the SDS Standard: “Leading the Way in Industry Best Practices

At SOUL DE SOUL, we pride ourselves on setting the LEADING STANDARD in dance conventions and performance showcases. Our policies are crafted with a commitment to excellence that raises the industry standard for safety, creativity, and community. As industry leaders, we are committed to constant pursuit of challenging and developing what’s considered industry standard, in policy that fosters spaces where everyone is celebrated, safe, respected, and empowered.

You’ll see “THE SDS STANDARDdenoted on policy where we’re trailblazing and leading the way in our field.

POLICIES

REFUNDS

ALL deposits, pre-payments, and payments (reservations, registration, SOULELITE payments, apparel sales, observer bands, audition fees, company fees, single classes) are NON -REFUNDABLE under any circumstances. All registrations are confirmed and final upon submission. In the event of an injury, a credit will be issued to the studio or dancer, based on the registration method, for the amount paid for registration only. Credits valid for use in any city during the following season and remains active for ONE YEAR.

NO REFUNDS on any fees, for any reason. Please see COVID-19 policy page for pandemic related registration policies. All checks returned from financial institutions will incur an additional $35 charge. All credit card reversals will incur an additional 2.5% charge of the original transaction. If outstanding invoices are sent to an outside collections agency the invoiced will incur penalties up to 25% of the original invoice or the maximum permitted by state law. Future payment will only be accepted by cashier's check or money order. 

CREDITS

Cancellations credits are only approved in cases of injury or illness. To be eligible for a tuition credit for registration fees, clients must provide a doctor’s note confirming the injury or illness. A doctor’s note is required to initiate the review process. Once verified, a tuition credit will be issued for the registration fees, which can be applied to future classes or events. Clients have a grace period of 10 days post-event to notify SOUL DE SOUL regarding the need for cancellation. After 11 days, SOUL DE SOUL reserves the right to forfeit the credit for future events. We understand that circumstances can change unexpectedly, and we aim to offer flexibility when possible while maintaining fairness to all clients.

METHOD OF PAYMENTS

NO CHECKS

To better protect both client information and business interests, all payments must now be completed online. This change ensures more efficient account management and increased security. As part of our ongoing efforts to improve our payment processing and enhance security, we want to remind you that we no longer accept checks. Checks will not be received at our office, and no exceptions will be made to this policy.

CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS

We are pleased to announce that we have eliminated the credit card processing fee on DanceBug, making the payment process more convenient for you.

ACH | WIRE PAYMENTS

Please make payment arrangements accordingly. If you require an ACH or Wire payment, these options are available upon request for studio owners only.

CANCELLATIONS

If SOUL DE SOUL has to cancel due to natural disaster or severe weather SOUL DE SOUL will reschedule the event within 12 months. If clients are unable to attend the newly schedule event SOUL DE SOUL will issue a credit of 100% tuition to a future event. Credit must be used within 3 years. Furthermore, no refunds will be given on any SOUL DE SOUL dance expenses. Please keep an eye on local and national weather forecasts.

If the cancellation affects a senior dancer, we will work closely with eligible seniors to issue them a credit for an additional city on our tour, along with the 3-year extension of the tuition credit for the original cancelled event.

PAYMENTS TERMS

To qualify for any special pricing, all payments must be made in full prior to the tiered deadline, no exceptions. If a partial payment is made before a pricing tier deadline but a remaining balance is outstanding when deadline ends, all entries will be backdated to the current rate. To avoid this, please ensure that the full payment is submitted by the deadline. This allows us to maintain consistent pricing and help with seamless event planning.

PAYMENT DEADLINE

We highly recommend finalizing payments well before the deadline to secure participation and avoid disruptions. In select cities we have a waitlist for entrance into the showcase, spots will be released at the 30 day mark to our waitlisted entries.

  • Strict Deadline: Full event fees are due 30 days prior to the event—no exceptions.

  • Unpaid Registrations: Any unpaid registrations or accounts with outstanding balances will result in removal from DanceBug, therefore removing them from the event.

