First and foremost, if you would like to discuss any issue, or if you have any problems or concerns about this policy, we are here to listen to you. You can find any of us on Facebook (Maria, Robin, Eva, and Colleen) or click the button below to email us. Unless you explicitly give us permission, we will keep your comment or report confidential and anonymous.
Bal DC is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and comfortable experience for everyone, regardless of skill level or background, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion. As a community, we expect all participants to help ensure a safe experience for everybody. By attending our event, you agree to follow these rules and be held accountable if you violate them. Furthermore, the organizers reserve the right to deny registration to you if you have violated this policy at other events.
We are all responsible for creating a good dance environment. 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, or talk with an organizer about it.
As a dancer, every dance is a gift you are also receiving. You are not entitled to dance with anyone, and being turned down is not a personal insult. Treat every dance you receive with respect, and recognize that your partner is the ultimate authority on their own boundaries and physical safety.
Ask consent before doing anything you think may cross a boundary, including adding flourishes or dips, dancing in close embrace, or touching someone in an unexpected way. If you cross a boundary, apologize promptly and sincerely; do not belittle or deny your partner’s experience.
At Bal DC, dance roles (lead and follow) are not associated with gender. Don’t assume anyone’s preferred dance role, and check in with your partners after asking them to dance. In mixers and group dances, dance with the one coming at you; in other words, dance the same way with people of all genders. Do not make sarcastic or derogatory comments on a dancer’s role.
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 consider any movement that puts anyone at an unnecessarily high risk of physical injury. Dance considerately; do not yank or jerk your partner around or use unnecessarily forceful movement.
Since the dance floor can get crowded, use your full range of senses to avoid accidental collisions and injuries. If you aren’t sure what constitutes unsafe dancing or have concerns about the safety of a dance partner’s movements, please talk to an organizer or instructor.
However, apart from matters of safety, do not offer unsolicited advice to fellow dancers, and respect each dancer’s unique style.
Please drink responsibly. We recognize that alcohol is an important part of some people’s social dance and music experiences, while others would prefer to avoid alcohol altogether. We recognize that drinking alcohol may cause you to act differently, but you must follow this policy regardless of your degree of intoxication. If you are too intoxicated, we may ask you to leave our event. You may not bring alcohol into or out of our venue; you may only purchase it at the venue if you are at least 21 years old. Do not provide alcohol to people under 21.
No forms of harassment will be tolerated. Harassment includes inappropriate verbal comments or verbal abuse, deliberate intimidation, misgendering someone or refusing to use their pronouns, stalking, nonconsensual photography or recording, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. Harassment is not always done intentionally, and inadvertent harassment will be treated the same as deliberate harassment.
If you do not change your behavior after an organizer confronts you, we will ask you to leave without a refund. If you engage in harassing or unsafe behavior, we expect you to immediately stop and apologize when the organizers confront you. In such situations, the organizers will take any action they deem appropriate.
As a community, we look out for each other. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact an organizer immediately. Contact a performer, volunteer, or staff member if you need assistance finding an organizer. Any violations can also be reported by emailing info@bal-dc.org.
Please contact someone if you need help or have any questions or concerns. Be safe, and enjoy dancing and playing music!
Bal DC 