We Welcome All Dancers!

Regardless of:

Ability ∙ Age ∙ Gender ∙ Sexual orientation ∙ Race ∙ Creed

Anyone can dance with Anyone, and Anyone can ask Anyone to dance!

We maintain a safe and comfortable space for everyone, both mentally and physically.

Everyone has the right to decline an invitation to dance, without an explanation.

Our Dances are:

• Free of harassment and discrimination due to gender, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, physical appearance, race, age, or other aspects of identity.
• Free of racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, or sexist language.
• Free of Physical harm – if something is uncomfortable speak up! “that hurts”, “it would be more comfortable if you…”, or “please swing slower”

New Dancer Tips

• It is most common for contra dancers to not have a designated partner for an evening. You’ll see folks asking many different people to dance; no partner necessary! 
• It is also common for experienced dancers to ask new and inexperienced dancers to dance so they might help in the learning process and make new friends. 
• If you make a mistake, or miss a figure, don’t worry about it—it’s all in fun! Instead of rushing through the botched figure, skip it and go on to the next. You’ll get many chances to practice each figure because all the moves in the dance keep repeating as you and your partner gradually move up or down the hall.
• Looking at something that isn’t moving with respect to you can help with dizziness, many experienced dancers will make eye contact, but you can look at your partner’s forehead, ear, or name tag. 

Reporting and Our Response

• If you are uncomfortable with someone’s behavior, and feel safe doing so, please let them know. Please also share any concerns with us, you can talk to the caller,  front door volunteer or a dance organizer.
• You may also report issues to a FolkMADS board member or fill out our feedback form.
• We believe that people come to our events with good intentions and would like to learn and improve if they make someone feel uncomfortable. When concerns are raised, organizers or board members will discuss the issue with that member of our community. In most cases, we will document these interactions and give the person a chance to learn and improve their behavior. However, repeat behavior or extreme misconduct will result in the person being temporarily or permanently banned from FolkMADS events.

MOST IMPORTANT–HAVE FUN, ENJOY THE MUSIC AND THE PEOPLE!

This policy applies to all community members, including board members, callers, musicians, and dancers. We hope it enables everyone to have a safe and fun time at all FolkMADS events!

Click on the thumbnail below to see our etiquette poster!