SAFER SPACES POLICY
and
GUIDE TO BEING AN AWESOME ATTENDEE
SAFER SPACES POLICY
By attending any part of Bluetopia, I agree to abide by this policy.
I realize if I do something inappropriate, whether or not it’s mentioned in this policy, there may be consequences. These consequences may range from an organizer talking about my behavior with me to legal action against me. I will always comply with whatever a member of the Bluetopia staff asks of me which, for serious or repeated offenses, may include temporary or permanent ejection from the event without a refund and being banned from future events.
If I experience or witness any behavior that’s inappropriate or makes someone feel uncomfortable, I will bring it to an organizer’s attention immediately.
I will respect everyone at the event, regardless of their age, race, religion, nationality, creed, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, weight, ability, dance skill, politics, lifestyle, and personal boundaries. Actually, just to be safe, I’ll be kind to everyone no matter what.
I will strictly respect the physical and personal boundaries of my fellow attendees on and off the dance floor. I realize that it is possible to make others uncomfortable even without intending to, which is why I will always ask for permission from others before touching, hugging, cuddling, or other seemingly innocent forms of physical contact. I realize that only a verbal “yes” means “yes.”
I understand the difference between expressing your sexuality through dance and engaging in sexual behavior while dancing. I will NEVER engage in sexual behavior on the dance floor.
I realize that my Number One responsibility during any dance is to make sure that my partner, I myself, and those around me are safe and comfortable. I will do my best to make sure that my dancing does not cause anyone else any injury or discomfort.
I will obey all applicable laws. I will also follow the rules of the Bluetopia venue and staff. I realize that, as a participant in this event, I’m representing the event and my actions have the potential to impact the event and its future.
I realize that this policy cannot and does not outline every type of acceptable or unacceptable behavior or resulting consequences. In the end, I will use common sense, treat others the way they would like to be treated, listen to Bluetopia staff, and accept any consequences of my actions.
GUIDE TO BEING AN AWESOME BLUETOPIA ATTENDEE
I realize that I am a guest at THE venues, so I will be super-awesome at following all of the rules and laws at each and every venue.
I will clean up after myself at all of the venues because, seriously, I’m a grown-up.
I will practice model dance etiquette because that is one of the keys to being awesome.
I will not take myself too seriously, which means I will do things like happily dance with people who are less experienced than I am and I will be cool if someone doesn’t want to dance with me.
I am aware of the many totally cool and completely legitimate reasons to decline to dance with someone. I will not decline to dance with someone for a mean and judgmental reason because I have promised to be my most awesome version of myself.
I will never critique someone’s dancing on the social floor (or even during the lesson) UNLESS:
a. My partner EXPLICITLY asked for feedback during this dance
b. My partner is causing me some kind of physical or psychological discomfort
c. Critique is an expected part of the class we are in, as directed by our instructor(s).
If my partner is causing me some kind of physical or psychological discomfort, I promise that I WILL TELL THEM because it’s disrespectful to me, my partner, and all the other dancers if I let this behavior continue. I will stop the dance, politely and constructively mention my discomfort to my partner, and, if I feel comfortable doing so, offer a possible solution.
If my partner mentions that I am causing them discomfort, I will not be offended or defensive – in fact, I will be SO THANKFUL that they are helping to make me more fun and safe to dance with.
I will adjust my dancing to make sure that I’m always in control and not likely to hurt anyone, especially when the floor is crowded, the music is fast, I’m REALLY REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THIS SONG, I’m tired, or I’ve been drinking Grown-up Beverages.
Even though it can feel awkward to mention this, I realize that having good hygiene is important to help my dance partners to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. I will keep my clothes, mouth, and body clean and low-odor throughout the weekend. I realize that everyone has different standards of hygiene, so when in doubt, I’ll change my shirt, grab a breath mint, or otherwise freshen myself up.
I will be super-supportive of everyone’s dancing and learning and do everything I can to make this the BEST DANCE EVENT IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE.
I realize that not everyone is as awesome as I am, so I will keep an eye on my stuff. I won’t hold Bluetopia responsible if anything I own gets lost, stolen, damaged, or gnawed on by a small child.
I also realize that life is unpredictable, especially life on the dance floor, so I won’t hold Bluetopia responsible for anything that happens to me or my possessions during the event, because stuff happens and I’m a well-adjusted person who realizes this.
This policy is based Steel City Blues Festival’s Safer Spaces policy, originally composed by Kelsey Ballance.