Sensuality, Practices, and Community Agreements
Close Embrace & Consent
MicroFusion centers on the art of the small, which often involves sharing each other's personal space. However, close embrace is not the default, so that we can honor our own comfort for each dance. Get explicit, verbal consent before moving into close embrace. A simple "Is close embrace okay?" is the practice we use, especially if it’s the first time you are dancing with someone or if the attunement doesn’t give very clear consent. It is entirely possible—and highly enjoyable—to have a deep, connected MicroFusion dance without entering close embrace, and our instructors will be exploring those dynamics throughout the weekend.
Keeping Dance Non-sexual
To prioritize a safer container, we all agree to maintain a firm boundary against sexual behavior. This includes things like genital grinding, making out, or touch of breasts or buttocks. While we all agree to keep the dance floor a non-sexual space, there is a lot of nuance around affection and sensuality, and we want to be open about how we navigate those boundaries and the natural arousal responses that can arise in the intimacy of MicroFusion.
Framing the Shift in Accountability
At our first two Fusion Immersions, we tried to police sensuality out of the space entirely in the name of safety, with our accountability policy leaning heavily on boundary rules. But more recently, I've been approached by some couples who expressed concern that it's unrealistic and too restrictive. They explained how they have shared discreet sensuality in their fusion dances for many years with no problems. They want to be able to bring their genuine presence to the floor while remaining in alignment with community agreements.
So this year, when it comes to sensual behavior on the dance floor, we agree to move away from policing rules and towards personal accountability. We recognize that sensuality is a welcome part of Fusion in certain circles, such as MELT or Elemental Bliss in Portland, and we want to manage it here with our own best practices for care. And we recognize that natural arousal responses can happen, especially during moments of close physical connection. The most obvious external sign of arousal is a penis erection, but other indicators might include flushed skin, erect nipples, or heavy, audible breathing. Rather than pretend they do not happen in Fusion Dance, we agree to navigate these together with maturity and care, and make everyone feel equally welcome whether they choose to explore sensuality or not.
Our Approach to Accountability for Sensuality
Our updated approach to accountability for sensuality isn't about making and enforcing a list of rules; it’s about common sense adult practices for holding healthy boundaries, and everyone taking responsibility for how their behavior lands in the room. We have identified three simple practices to help keep our container safer. This should all sound like common sense that we are simply making explicit.
Boundary Wristbands: We have silicone wristbands, an optional tool for those who want to make their boundaries even more explicit. While our default for every dance is Non-Sensual, wearing one on each wrist serves as a clear sign that you do not want to be approached for sensuality consent. This sign saves you from having to navigate any pre-consent conversations at all.
The Right to Exit: We agree that if a connection feels uncomfortable, or if a consent boundary is breached, we are encouraged to end the dance immediately. You never owe anyone an explanation for taking care of yourself.
Support Angels: We are committed to a space where everyone feels supported. If you feel uncomfortable or triggered, we suggest starting with an inner check-in to see if you can self-manage that experience. However, if you feel unsafe or observe a boundary or consent violation of any kind, it is important to notify a Support Angel—Bentley, Alicia, PJ, or Kara—immediately. We are here as your Support Angels to help manage the impact and maintain the integrity of our container.
MicroFusion centers on the art of the small, which often involves sharing each other's personal space. However, close embrace is not the default, so that we can honor our own comfort for each dance. Get explicit, verbal consent before moving into close embrace. A simple "Is close embrace okay?" is the practice we use, especially if it’s the first time you are dancing with someone or if the attunement doesn’t give very clear consent. It is entirely possible—and highly enjoyable—to have a deep, connected MicroFusion dance without entering close embrace, and our instructors will be exploring those dynamics throughout the weekend.
Keeping Dance Non-sexual
To prioritize a safer container, we all agree to maintain a firm boundary against sexual behavior. This includes things like genital grinding, making out, or touch of breasts or buttocks. While we all agree to keep the dance floor a non-sexual space, there is a lot of nuance around affection and sensuality, and we want to be open about how we navigate those boundaries and the natural arousal responses that can arise in the intimacy of MicroFusion.
