training course in how to deal with power dynamics, consent, anti-othering, conflict resolution, and accountability practices.

We understand this work is in-progress and that our words and policies are imperfect and ever evolving. We recognize our own humanity and the humanity of others that may result in biases, friction, conflict, or harm. We respect and celebrate the diversity of our community and work to create opportunities for utilizing the performing arts as a tool of social activism.

We are driven by our people in service of our people. The company continues to grow, change, and evolve to and with our students, collaborators, and employees. For the purposes of this policy and procedure handbook, we use the term participants to encompass all WADE students, staff, faculty, instructors, guest artists, and collaborators.

WADE’s Chain of Communication
To be used in instances of harm, othering, bullying, or abuse:

Please report the incident to
1. Giada Matteini (she/they), Founder, Artistic Director

info@wadedance.org
cell: 347-216-0890 | WhatsApp: +1 347-216-0890
Language(s): Italian, English


If your instance of harm involves or insinuates Giada Matteini or you feel uncomfortable because of the power dynamic, please contact

2. Corinne Hart (she/her), Director of Operations

office@wadedance.org
cell: 847-942-6527
Language(s): English

If you’d rather talk to a third-party, non-WADE representative, please contact 3. DEEA Safety Tip Line: (213) 667-0125

This Tip Line provides confidential, survivor-centered support.

Language(s): English, French


In the USA, for health-related and police emergencies, dial 911. In Italy, for health-related emergencies, dial 118. For non-health-related emergencies (police only), dial 113. In Spain, for health-related and police emergencies, dial 112.

Power Dynamic
Policy: It is important to acknowledge the inherent power dynamics present in dance spaces, but despite their existence, we will emphasize that these spaces are collaborative. Every person is allowed an equitable voice and to have an equitable say within the parameters of our community agreements (see page 7), and challenges are accepted throughout the learning process. It is imperative that we demonstrate that we have power with one another, not over one another. We destabilize power dynamics through open communication.

Procedure: In order to uphold the policy, we have implemented the following procedures to recognize and dismantle power dynamics:

  • Scheduling at minimum one (1) open forum per seven (7) days of instruction.

  • We recognize that the subject matter of our organization's creative work can be heavy and possibly triggering. The objective of the forum is to speak freely about any challenges or conflicts and to reflect upon and share one’s experiences within the classroom, rehearsal process, community, and program as a whole

Consent & Use of Touch
Policy: WADE follows a Working Consent system. This means we acknowledge the power dynamics at play in dance spaces, work through a chain of command, engage in open dialogue to disrupt these power structures, and focus on the work to be done.
Procedure: In order to uphold the policy, we have implemented the following procedures to ensure working consent and appropriate use of touch is enforced:

  • Implementing verbal consent check-ins which can happen at any point during a dance class or rehearsal. Participants have the right to rescind their consent at any time without ramifications

  • WADE’ssuggestedconsentcheckin:“Weareaworking-consentbased movement class: you have the right to say no and it has equal value to saying yes. There are no ramifications for saying no. This is a collaborative space.”

  • Instructors, guest teachers, and guest artists will utilize an “ask on approach” policy to touch students during class or rehearsal. This means that they will ask for consent for use of touch before each application of a physical correction to a student. Students have the right to revoke their previously given consent at any time

  • WADE requires all instructors, guest teachers, and guest artists to read and sign the policy and procedure handbook acknowledging this procedure before entering a WADE classroom

Accessibility
Policy: Our mission is to be accessible to all. We ask each individual what their accessibility needs may be so we may provide reasonable accommodations. At WADE we will provide reasonable accommodations for all participants based on their specific access needs. We will actively listen to each person’s accessibility needs and avoid making generalizations about a participant's disabilities, chronic illnesses, or neurodiversity.
Procedure: In order to uphold this policy, we have implemented the following procedures to ensure accessibility:

  • Implementing Access Check-Ins for each WADE program via the registration Google Form

  • Each space that we work in will be ADA compliant o

  • Having an interpreter at live events as well as closed captioning on for events held via Zoom or any other online platform

Colorfulness/Inclusion/Body Positivity/Gender Inclusivity
Policy: WADE’s mission is to be as inclusive and equitable as possible. We believe wholeheartedly that all bodies are dancer bodies, and that dance is for everyone no matter their lived or presenting identity. All bodies are beautiful and capable of creating wonderful movement, and it is important to us that we honor each individual’s differences.
Procedure: In order to uphold this policy, we have implemented the following procedures to ensure inclusion:

  • Visibly presenting we are for all dancers by featuring dancers of all races, genders, abilities, disabilities, shapes, LGBTQIA2+ identities, immigrant statuses, ages, religions, and other protected statuses on our website and social media. By showing we are for all participants we are able to bring in all participants.

