At Birds of Paradise Studio, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for all students and instructors. While our studio is open to everyone, we prioritize the experiences, safety, and comfort of QBIPOC (Queer Black Indigenous People of Color) women.

Our goal is to cultivate an environment where individuals of all backgrounds, body types, and identities feel supported in their movement journey. To ensure a positive experience for everyone, we have established the following policies:

1. Studio Values & Inclusivity

• We prioritize respect, consent, and compassionate teaching methods.

• While our space is intentionally designed to center QBIPOC women, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and safe in their movement practice, we welcome people of all genders, sexual orientations, body sizes, abilities, and backgrounds.

• Instructors must use gender-neutral language when addressing students unless they have been given explicit pronoun preferences. If you misgender someone, apologize briefly and move on without making it a focal point.

2. Consent & Boundaries

• Physical adjustments and spotting require clear, verbal consent before touching a student. If a student declines, respect their decision and offer verbal guidance or demonstrations instead.

• No one; student or instructor, should touch another person without consent.

• Students have the right to step away or modify movements that feel unsafe for their body.

3. Confidentiality & Privacy

• Personal details shared in class remain confidential. You may share general concepts, but never disclose names, identities, or personal stories without explicit consent.

• Photos and videos are not allowed without the subject’s explicit consent.

4. Safety & Injury Prevention

• Warm-ups and cool-downs are mandatory in every class to prevent injury.

• Instructors should assess students’ mobility, flexibility, and strength levels before introducing new movements.

• Adaptations should be provided for students with varying body types, abilities, and experience levels.

• Encourage students to listen to their bodies and rest when needed.

5. Studio Etiquette

• Respect the studio space—clean up after yourself and encourage students to do the same.

• Be mindful of language; avoid diet talk, body shaming, or ableist language.

• If anyone expresses discomfort or has concerns, instructors must address them with care and professionalism.

6. Alcohol & Substances

• Instructors must be sober while teaching. If a student appears intoxicated, they should be asked to sit out for their safety.

If you feel unsafe with an intoxicated student in the class, please ask for help from a fellow instructor or reach out directly to management.

7. Emergency & Reporting

• If you witness or experience inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, or harassment, report it to studio management immediately.

• Birds of Paradise Studio reserves the right to remove anyone—including instructors—who violate this policy.

8. Entry & Studio Management Rights

• While we welcome everyone, we maintain our right to prioritize QBIPOC women in our programming, space, and leadership.