Framing the Shift in Accountability
At our first two Fusion Immersions, we tried to police sensuality out of the space entirely in the name of safety, with our accountability policy leaning heavily on boundary rules. But more recently, I've been approached by some couples who expressed concern that it's unrealistic and too restrictive. They explained how they have shared discreet sensuality in their fusion dances for many years with no problems. They want to be able to bring their genuine presence to the floor while remaining in alignment with community agreements.
So this year, when it comes to sensual behavior on the dance floor, we agree to move away from policing rules and towards personal accountability. We recognize that sensuality is a welcome part of Fusion in certain circles, such as MELT or Elemental Bliss in Portland, and we want to manage it here with our own best practices for care. And we recognize that natural arousal responses can happen, especially during moments of close physical connection. The most obvious external sign of arousal is a penis erection, but other indicators might include flushed skin, erect nipples, or heavy, audible breathing. Rather than pretend they do not happen in Fusion Dance, we agree to navigate these together with maturity and care, and make everyone feel equally welcome whether they choose to explore sensuality or not.
Our Approach to Accountability for Sensuality
Our updated approach to accountability for sensuality isn't about making and enforcing a list of rules; it’s about common sense adult practices for holding healthy boundaries, and everyone taking responsibility for how their behavior lands in the room. We have identified three simple practices to help keep our container safer. This should all sound like common sense that we are simply making explicit.
- Navigating Consent: The default for every dance is Non-Sensual. When we speak of sensuality, we mean a quality of connection that has the potential to activate arousal. Unless you have established explicit, verbal consent regarding this energy, the non-sensual boundary stands. Inviting a dance partner into that space is meant to be used sparingly and with high attunement—usually with existing romantic partners or close friends. It is not an invitation to go "fishing" for sensual permissions. Also, if you begin experiencing an arousal response without consent, you are responsible for managing your body immediately—by adjusting your connection, resetting your energy, or taking a break.
- The Practice of Discretion: The Practice of Discretion is how we hold ourselves accountable for the external impact of our internal energy. This discretion requires that even when you have established consent with your partner, you take responsibility for keeping any sensual or arousal responses contained and discreet. This is a vital boundary because for the rest of the community, encountering arousal in other people around them can be a significant trigger. We support this practice of discretion as a group by not "monitoring" others for physical signs. If you look closely enough for almost anything, you will likely find it. This balance of individual discretion and shared privacy ensures that everyone can feel safe while witnessing the beauty of the dances around them.
- The Practice of a Reset: The Practice of a Reset is how we honor the boundary between one partner and the next. We agree that sensual energy is not meant to carry over across the dance floor. After any consensual, charged dance, we agree to reset our energies before finding our next partner. Take a moment to walk, breathe, or grab some water until those physical responses and energies have settled. This common-sense practice ensures every new dance starts from a clean, neutral baseline and respects the safety and consent of your next partner.
Boundary Wristbands: We have silicone wristbands, an optional tool for those who want to make their boundaries even more explicit. While our default for every dance is Non-Sensual, wearing one on each wrist serves as a clear sign that you do not want to be approached for sensuality consent. This sign saves you from having to navigate any pre-consent conversations at all.
The Right to Exit: We agree that if a connection feels uncomfortable, or if a consent boundary is breached, we are encouraged to end the dance immediately. You never owe anyone an explanation for taking care of yourself.
Support Angels: We are committed to a space where everyone feels supported. If you feel uncomfortable or triggered, we suggest starting with an inner check-in to see if you can self-manage that experience. However, if you feel unsafe or observe a boundary or consent violation of any kind, it is important to notify a Support Angel—Bentley, Alicia, PJ, or Kara—immediately. We are here as your Support Angels to help manage the impact and maintain the integrity of our container.
