London Barndance is a diverse group of friendly people who enjoy contra dancing. We aim to make this an inclusive, safe and welcoming event where everyone can feel comfortable. Please talk with the dance organisers if you have any questions or worries: we may be on the door when you arrive but if not then then whoever is selling tickets can put you in contact. You can also contact us at home@barndance.org
Policy in a nutshell
Respect the other dancers, the musicians and the caller. Be kind but not familiar, be open to new things but not disruptive. Accept that other people have different needs abilities and boundaries, and dance so that everyone enjoys the evening.
Guidelines
Some specific examples to illustrate what we mean:
-
All dancers should feel comfortable asking others to
dance, regardless of age, gender identification or other characteristics.
Our events are usually a mix of positional calling (no role names) and traditional (ladies/gents)
but these are just labels: everyone is free to dance either role.
If you don’t already know which role your partner prefers, please ask them.
Once the dance has started, dance with whoever comes toward you.
Some people like to switch roles mid-dance. That's OK too but please don't confuse newcomers. - We encourage you to dance with lots of different people: we all learn from this.
- Ask a prospective partner respectfully. Accept their answer cheerfully. If someone declines you more than once, please stop asking them.
- Feel free to decline a dance for any reason. A simple "no thanks" is enough and you are free to go looking for another partner if you wish.
- Don't talk during the walkthrough, and preferably not during the dance: that is the caller's job and other voices cause confusion. You can help other people best by being in the right place ready to do the moves. You can indicate directions with gestures and help by finishing moves on time so that your partner is moving in the right direction for the next move.
- Dancing involves physical contact and eye contact, which can sometimes include flirtatious interaction. This is part of the dance; it does not apply after the music has stopped. Eye contact helps to avoid dizzyness, but if you find it too intense then look at your partner's shoulder or forehead.
- Mistakes happen. Don't criticise anyone. Laugh wih them and move on.
- Every dance move is an interaction with another person. Often you must help each other to finish the move on time. This is what makes dancing fun, but the laws of physics require some centripetal force — what dancers call giving weight — and it gets stronger if you go faster so don't over-do the speed.
- When giving hands or dancing in a ballroom hold, don't grip the other person tightly. It is best not to use your thumbs at all: they hurt!
- Some dancers like to add twirls and flourishes. Have a go if you are confident, but it is more important to be in the right place at the right time for the next move. Never push anyone into a twirl without checking that they want to do it. Dips and lifts are not part of Contra so don't do this unless dancing with someone you know very well.
- Don't hold people too close or for too long. If a walkthrough stalls then let go and step away slightly until things get going again.
- Normal social rules apply, so don't say things that would make other people uncomfortable or whistle or stare at them.
- "If you encounter a painful or uncomfortable situation in the middle of the dance, saying a firm "Ouch!" or "No!" or "Stop that" is the fastest way to solve the problem and it helps the other person to learn. If they keep doing it then please talk to the organisers.
- If you come with an injury or a bad joint then consider applying a very obvious bandage or a badge saying "Ouch!". If you get dizzy easily then a "No swings please" badge might help.
- Enjoy the dance and let it show!
London Barndance Organisers
We are Jane Curry and Andrew Findlay, and we are always present at London Barndance events. If some calamity keeps us away then please talk to whoever is on the door or (at a quiet moment) the dance caller.
Education
Policy does not solve problems on its own. Changing behaviour requires education and one of our ideas in this direction is a set of flyers titled Don't be an Ogre.
With thanks to Hayward Contra, NEFFA and Bristol Contra for doing this first.
$Revision: 1.6 $ $Date: 2025/04/12 11:57:19 $