Combining my experience with the invaluable feedback of dancers and other facilitators I was able to put together these ‘netiquette guidelines’ to help us have a meaningful experience and feel held by the group, which now requires extra care and attention.
ONLINE BIODANZA NETIQUETTE GUIDELINES
BEFORE THE SESSION
- Find a quiet, private space
- Bring some water to drink when needed and place it close by
- Wear comfortable, layered clothing that allows you to move freely
- Have your headphones or speakers ready if you want to improve the sound quality
- If you can use a laptop or pc as you will be able to see the whole group on gallery view
- Minimize any distractions (doorbell/email/ phone) so that we can all be as present as possible
- Make sure you have uninterrupted time for yourself and that you can attend the whole session
- Be prepared to actively participate throughout the session - treat it as any other normal class
- Be on time. If possible, log on a few minutes early, especially if it is your 1st time
COMMUNICATION
- Please name yourself if you haven’t already – click the three dots in your own window and "rename" to make sure others can see your name
- Let others know if you need to leave early / arrive late
- Keep muted if you’re not speaking and whilst dancing
- Make the most of non-verbal communication. If you have any problems use a hand signal
- If you are having technical problems before the dance starts, use the chat feature – via the ‘speech bubble’ icon in the bottom bar
- Be aware that the facilitator might not be able to see messages or emails once the session starts
DURING THE VIVENCIA
- Be as present and focused as you would normally be and stay present. As with any practice, interference happens but gently bring your attention back to movement, body and dance
- Remain in your chosen space - avoid moving from room to room
- Keep your video on - avoid blurring or changing your background
- Position the camera so that your dance partner(s) can see you
- Make sure your face is visible, if necessary having a table lamp by the screen - some people are in silhouette and it's a shame not to see their faces
- If you don't want to be paired up for the dances in two's, point your camera towards the ceiling
- Hide self-view or move away from screen during the individual dances if you are camera-conscious and return to gallery view at the end of the dance
- Pace yourself, listen to yourself and don't be concerned with what others are doing
- Help each other remain in the ‘body’ experience by avoiding the chat unless it’s urgent/essential
- Avoid sitting back on your sofa as if watching TV, as well as eating or feeding your kids/pets, and playing around with flashing lights and objects unless it is part of a specific game
- Keep your clothes on even if it is hot - avoid taking them off
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
- Respect the group´s privacy by not recording the session or taking screenshots
- Respect the facilitator´s work by not making notes or using Shazam - you can always contact the teacher after the session for information on a specific track of music
- If you get cut off, just log back on with the same Zoom link
- Be kind when glitches or miscommunications occur
- Have fun, enjoy the dance, and let me know if there´s anything else you´d like to see included to improve your experience - Thank you