  • No Extensions: To maintain event integrity and fairness, we cannot offer extensions or exceptions.

COMMUNICATION & ACCOUNT SUPPORT

Please note that all communication regarding assistance with your account must be handled prior to pricing deadlines. Any requests or inquiries made after a pricing deadline and/or are not resolved by the deadline will result in your account being subject to the currently applied rate and|or registration removal if after the 30 day payment deadline. To ensure you benefit from pricing tiers, we encourage you to reach out for assistance and finalize any outstanding tasks before the deadlines.

REGISTRATION REMOVAL

Accounts with balances after the 30 day deadline will result in the forfeiture of your deposit, cancellation of your reservation, and registration removed from DanceBug. In select cities we have a waitlist for entrance into the showcase, spots will be released at the 30 day mark to our waitlisted entries.

exclusive pricing rates expire 30 days before the event. all registrations that are received after the exclusive pricing deadline are subject to the “after deadline'“ pricing, no exceptions.

all payments must be completed prior to the event starting. no exceptions.

No personal checks, Canadian checks, or Cash are accepted.

All major credit cards are accepted: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. 

PRICING RATES

VIP STUDIO

Exclusive Pricing is offered ONLY to studios who have submitted a reservation prior to the reservation deadline AND submitted full balance payment up until 60 days prior to the event date. After this deadline, no exceptions will be made, and the next pricing tier rates will apply.

  • Eligibility:

    Studios are eligible for VIP Studio Pricing once they make a reservation, and this pricing remains available until 60 days prior to the event date. After this deadline, no exceptions will be made, and standard rates will apply.

  • Full Payment Requirement:

    To lock in Exclusive Pricing, full payment must be made by the 60-day mark. Partial payments will not secure the rate, no exceptions.

  • Partial Payments:

    Through DanceBug, clients can take advantage of partial payments, making it easier to manage and budget for registration fees. We encourage you to reach out to us if you need assistance in setting up a partial payment plan.

Please note, to be eligible for VIP Studio Pricing, all payments must be completed by the VIP STUDIO PRICING deadline to receive pricing rates.

EXCLUSIVE

Exclusive Pricing is offered to all registrations (studios and independent registrations) made up until 30 days prior to the event date. After this deadline, no exceptions will be made, and late rates will apply.

  • Full Payment Requirement:

    To lock in Exclusive Pricing Pricing, full payment must be made by the 30-day mark. Partial payments will not secure the rate, no exceptions.

LATE

To avoid disruptions and additional fees, and ensure your participation, all registrations and payments must be completed on time.

  • Late Rate Policy:

    Late registration (occurring within 30 days prior to the event) may be considered only if space allows. Since all payments and registrations are due 30 days prior to the event, late registration is not guaranteed and is subject to availability. If accepted, late registrations may be subject to additional fees. To secure your spot and avoid complications, we strongly encourage all studios to complete their registrations and payments by the deadline.

  • Reinstatement & Late Registration Policy:

    If a studio or independent registrant needs to re-register after the 30-day deadline due to incomplete payment and removal from DanceBug, they will be subject to Late Rate Pricing, no exceptions.

ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT

PAST OVER-RESERVATIONS

If your studio significantly over-reserved in the past season or did not attend after reserving, our team may reach out to confirm your numbers and terms for this season.

NO PAYMENT

Any studio accounts with a history of late payments, returned payments, or delayed payments are subject to review and may face the following consequences:

  • Exclusion from Exclusive Pricing: Studios with a history of late or returned payments may no longer be eligible for exclusive or early-bird pricing offers.

  • Late Fee Penalties: Accounts that have a history of delayed payments may incur additional late fee penalties for any future payments made past the deadline.

  • Payment Terms Adjustment: We may adjust the payment terms for studios with a history of late payments to ensure timely and consistent payment processing moving forward.

We encourage all studios to stay on track with payment deadlines to ensure seamless participation and eligibility for all benefits.

