As part of one of my 3^rd year modules we had a guest speaker come to talk to us about the importance of consent and intimacy within the arts. One aim of the workshop was to know the boundaries of what is accepted between the performers.

I found it helpful as a performer as it made me realise the importance of being able to say whether I feel comfortable or uncomfortable with a move. For example, I may not want someone putting their hand on the inner part of my thigh but I may give an alternative so I may suggest its comfortable for me to have the hand placed on the top of my thigh.

I also found this workshop made me realise the importance of boundaries when creating work. If my performers don’t feel comfortable doing something, I should respect that and allow for alternatives. Regardless of how little the movement or touch may be, each individual is entitled to raise any issues.

The main thing I took away from the workshop was the importance of setting rules before doing improvisation or contact work. This allows all the dancers to set their boundaries of what they feel comfortable doing. Whilst also setting rules it’s important for us to set a move, word or tap out so that everyone is aware this means stop. I’m grateful to have received this information as improvisation will be a major part of my professional practice and now, I know what I can do to make sure I feel comfortable at all times.

Overall, I will benefit from the information given at the workshop as it has allowed me to understand rules which I wasn’t so sure on. This will make me feel more comfortable and confident when facilitating and making work.