  • In order to ensure that participants of all races, genders, abilities, disabilities, shapes, LGBTQIA2+ identities, immigrant statuses, ages, religions, and other protected status feel safe in our spaces we’ve:

    • Developed the policies and procedures in this handbook
      Trained our team in anti-racism, anti-othering, and anti-abuse
      Created a wide range of financial support which you can view under our Breaking Barriers to Financial Access and Scholarships policy
      Host professional development training to keep improving upon our knowledge, awareness, and accountability

    • Established equitable hiring practices to move toward a more colorful staff and faculty

      Continue to ask each participant we work with how they choose to identify, so that we can honor their identity and who they are as a human being:

      Chosen name with correct pronunciation § Preferred pronouns

Anti-Othering/Bullying
Policy: WADE has a zero-tolerance bullying and anti othering policy. We will not tolerate discrimination against others based on their perceived, presenting, or lived identity within our organization.
Procedure: In order to uphold this policy, we have implemented the following procedures to prevent othering or bullying:

  • WADE requires that all participants are aware of and respect their fellow participant’s culture, race, gender identity, socio-economic status, and all other aspects of one’s identity

  • If there is an instance where someone feels uncomfortable concerning an incident involving othering or bullying, participants should report the event by following WADE’s Chain of Communication found on this handbook’s cover page

Breaking Barriers to Financial Access and Scholarships
Policy: We believe everyone should be able to take part in our programs, regardless of financial and economic status.
Procedure: In order to uphold this policy, we have implemented the following procedures to ensure financial access:

  • Enacting a rebalancing payment program that gives each individual the ability to pay what they can and helps to redistribute wealth where it is most needed

    o Those who pay more do not receive any extra advantages, rights, or power over others

    o The additional donation supports another student’s ability to participate, who may be of economic nee

  • Refusal to turn individuals away due to financial restrictions

  • Offering payment installment plans

  • Offering scholarships and work-study opportunities without requiring proof of

    income or other financial paperwork

Attendance and Tardiness
Policy: Attendance is necessary to develop as an artist; it’s a process-based system of accountability and a required practice as a working professional. We hold no hierarchy between the importance of technique classes, rehearsals, repertory workshops, lectures, performances, etc. Registration for a WADE professional training program implies a full commitment to attend all events of that program’s schedule. Participants are responsible for attending all classes, rehearsals, lectures, forums, outings, and performances within the duration of the program for which they are registered.
Procedure: In order to uphold this policy, we have implemented the following procedures to ensure attendance and report absences:

• Absences:
o If a participant has an anticipate or pre-determined absence, it should be communicated to Giada Matteini via email or text as soon as possible
o In the event of an unexpected absence, a WADE team member will reach out to the participant to inquire about their reason for said absence
o Excused versus unexcused absences:

§ WADE defines a reasonable cause for absence to include sudden illness, bodily injury, and family emergencies. Any other reasons for absence are unexcused by default unless explained to and approved by Artistic Director Giada Matteini

o In the event of two(2)absences, a meeting will be scheduled between the participant and the WADE team to discuss the participant’s mental and physical health and their continued participation in the program

o Please do not come to class if you are ill or experiencing symptoms of illness

• Tardiness:
o WADE defines a“tardy”as five or more minutes late. This will be strictly enforced to prevent bodily injuries, prevent classroom disruptions, and cultivate an equitable environment
o Tardy students are required to sit and observe class/rehearsal and take notes on what they are learning while watching, notes are to be sent to the Artistic Director by the end of the day. Failure to comply with this procedure will result in a full absence for the class/rehearsal

o In the event of three(3)tardies, a meeting will be scheduled between the participant and the WADE team to discuss the participant’s mental and physical health and their continued participation in the program

Cultural Competency
Policy: Cultural competency is defined as the ability to understand, appreciate, and interact with people from cultures or belief systems different from one's own. Cultural competency is a core aspect of WADE, whose mission is focused on bringing together and collaborating with artists and activists from all cultural, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds. It is crucial to respect and actively learn about the customs, language, and culture of the people and places you are working with/in.
Procedure: In order to uphold this policy, we have implemented the following procedures to encourage cultural competency:

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