PARTICIPANT ASSUMPTION OF RISK

All attendees are required to review and agree to our policy terms, including the completion of a participant waiver signed by their legal guardian, prior to participation. Waiver is sent out via DanceBug prior to the event.

TALENT RELEASE

All attendees are required to review and agree to our policy terms, including the completion of a talent release waiver signed by their legal guardian, prior to participation. Waiver is sent out via DanceBug prior to the event.

CONVENTION

DO WE ALLOW INDEPENDENT REGISTRATIONS?

At SOUL DE SOUL, we deeply value the role of a home studio in a dancer’s journey—it’s where strong foundations are built, artistry is nurtured, and a sense of community is formed. We wholeheartedly encourage dancers to train in a studio environment whenever possible, as it provides invaluable support and guidance. However, we also recognize that this may not be accessible to everyone. With that in mind, we welcome independent dancers to register and experience the inspiration, education, and growth that SOUL DE SOUL has to offer.

LEVELS

As SOUL DE SOUL is not a competition, studio owners have the flexibility to register or be registered in the level that best supports their growth. Our focus is on providing an encouraging and enriching experience, ensuring each dancer trains in a space that is appropriate for their individual journey

  • Levels (Ages) are their ages at the date of the event.

  • Studio Owners/Directors may place their dancers in the level they feel is appropriate to their student’s skill level, even if it is different from their age. 

  • We encourage level changes to occur within the first two classes of the weekend. However, level adjustments can be made at any time during the event as long as the SDS CARE TEAM is notified at the registration desk.

GROUP REGISTRATION

  • All group registrations must be accompanied by a registered teacher.

  • One FREE VIP STUDIO DIRECTOR badge accompanies any group registration with 1+ dancer.

SHOWCASE REQUIREMENT

Attendees are not required to participate in the Studio Performance Showcase, however, if you choose to participate in the Studio Showcase Performance Showcase you must be registered for the full convention.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

PROACTIVE SAFETY

The safety and well-being of our #SOULCIETY is our highest priority. SOUL DE SOUL is proud to be a “Be Courageous” Certification through the Dance Education and Equity Association (DEEA)—a milestone that reflects a year-long commitment to policy development, as well as training in anti-abuse, anti-racism, and anti-othering practices. As we produce each event, we do so with these policies firmly in place, reinforcing our dedication to fostering safe, inclusive, and mindful convention spaces.

Our safety policies include, but are not limited to:
Access to the DEEA Tipline
Ongoing training in anti-abuse, anti-racism, and anti-othering practices
Family-friendly and age-appropriate music, choreography, and material

Respecting Our Shared Space

Thank you for being a part of SOUL DE SOUL and for helping us create a safe and welcoming space for all!

  • We ask for everyone’s help in maintaining a safe and organized ballroom by keeping personal belongings to the side and away from high-traffic areas.

  • Please note that SOUL DE SOUL, the host hotel, and any event affiliates are not responsible for lost or damaged personal belongings.

  • SOUL DE SOUL is not responsible the the facilitation of finding, shipping, or organizing supporting for any items left behind.

OBSERVERS AT Sds WE CALL THIS A “BACKSTAGE PASS

STUDIO PREFERENCES & OBSERVER ACCESS

SOUL DE SOUL recognizes that every studio has its own policies regarding parent access to the ballroom during conventions. While we offer the option to purchase a Backstage Pass for observers, we defer to each studio owner’s preference on whether this aligns with their studio’s guidelines.

We encourage open communication between dancers, parents, and studio owners to ensure a smooth and respectful experience for all.

OBSERVER GUIDELINES

Observer bands are available for purchase during pre-registration and at the door. To maintain the integrity of our event and provide the best experience for our dancers, we require all observers to:

  • Have a registered dancer in attendance

  • Follow our ballroom guidelines to ensure a safe and focused learning environment

#SOULCIETY AGREEMENT

At SOUL DE SOUL, we are more than a convention—we are a community. A #SOULCIETY built on support, respect, and shared growth. We are all here to uplift one another—dancers, educators, parents, and staff alike.

