Balfolk Cambridge

Code of Conduct

Universal

• We aim for everyone to feel safe and welcome at our events
• Respect our musicians. For example, don't talk louder than the music
• Be kind to each other, we do not tolerate discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, disability, appearance, religion, dance level/role, and everything else
• Wear whatever you like: there is no dress code (but please do wear something)
• Everybody (of any gender) may dance with each other and choose to lead or follow
• Verbal or physical intimidation is NEVER acceptable. If you behave in an unacceptable way, the organisers may talk to you about it and in the worst case ban you from the event
• Above all: if something doesn't feel right - don't do it. Respect that of others too

Personal Care

• Take care of personal hygiene. You know what works best for you, but here are some tips: wash your hands (bacteria spread quickly!), brush your teeth, use deodorant if you need it or bring a set of extra clothes
• You're here for you. There’s no harm in skipping a dance
• Make sure you don’t bother other people with use of alcohol, smoking, etc. None of our venues allow smoking or alcohol consumption on-site
• Drink enough water
• Take care of your own physical and emotional limits

Asking

• Feel free to ask anyone to dance even when you don't know them (yet)
• Don't feel obliged to dance with someone. You can always say no without giving a reason. Accept this from others too
• Want to lead/follow/both? State your preference
• Both followers and leaders may take the initiative to ask someone to dance

Dance Floor

• Be mindful of the whole space
• Don't just carry out risky movements, be mindful of your partner, and the space and dancers around you
• The common dance direction is anticlockwise
• In most couple dances, fast-moving couples dance on the outside lane and others in the middle of the dancefloor

While Dancing

• Everybody is here to have a good time. Be careful with giving feedback; it might be unwanted
• Dancing is something you do together. Take note of the style and body language of your dance partner(s) and make sure that it is comfortable for everyone
• If anything in the dance hurts or is annoying you, communicate it to your partner directly. If you bother or hurt someone, please apologise
• Search for a dance position that feels good for both of you. For example, don’t assume that everybody likes to dance very close to each other
• Always ask (non-verbally) if and where you may join a group dance

Contact

Do you feel unsafe or did you have a bad experience? Please don’t hesitate to speak up! Either talk to the people that bother you, confide in friends, or ask for one of the organisers of the event. There’s always someone willing to listen.

You can speak to the organisers Charlie, Caro or James, or email us. If you see this poster in person, it will have Caro's phone number on, but we won't put that on the internet, email us to get it.