BUTTER STUDIO COMMUNITY GUIDELINES

Creating a space of respect, awareness and belonging

At our studio, we’re committed to cultivating a space that is safe, supportive and inclusive for all. These guidelines help us hold that intention together. All students and teachers should adhere to the following guidelines at our studio:

1. Be Respectful of Time

  • Please arrive on time and settle in quietly to honour the beginning of practice.

  • If you arrive late and the door is locked, we ask that you skip the session to respect the class.

  • Whilst we encourage community-building and connection, please be mindful of teachers’ time after class — please don’t linger too long so the teacher can begin cleaning the studio, set up for the next class or head out of the space promptly.

2. Respect the Shared Space

  • Keep your phone on silent and out of the studio; all belongings outside of studio props (including phones) should be stowed in the change rooms or reception during class.

  • Be mindful of hygiene. Clean your mat and props after use, and return everything as you found it.

3. Practice with Kindness

  • Honour your body and your own practice—this is not a space for competition or comparison.

  • Support others by practicing with awareness, spaciousness, and non-judgment.

4. Speak and Act with Care

  • Use inclusive, respectful language.

  • Be mindful of conversations in communal spaces — some may be arriving for a restorative class and in need of a peaceful environment.

5. Inclusivity is a Practice

  • We welcome adult students of all ages, backgrounds, identities and experience levels.

  • If you witness or experience behaviour that doesn't align with these values, please speak with a teacher or studio staff.

6. Consent Matters

  • We honour personal boundaries. Some classes offer hands-on assists, but these are always optional and consent-based.

  • Consent goes both ways - our teachers will always ask for consent before applying assists, and we ask that students do not make physical content with our teachers unless they have gotten consent to do so (i.e. hugs).

7. Stay Curious, Stay Humble

  • We’re all here to learn. Mistakes and questions are part of the journey.

  • This is a co-created space — thank you for contributing to the energy we all share.

Sexual Harassment Policy

At Butter Studio, we are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all members of our community. In alignment with Yoga Australia’s Guiding Principles, we uphold the following principles:

  • Zero Tolerance for Harassment: We do not tolerate any form of harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying or inappropriate behaviour, whether verbal, physical or online. Such conduct is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

  • Professional Boundaries: Our instructors and staff maintain clear professional boundaries and are trained to respect the personal space and dignity of all participants. Any form of exploitation or inappropriate physical contact is unacceptable.

  • Respect and Inclusivity: We are dedicated to fostering an environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, cultural background or ability, feel valued and respected. Discrimination or exclusionary behaviour is not permitted.

  • Confidentiality and Support: We respect the privacy of all individuals and handle any concerns or complaints with the utmost confidentiality. Support and resources are available for anyone who feels they have been subjected to inappropriate behaviour.

  • Reporting and Accountability: We encourage individuals to report any incidents of harassment or misconduct. All reports will be taken seriously and addressed promptly, with appropriate actions taken to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

If you experience or witness any form of harassment or inappropriate behaviour, please contact us immediately. We are here to listen, support and take necessary actions to uphold the integrity of our community.

As a business providing a service, we have a legal duty to prevent and respond to discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation, as far as possible, and any reports of unlawful behaviour will be responded to in line with our community guidelines and the law. This includes conduct by and towards students as well as our teachers or studio staff. See the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). We also have a positive duty to eliminate sexual harassment, sex discrimination and other relevant unlawful conduct under the federal Sex Discrimination Act 1986 (Cth).

You can learn more about sexual harassment and discrimination protections here.