We believe that the blues scene is one of the friendliest, and most progressive out there. Stepping up, listening to concerns and pro-actively working to make our scene a safe place is how we keep it that way. We believe that every person at our event has the right to feel comfortable and safe at all times. We all have different experiences, beliefs and ideas about what’s acceptable, and so we want to make sure that we have a shared understanding of what’s okay. We have created this code of conduct to make sure everyone attending the festival is on the same page. ​​ ​   Code of Conduct The following applies to everyone involved with Boulevard Blues: dancers, volunteers, teachers, musicians and venue staff. ​ Everyone deserves to feel welcome and respected. We welcome everyone regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, religion, age, dance ability or dance role. We treat everyone with respect, on or off the dance floor. ​ Take care of yourself and others. Be aware of your body, your partner, your environment and the people around you. Be conscious of your energy levels; sleep; drink water; eat well; stretch; massage your feet; massage your friends’ back; be spatially aware when dancing. Look after yourself and look after your peers. ​ Dance roles aren’t gender specific, but both are actively engaged! We encourage all dancers to have the choice of following, leading or both. Both leaders and followers can initiate moves, share ideas, and bring their musicality to the dance space. If dance is a conversation, both partners should listen to each other with respect.  Try not to assume someone’s dance role based on their appearance. We recommend asking someone which role they would like to dance when you invite them. ​ ​ Spread joy! Joy[1] is a positive attitude that comes from feeling connected to yourself. We ask that everyone aims to bring joy to the weekend – for themselves and for everyone around them.  Ask strangers to dance, smile at your partner, clap and shout your appreciation to the bands, applaud the DJs (they love that!), encourage new dancers, chat to people you don’t know, ask the shy people at the edge of the dance floor to dance! ​ Consent and empowerment go hand in hand. We want you to be empowered through blues dancing. We encourage you to step out of your comfort zone in a way that makes you feel wonderful, and dare to invite others to dance. If you don’t want to dance at any given time, that’s ok too. Feel empowered to say no. You can always find the other person later if you change your mind.  Seek consent within the dance in a clear manner, verbally or non-verbally. Respect your dance partner's personal boundaries. If someone tells you that you are making them feel uncomfortable, or they seem uncomfortable dancing with you, stop what you're doing, and apologise. ​ Be considerate with your personal care. Dancing can get sweaty, so think of others. Consider showering before the dance, using breath mints, wearing deodorant. (Don’t worry if you forget, we’ll have personal hygiene products in the bathroom!). Maybe bring a towel and some spare clothes to change into. Try not to wear anything that might hurt others on the dance floor. Let’s all enjoy a nice dry, fresh smelling close embrace! ​ Reflect and grow as a dancer. Reflect on your dancing to help you progress; reflect on your values to deepen your own ideas and voice; reflect on why you love this crazy community and in turn help the community to grow. But don’t push this on others: we don’t encourage unsolicited feedback. Unless they specifically ask for feedback, don’t correct someone’s dancing on the social dance floor. The exception to this is if someone is dancing in a way which is hurting you or making you feel uncomfortable. ​ If you see something, say something! If you see someone behaving inappropriately, make sure the person that was made to feel uncomfortable is safe and okay. If you feel safe doing so, address the person that behaved inappropriately to make them aware that what they did was problematic, and inform an organiser. If you don’t feel safe directly addressing the issue, seek help from one of the care team. There will be four of them, and they will be announced before the festival. You’ll also find their names & pictures hanging up around the festival, so you know who to reach out to if you have an issue! If we have reason to be concerned about your behaviour, we will talk about it with you and may give you a warning. If your behaviour continues after a warning, or if you harass or cause anyone to feel unsafe, you may be asked to leave.  ​ Inspired by the codes of conduct from: Highland Swing Dancing, Espanish Blues Festival and the Brussels Blues Community. ​ [1] According to Brene Brown: Joy is a positive attitude that comes from feeling connected to yourself. Joy is an inner feeling. Happiness is an outward expression. Joy endures hardship and trials, and connects with meaning and purpose.