Our Values

How we move, relate, and stay accountable—together

Our name. Where We Land speaks of landing not as a claim to land, but as a return to self—a homecoming into the body, into community, and into safety. It honours both the grounding and the grace it takes to move through the world with care, curiosity, and accountability. Landing, in our spaces, means arriving as you are. It means being met with softness, spaciousness, and the permission to take up room without apology.

And still—we recognize that in a settler colonial context, language about “landing” cannot be separated from histories of displacement, occupation, and harm. We are settlers on Indigenous land, and to speak of belonging here must include an ongoing commitment to truth, justice, and reparation.

Where We Land (verb)

Where We Land exists within this tension: we seek to create a space of belonging that does not reproduce systems of dominance. We acknowledge that the ground we gather on is not neutral, and our work is rooted in actively deconstructing white supremacy culture, challenging hierarchy, and making room for complex, liberated embodiment—especially for those pushed to the margins.

This name is not just about the destination, but how we hold ourselves and each other when we get there.

What becomes possible when we land in connection, in care, and in resistance together?

Where We Land (noun)

Where We Land operates on the unceded, ancestral, and occupied lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. These lands were never surrendered, and continue to be the homelands of thriving Indigenous communities whose sovereignty, knowledge, and culture have shaped this place since time immemorial.

As dancers and movement practitioners, we understand that every gesture is shaped by where we stand—and that our work exists in direct relationship to land, legacy, and lineage. We recognize that the ability to gather, move, and build community here is a privilege made possible through colonial violence, and we do not take that lightly.

This acknowledgement is not a box to check, but a practice of remembering and responsibility. We are committed to learning from Indigenous knowledge systems, uplifting Indigenous voices, and exploring what meaningful land-based solidarity looks like in our work—not just in words, but through action and ongoing relationship.

Community Guidelines

Shared Agreements: What we ask of ourselves and each other

  • We recognize and uplift any and all gender identities in the room. We understand gender identity and expression are complex and ever evolving, and we’re committed to learning, unlearning, and growing in a way that supports where you are in that journey. 

    We commit to avoiding the assumption of gender based on looks or body type, as we understand that fundamentally, gender has no one specific physical accompaniment. We regularly share pronouns to ensure everyone has a chance to express how they wish to be perceived and addressed - as an ally in our space, this is expected from you.

    We recognize the gender binary as a colonial tool of oppression, and are committed to centering the voices and needs of those who do not conform, or are actively unlearning.

  • The movement, music, style, and other aspects of what we do are influenced by communities we are a guest to - Hip Hop culture, Black & Latine cultures, and Indigenous communities, as well as Sex Work (specifically trans SWers of colour), to name a few.

    We recognize that the way we approach and execute dance/movement today would not be possible without the work of these communities. We understand that the movement and music that shows up in our work comes from a place of resistance, resilience, and is a rebellion against colonial violence and oppression, which is on going. We are committed to centring and uplifting the voices and experiences of those most affected.

    We are actively unlearning white supremacy culture and how it shows up in both ourselves, and the dance industry. We are committed to challenging ideas such as urgency, black/white thinking, power hoarding, individualism, and hierarchy in both our personal and professional lives.

    (source - white supremacy characteristics)

  • We recognize natural body diversity, and fiercely believe that body size is not an indicator of health, and that health is not an indicator of worth. 

    We recognize that living in a larger body can feel unsafe, especially in movement/fitness based spaces. We are committed to uplifting and supporting the experiences of those who identify as fat, plus-size, or large bodied by using language that feels good for you personally, working with you to understand your body and its needs, and ensuring we are learning and unlearning the ways in which our industry perpetrates harm. 

    Talks of diet, fitness, eating habits, and body shaming, whether directed at others or yourself, will not be tolerated. Discussion of goals will be limited to internal cues, focusing on how movement feels in your body. 

    We deeply understand the ways in which fatphobia permeates our society, and recognize it as a colonial tool of oppression. While discussions of the above are not tolerated in group settings, we empathize with anyone struggling and do not encourage a shameful approach to these topics. If you are needing support or safety in expressing how you are feeling about yourself, your body, or any of the above, please connect with a teacher/member of staff, who will help guide you to the necessary supports or resources with care and compassion. 