By being part of SOUL DE SOUL as a BACKSTAGE PASS HOLDER, you agree to:
Support and encourage every artist in the room
Honor the space as a place of learning, creativity, and connection
Respect all dancers, faculty, and staff by fostering a positive and inclusive environment

BACKSTAGE PASS POLICIES:

  • One-day observer bands are not available – all observer bands are for the full event.

  • An observer band is required for all ballroom entry, including optional Friday night classes.

  • Some classes are closed to observers, including Creation Class, Breakouts, mmmethod, and Movement Exploration.

BALLROOM ETIQUETTE

  • No talking – help us maintain a classroom environment that supports focused learning.

  • No phone calls – please step outside if needed.

  • Keep to the sides to allow dancers the space they need to move freely.

SUPPORTING YOUR DANCER’S EXPERIENCE

A key part of the SOUL DE SOUL weekend is the opportunity for dancers to be fully embodied in their training and growth. We encourage parents and guardians to allow their dancers to fully immerse themselves in class, embracing the experience without distraction.

If you choose to observe, we ask that you do so from a place of support and encouragement, creating an environment where dancers feel empowered to explore, learn, and express themselves freely.

Thank you for helping us create an optimal learning space for all dancers

SCHOLARSHIPS

YOUR VALUE IS INHERENT

At SOUL DE SOUL we recognize that our worth is not defined by an award—it is innate, unshakable, and entirely yours. No one can give it to you, and no one can take it away.

At SOUL DE SOUL, we honor this truth in everything we do—especially around scholarship awarding. While we celebrate artistry and excellence, we recognize that your value as a dancer and as a person extends far beyond any accolade.

CONSIDERATION

  • Scholarships are awarded throughout the weekend to fully registered dancers

  • Please note that half-day registrations are not eligible

  • Dancers are observed in all classes, so we encourage those wishing to be selected to wear their number throughout the entire weekend.

REGISTRATION

  • Some scholarships require a dedicated audition class, including SoulElite Pro, SoulElite, Jr. Elite, and AMDA College scholarships. Only dancers who attend this audition will be eligible.

  • Registration for these audition-based scholarships is required and signup information can be found in our event app (sent one week prior to the event). Should a dacner or family need assistance please see our CARE TEAM onsite during the event.

SCHOLARSHIP REDEMPTION

HOW TO REDEEM

Dancers and studio owners may email info@souldesoul.com after a regional event to receive the scholarship codes needed to apply waived tuition.

Important Scholarship Guidelines

  • If a dancer moves or changes studios, we require written permission from the studio they were attending at the time of the award to release the scholarship. No exceptions.

  • Scholarships are non-transferable and valid only for the following season.

  • Scholarships must be applied before the final event payment deadline. Any scholarships left off final payment or submitted after the deadline may not be credited or refunded.

  • It is the studio’s responsibility to ensure scholarships are applied to tuition balances before submitting final payment.

PROFESSIONAL MEDIA

REQUIRED SHOWCASE MEDIA FEE

SOUL DE SOUL is committed to providing dancers with meaningful, high-value experiences. This fee supports our professional media team and ensures that all participants have access to beautifully captured moments from their showcase.

All dancers participating in the SHOWCASE are required to pay a $65 media fee per dancer. This fee ensures that every performer receives:

  • Raw photos of their performance

  • High-quality video footage

Thank you for honoring this part of the experience!

OPTIONAL EVENT MEDIA

New this season, we are excited to offer the opportunity to purchase edited class photography, raw class videos, and behind-the-scenes (BTS) footage from the weekend.

We know that these moments capture the magic and energy of the weekend, and having these keepsakes allows us to remember the special experiences we shared together.

ACCESSING OPTIONAL EVENT MEDIA

To purchase this special offering of edited class photography, raw class videos, and behind-the-scenes footage, you will need an event code to gain access.

