Safer Spaces Policy

Blues Dance Madison is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and comfortable dance experience for everyone, regardless of dance skill or background, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, or any other characteristic or trait. We are expecting cooperation from all participants to help ensure a safe dance experience for everybody. By attending our events, you agree to abide by our rules and be held accountable if you engage in unsafe or harassing behavior.

—————

We are all responsible for creating a good dance environment. As such, please do not offer unsolicited advice to fellow dancers. Please use your full range of senses on the dance floor to avoid accidental collisions and injuries. And please be respectful to each other, to volunteers, and to organizers.

As a dancer, every dance is a gift you are giving. You are not obligated to dance with anyone, and you can turn down any dance or end it early for any reason. You are the ultimate authority on your own boundaries, which may be different with different people and which may change over time. You can always tell a partner that they’ve crossed a boundary, too, or talk with an event staff member about it.

As a dancer, every dance is a gift you are also receiving. You are not entitled to dance with anyone, and should not take being turned down as a personal insult. You should treat every dance you receive with respect and recognize that your partner is the ultimate authority on their own boundaries and physical safety. You should apologize if you cross a boundary, avoid belittling or denying your partner’s experience, and ask consent for anything you think may cross a boundary.

—————

Blues Dance Madison supports the idea that dance roles (lead and follow) do not need to be tied to gender. We encourage all dancers to avoid assumptions regarding dance roles and to check in with their partners about their preferred roles. Feel free to ask anyone to dance!

—————

While there is always some risk associated with any physical activity, we are committed to preventing injuries before they happen. Injuries frequently occur as a result of unsafe dancing, which we define as any movement that puts anyone at an unnecessarily high risk of physical injury. This includes, but is not limited to, yanking or jerking your partner around or using unnecessarily forceful movement when leading or following; or doing any lift where both of your partner’s feet go above your knees. If you are unsure what constitutes unsafe dancing or have concerns about the safety of a dance partner’s movements, please talk to an organizer or instructor.

—————

No forms of harassment will be tolerated. Harassment includes inappropriate verbal comments or verbal abuse, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

Harassment is not always done intentionally. If anyone engages in harassing or unsafe behavior, the event staff may take any action they deem appropriate. Anyone asked to stop any harassing or unsafe behavior is expected to comply immediately. Anyone who does not comply immediately may be sanctioned or expelled from the event without a refund at the discretion of the event staff.

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact an event staff member immediately. Contact a front desk volunteer, instructor, or DJ if you need assistance locating an event staff member.

Event staff will be happy to help with contacting the organizers, venue security, or local law enforcement; providing escorts; or otherwise assisting those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance and your safety.

We expect participants to follow these rules at all event venues and related social events. Any violations can be reported in person to an organizer or via our Contact page. Anonymous reports are accepted.

Please do contact someone if you need help or have any questions or concerns. Be safe, and enjoy dancing.

~Blues Dance Madison UA

This policy is licensed under the Creative Commons Zero license.