Check- In Instructions

Energetics of the Check In Station

The check in station is:

  • A moment of reflection

  • A deep and grounding breath

  • An invitation to take account & accountability of what one is choosing to bring into the dance space

  • This moment of beginning is sacred and fresh

  • We get to choose exactly how we show up for ourselves and others.

  • The opening of the sacred container

The person choosing to take on the responsibility of leading this check in process is:

  • Taking on the foundational rule of explaining why we have rules and 

  • Committing to upholding the essence of the dance through their energy, words, and actions. 

  • Agreeing to act as protector of the space and the hearts that are coming into the space 

  • Accepting the responsibility of explaining, creating spaciousness for understanding and showing up in clarity. 

  • Acting as a filter of the energies that will be coming into the space.

Practical steps of facilitating the check in process

  1. You will be at the Check In Station from 7-8:30pm, the station must always be covered. If you need to leave the station for any reason (bathroom, break, etc) let a team member know so they can cover you

  2. When folks arrive, take a moment to connect with the people coming in, welcoming them in a way that feel authentic to your heart

  3. Ask them if it’s their first time at our dance 

    1. If yes:

      1. Ask if it’s their first ecstatic dance. If so, make sure you go into the guidelines more in depth.

      2. Point our bathrooms & where to fill up water

      3. Point out stewards (Ophir, Katy, Micah and Emma)

        1. Note that they if they need anything or are uncomfortable in any way, they can check in with them

        2. Note they’ll usually be wearing yellow pins

    2. For both new people & people that have been with us:

      1. Ask them to read over the guidelines

      2. Emphasize the importance of consent

      3. Note that if they wish, they can wear a “dancing solo pin”

      4. Anyone wearing these pins should not be approached for group dancing

      5. Ask them to sign the check in sheet and answer the check in question

        1. Explain the importance of taking a moment to ground into themselves and the space. They are entering a container and are 110% responsible for the energy they bring into this space.

        2. Explain that signing this is giving their consent that they agree to uphold these guidelines, as well as signing the liability waiver

      6. If they have kiddos ask them to read the Keiki Guidelines. Emphasize that no matter what, the child needs to be with them at all times.

      7. Everyone must pay between $12 and $20

        -Encourage paying closer to $20 when possible. This is the amount the dance generally needs from everyone to break even. 

        -If you’re also facilitating check in for an event happening before the dance (such as yoga), this will have a separate cash box / Venmo. Make sure folks contribute to both if attending both.  

        -If they want to go to the pre-event but not the dance (and just pay for the pre-event), find a steward to check if this is OK first.

        -We do not accept credit/debit cards or $100 bills. The closest ATM is at the gas station just a short walk up the hill.

        -We may or may not be able to break change smaller than that. If not, you can have them pay more, and come back for their change later. Just jot their name/ $ change amount down so you remember).

        -Cash is preferred over Venmo

        -If anyone requests to pay later (forgot wallet, want to check the vibes first, etc.), find a steward to discuss with them.

        -A lot of regulars will just walk in/casually say they have our Venmo and will pay later. We must request they pay before entering. This can be awkward as they’re our friends. Share this however feels right to you, but below is a quick explanation of why this is needed in case you find it helpful.

        “We trust that you’ll pay. But on the off chance that you forget (we’re all human), we don’t have the capacity to keep track of who may or may not have forgotten. And if we don’t do that, the dance loses money and it comes out of our own pocket (this happens more than you might think). Since that’s not sustainable, we’ve got to hold to policies like this in order to keep the dance alive for many years to come”

Check In Process Quick Cheat Sheet:

  1. Welcome

  2. Are you new to the dance?

    1. If so: Go over guidelines in depth

    2. Point out water and bathrooms

    3. Point out stewards and yellow buttons

  3. Ask them to read guidelines 

    1. Emphasize consent

    2. Point out optional pink dancing solo buttons

  4. Ask them to take a moment of reflection and sign the check in sheet

  5. Require that they pay before going in (or check with a steward if necessary)