The event code will be shared directly with the primary contact listed on your DanceBug account. This ensures that all purchases are correctly linked to your registration.

DIGITAL MEDIA POLICY (NEW)

Mindful Media Policy Adoption

This season, our updated media policy is a thoughtful step toward opening the conversation around how we "gather" in community. As media and digital capturing play an ever-increasing role in our everyday lives and become a significant part of our weekend together, we are committed to finding thoughtful solutions that honor both celebration and privacy. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels seen and celebrated, while keeping safety and privacy as foundational values.

SOUL DE SOUL seeks to have a mindful and considerate adoption of our new media policies, with the understanding that capturing moments is a beautiful way to preserve memories. However, we also invite you to reflect on the intention behind each moment. We ask ourselves: "Does this need to be filmed, or can we lean into a more presence-centric moment?" This approach encourages us to be fully present while being considerate of those around us. By focusing on the value of presence, we aim to create a balance that honors both celebration and privacy for all members of our #SOULCIETY.

We appreciate your cooperation as we navigate this balance and continue to foster a supportive, mindful space for everyone involved.

We ask our #SOULCIETY to review and align with these guidelines as we work together to balance these two important truths. Here’s what you need to know:

APPROPRIATE CAPTURE

  • Filming is allowed ONLY during the last 10 minutes of a class — Please ensure that you are framing only your child or dancer to respect the consent of everyone in the room. Additionally, please keep in mind that faculty’s creative work is to be protected, so this policy helps limit the recording of their creative scope during class.

  • Filming and photography are allowed in between classes when there is consent from the dancers you are filming with. We encourage you to share the joy of these moments with friends while respecting each other’s space and privacy. Remember, SDS advocates for self-advocacy! Dancers are encouraged to say "no thank you" if they prefer to opt out.

  • Filming may occur during the SOULCASE and the SOULCASE wrap on stage for capturing those memorable moments.

  • Filming and photography are allowed in the lobby for team/group photos.

  • Filming and photography are permitted during the Faculty Q&A, Faculty Autograph Signing, Magical Mini Room Ceremony, and Creation Class showing.

PROHIBITED CAPTURE

  • Recording during the SHOWCASE is strictly prohibited unless you are the studio director, teacher, choreographer, or parent/guardian of the dancer. This ensures that we maintain a focused and respectful environment for all participants.

  • Filming and photography are strictly prohibited in the DRESSING ROOM at any time, for any reason, by anyone (dancers, teachers, studio owners, parents/guardians) Absolutely NO EXCEPTIONS.

Please note, SOUL DE SOUL reserves the right to revoke recording privileges at any time if the policy is abused, to maintain a safe and supportive space for everyone involved. Thank you for your understanding as we balance celebration with respect for the entire #SOULCIETY!

SHOWCASE RULES

ELIGIBILITY

In order to participate in the showcase, a dancer must be registered for convention classes as a full attendee. One-day dancers are not eligible to showcase.

Showcase Registration & Guidelines

Due to time constraints, regional showcases may be limited. In cities with high numbers of entries, some showcases may begin Friday morning, as early as 7:00 AM. Refunds are not offered, so please be aware of this when planning to participate.

Solo Entries

SOUL DE SOUL only allows one solo per dancer at regional events.

  • If a city is not sold out, we will inform studios to allow two solos per dancer.

Entry Registration

All showcase entries must be registered online through DanceBug.

  • No entries will be accepted via email or phone.

  • All entries must be completed by the registration cut-off date (refer to the Tour Dates page for details).

LIVE STREAMING

Due to the nature of our SHOWCASE where we give live feedback, we do not offer live streaming of our showcase to protect the safety and privacy of the dancers and artistry of the choreographer and studio.

Prop Setup

Prop setup must not exceed 1 minute in length, or it will be ineligible for consideration for a re-performance award.

Performance Order

  • Holding dances out of performance order for reasons within your control will result in disqualification for eligibility for a showcase award.