  • We recognize and uplift any and all forms of neurodiversity, not limited to ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, PTSD, or other neurotypes that veer from “societal expectations”. We recognize the social model of disability as being relatable to some, as well as deeply understand the impact and full spectrum of what it means to be disabled at all times by your experience.

    All ways of learning, processing, communicating, and existing in the world are valid and accepted here. We will never enforce eye contact, and stimming (physical or vocal), taking breaks, and speaking (or not speaking) however is natural is encouraged

  • We hold ourselves accountable to these guidelines in the same way you hold yourself accountable. If you feel the above is not being respected, or your experience is being negatively impacted in any way, we encourage open discussion. 

    We recognize that even in intentional, trauma informed spaces, harm may occur, and that it may not feel comfortable, or possible, to approach a member of staff due to various social dynamics at play. We are committed to approaching any feedback or concerns with care and compassion, and it is our top priority that your concern and experience is validated and addressed. 

  • We do not tolerate racism, transphobia, fatphobia, ableism, xenophobia, islamophobia, ageism, misogyny, classism, or any form of hate or discrimination—whether overt or subtle, intentional or unconscious. This includes microaggressions, coded exclusion, and behaviours that cause harm, exclusion, or discomfort to members of our community.

    We recognize that people hold layered and intersecting identities that shape how they move through the world—and how the world responds to them. We are committed to holding space that honours this complexity and affirms everyone’s right to safety, dignity, and meaningful participation.

    If harm occurs, we will take it seriously. This may include conversations, repair processes, or removal from programming if needed. Our priority is the wellbeing of those most impacted.

Our Commitments

How we put our values into practice

We know values mean little without action. These are the ways we are actively building a more just, accessible, and intentional space—from programming to pricing, and beyond.
We know there is always more work to be done, and acknowledge that as settlers who are actively benefitting from the privilege afforded due to colonial violence, we likely have blind spots. If there is something missing that you wish to bring to our attention—we welcome and encourage discussion and/or calls to action.

Redistribution of Wealth

We offer sliding scale/tiered pricing, scholarship/sponsorship options, and prioritize paid opportunities for artists who face systemic barriers to access and visibility. The company’s income is not used to generate personal wealth—leadership caps their earnings and takes only what is needed to sustain their work. The majority of revenue is reinvested directly into artists, collaborators, and community resources.


Trauma-Informed Pedagogy

A trauma-informed pedagogy includes a “strength based” approach that recognizes and responds to the impact of trauma by focusing on physical, psychological, and emotional safety. We practice consent-based touch, never enforce participation, and welcome rest, autonomy, and alternative ways of engaging. Our work is influenced by the “4 Rs”, and “6 key principles of Trauma-Informed Approach” as defined by the Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

(sources: SAMHSA TIP framework / BC Gov - Trauma-Informed Practices, Resources)

Accessibility in Practice

We prioritize physically accessible spaces when possible, offer adaptable movement options in class, and are developing resources for low-sensory and virtual access. Our approach to access is proactive, not reactive, and we continually revise our practices based on feedback and evolving community needs.

Ongoing Education & Accountability

We are committed to lifelong learning and unlearning. This includes formal and informal education in Indigenous sovereignty and decolonization, Hip Hop pedagogy, anti-oppression, intersectionality, and bias. Our team continues to engage with programs such as Indigenous Inclusion Academy and Chosen Hip Hop, and we hold ourselves accountable to bringing what we learn back into the spaces we create.

Additionally, we aim to build long-term relationships with consultants whose lived experience and professional expertise can help guide us in alignment with our values.

Low-Stakes, High-Reward Culture

Our programs are intentionally structured to remove unnecessary pressure and competitiveness, making room for experimentation and individualized growth. We focus on skill-building, consistency, and process rather than perfection or performance. This approach supports sustainable learning, reduces burnout, and creates conditions where real progress can happen—on your own terms.


Centring Marginalized Voices

We prioritize the leadership, stories, and needs of those most impacted by systemic harm—especially racialized, disabled, fat, queer, and trans communities. This means shaping our programs, collaborations, and teaching practices in ways that reflect and uplift their brilliance, not just include it.