Good etiquette is paramount to making the event enjoyable for everyone. By participating in Blue Note events, you agree to the following:
- As with everything else in life, I understand that consent is important.
I will obtain consent before taking any action, whether grabbing someone to dance or anything more. I understand that the social dance floor is not the appropriate place to make advances on someone before receiving consent. If I think there is chemistry beyond the dance, I will wait for the dance to end before asking about it. I understand that consenting to a dance is not the same as consenting to anything else. - I accept that I am responsible for my enjoyment of the event and will contribute to making a community that is safe, open, honest, and enjoyable for all involved.
I recognize that the purpose of social partner dancing is to have fun while connecting with another person. I will make the best effort to be attentive to my dance partner and enjoy each dance with each person regardless of background, race, gender, beliefs, or skill level. - I am encouraged to actively participate in building the dance community.
To do so, I will seek out new people to dance with or talk to. I can also foster connections by introducing or reintroducing myself with each new dance. - I understand that every dance with another person is a privilege.
I understand that asking someone to dance is a request, not a demand, and that they do not owe me an explanation of their reasons. I will receive any acceptance or rejection with grace. - I will be mindful of myself, my dance partner, and my surroundings when I dance.
I will not attempt large moves, lifts, kicks, or other movements that may cause injury and/or discomfort to my dance partner, myself, or those around me. I will do my best not bump or step on other dancers. I will be gracious if I do and still gracious if someone does it to me. - I will not teach on the social dance floor.
I will not offer unsolicited advice about someone’s dancing, and any practicing with my dance partner will be done off to the side or in another room to leave the dance floor open for social dancing. - I will take care of my hygiene.
I will bring towels, hygiene products, and spare changes of clothing to ensure I look, smell, and feel clean. I will check my sweat and body odor on a regular basis and clean myself up as necessary. - It is okay for me to tell my dance partner if something he/she does causes me discomfort.
I will make my best effort to inform them and give them an opportunity to change it. I understand that communication can clear up misunderstandings before they build. I recognize that people are sometimes unaware that their actions are uncomfortable until they are informed. - I will strictly respect the physical and personal boundaries of my fellow attendees on and off the dance floor.
If I receive feedback from your dance partner about something that causes him/her discomfort, I will take it graciously. - I will bring inappropriate actions that I personally experience or observe to the attention of the organizers.
- I will be respectful of the teachers, staff members, DJs, and organizers.
I will not arrive more than 5 minutes late to class, and if I do, I will obtain permission before joining. I will respect and focus on the material that is being taught and not try to teach or redirect focus during someone else’s class. I will keep all outside conversations to a minimum while there is a lesson going on. I am free to inform the DJs, teachers, and organizers of any positive feedback. I am also free to provide negative feedback, but I will do so either through surveys or in private while being respectful of the person receiving it.
For deeper cultural information about etiquette read our piece on Culture, Values, and Etiquette.
We take harassment seriously.
If someone’s actions are in the realm of (sexual or otherwise) harassment or abuse, please inform an organizer or staff member. That said, simply not liking the way someone looks, talks, or dances is not a good enough reason to accuse them of harassment.
Automatic Bans
If you have a police report against you regarding violence or a rape incident (regardless of where it may have occurred), or there is a restraining order against you regarding a dancer in our community, you are not welcome at our events.
Grievance Policy
We will only accept “official complaints” from those directly involved with the incident or authorised representatives of those involved. We do not accept hearsay. We understand that it can be uncomfortable, so we will accept complaints both in in-person and via writing at info@bluenotesd.com.
If we are informed of someone violating the Code of Conduct above without witnessing it ourselves, we will investigate by talking to the person(s) involved. That said, we understand that misunderstandings happen, so an investigation is not an automatic accusation. We also believe in discretion and will protect the identities of all person(s) involved until an acceptable solution is determined.
Often the solution can be something as simple as agreeing to stay away from the person they caused discomfort to or agreeing not to do certain movements deemed unsafe on the dance floor. Minor offences resulting from misunderstandings will not result in an official warning, provided the accused person(s) are willing to work with the venue and organizers toward a solution.
If it is determined that the accusation is true, the following will apply:
- If the person(s) show a willingness to work with us to prevent further complaints, an official warning will be issued, but the person(s) will be permitted to continue dancing
- A second valid complaint in the same evening involving the same persons (accuser and accused) for the same reason will result in the accused being asked to leave that evening
- A lack of willingness to acknowledge the concern or work with the venue or organizers will result in the accused being asked to leave that evening. An organizer will be in contact separately to determine the best course of action for future events
- Any person(s) receiving three warnings will be banned from the venue with an opportunity to revisit the ban in 6 months’ time