  • Circumstances such as injuries or illnesses will not result in disqualification for eligibility for a showcase award.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY:
At SOUL DE SOUL, we maintain a zero tolerance policy regarding any form of racism, discrimination, or othering based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or any form of exclusion. This includes music, costumes, themes, props, or any performative element that promotes these harmful behaviors. Any piece that does not align with these values will be immediately asked to leave the stage without the opportunity to reperform, and will not be considered for any showcase awards.

AUDIENCE CARE POLICY


At SDS, we celebrate storytelling and creativity! The human experience allows is vast and colorful. We believe ART IS MEDICINAL and an important component of how artists HEAL themselves and our world through creative acts. We understand that art can explore sensitive topics and complex emotions, and we appreciate the courage it takes for choreographers and dancers to express these themes. However, we also recognize that maturity and appropriateness are highly subjective, influenced by each person's life experiences and perspectives.

To ensure the comfort and safety of all attendees—dancers, faculty, and audience members—we ask that choreographers and studio owners carefully consider the age-appropriateness of the subject matter being presented. While we do not wish to limit the creative expression of studios or choreographers, we also want to protect the well-being of everyone involved. In cases where a piece addresses sensitive subject matter, we ask that the following procedures be followed:

  1. Audience Care Card:

    • Studio Owners, Choreographers, or a designated Studio Representative must fill out an Audience Care Card. This card alerts us to any content that may require an audience care announcement, which will be shared with our audience prior to the dancer(s) taking the stage.

  2. Preparation of Dancers:

    • Studio Owners, Choreographers, or a Studio Representative must prepare their dancers and inform them that an Audience Care Announcement will be made before their performance. The announcement will inform the audience and faculty panel that sensitive themes are being addressed, and anyone who may feel triggered or uncomfortable (including our faculty & staff) is welcome to excuse themselves during the performance.

  3. Failure to Submit Card:

    • If a Sensitive Subject Matter card is not submitted before the performance and a dance is deemed to address sensitive themes, we will gradually lower the music and invite the dancers off the stage.

    • At that point, the studio representative may submit an Audience Care Card backstage. If there is availability in the showcase order, the performance will be re-invited to the stage, and an Audience Care Announcement will be made prior to their re-entry.

These policies are in place to ensure that we can celebrate and support meaningful, creative expression while protecting the safety and well-being of all our #SOULCIETY members. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in creating a mindful and respectful environment!

MUSIC

  • Music should refrain from derogatory language and profanity of any kind.

  • Music must be age-appropriate and align with the story content as well as the age of the dancers performing.

  • Performances that do not adhere to our guidelines will be ineligible for re-performance and/or showcase awards

CONTENT & STORYTELLING


We encourage choreographers to create meaningful, age-appropriate stories and performances. While we trust our clients' intuition and experience in curating performances that are appropriate for their dancers, we also understand that the definition of "mature" content varies. A piece deemed appropriate for one group may not be for another.

At SOUL DE SOUL, we honor the creative process as a powerful and healing part of moving through challenging life experiences. If your performance includes or addresses any of the following sensitive themes, you must adhere to our Audience Care Policies.

Sensitive Themes Include:

  • Abuse (physical, sexual, or verbal)

  • Mental Illness

  • Guns and Violence

  • Mature Content (both physical movement and/or music theme)

  • Substance Abuse

  • Use of Makeup that suggests any of the above

  • Use of Costumes that suggests any of the above

Performances that do not adhere to our guidelines will be ineligible for re-performance and/or showcase awards

These themes, while powerful, require an added level of consideration to ensure that the content does not negatively impact our dancers, audience, or faculty. If your performance addresses any of these topics, it is essential to submit a Sensitive Subject Matter card before the event, as outlined in our Audience Care Policies.

By following these guidelines, we ensure that all work can be celebrated while keeping SOUL DE SOUL a safe and mindful space for all participants.

COSTUMING

CENTERING DANCER EMPOWERMENT

At SOUL DE SOUL, we encourage studio owners, teachers, and choreographers to outfit their performers in costumes and attire that make them feel their very best! We understand that every dancer has their own level of comfort, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to how to costume a dancer. SDS believes in empowering dancers to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin, both in the classroom and on stage.

We trust that studio leadership will ensure their dancers feel safe and supported in their costumes, paying special attention to age-appropriate attire and child development. Our goal is to help dancers shine with self-confidence and authenticity, while being mindful of combating the hyper-sexualization of kids in dance.

To maintain the safety and integrity of our event, SOUL DE SOUL enforces a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for nudity or costumes with partial nudity. We ask that all costumes be respectful, appropriate, and reflective of the dancer’s comfort level and stage readiness.

This policy is in place to ensure all dancers feel celebrated for who they are, without the risk of objectification or inappropriate attention. We thank you for your care in making these choices and your commitment to fostering a positive, empowering environment for our young artists.

PROPS & THEMES

We encourage every choreographer to create and craft stories that are meaningful and age-appropriate for their dancers. We trust the intuition and wisdom of our studio teams in choosing works that best suit their dancers’ needs and readiness. While we understand that what may be considered “mature” for one group may not apply to another, we honor the creative process and its importance in expressing and healing through art.

At SOUL DE SOUL, we recognize the power of storytelling and its ability to bring us through difficult or transformative life experiences. With that in mind, we understand that creative work can touch upon sensitive subjects, and we seek to support both the work and the audience in a responsible, mindful way. However, any work that includes or addresses sensitive themes, whether in its entirety or in part, must follow our Audience Care Policies to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all.

Sensitive Themes Requiring an Audience Care Card

  • ABUSE (physical, sexual, or verbal)

  • MENTAL ILLNESS

  • GUNS AND VIOLENCE

  • MATURE CONTENT (including physical movement or music themes)

  • SUBSTANCE ABUSE

  • USE OF MAKEUP OR COSTUMES that suggest any of the above themes

Should your piece include or address any of these themes, we kindly ask that you complete and submit the Audience Care Card and follow all related procedures. This allows us to inform the audience, faculty, and staff and ensure that their emotional safety is prioritized.

By adhering to these guidelines, we can celebrate the powerful creative work of our choreographers and dancers, while fostering an environment of respect, support, and awareness for all involved.

Dancer Care & Comfort Guidelines

ATTIRE & DRESS

At SOUL DE SOUL, we want every dancer to feel authentically themselves. We encourage dancers to wear clothes and apparel that make them feel comfortable and confident throughout the weekend. We understand that each dancer’s needs and preferences are unique, and we want to support them in feeling empowered and comfortable in their own skin.

Pronouns:


If dancers feel comfortable, we encourage dancers to share their pronouns on their name tags if they wish, to ensure an inclusive and respectful environment for all. Pronoun stickers can be found at the registration table :)

“BIO BREAKS” BETWEEN CLASSES


We offer transition periods between classes to give dancers a chance for bio breaks, snacks, and to fuel their bodies. These moments are important for self-care and well-being, and we encourage dancers to take this time to rest and recharge. By doing so, we are modeling how to care for ourselves and eliminating the unnecessary pressure of for-going this care in order to not “miss out” on the start of the next class.

Morning Jam


Morning Jam is our warm-up session! It's an important part of the day, as it prepares dancers physically for the long day of dancing ahead. We encourage dancers to participate so they can warm up properly and take care of their bodies.

Footwear

  • Dancers may choose to wear genre-specific shoes or modify as needed.

  • We suggest bringing all styles of shoes, so dancers feel equipped and ready to jump into each style with confidence.

  • We suggest bringing socks to support movement in several class genres

Snacks & Hydration


Caring for ourselves and our bodies is an important part of the weekend! Being properly fueled and warm is important for sustained energy and flexibility throughout the weekend.

Please remember to bring-

  • snacks

  • water bottles

  • layers of clothes to stay warm between classes.

  • rollers, massage balls, biofreeze, therabands, etc