ICHARLOTTE CONTRA DANCERS includes and values dancers and guests of all ages, dance experience levels, sexual orientations, gender presentations, ethnicities, and abilities.

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If you have felt uncomfortable or have a specific issue you'd like to address, please let us know.

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We are a consent-based dance community.

• Dancers should ask and receive verbal consent before doing anything with a partner or neighbor beyond the moves of the dance dictated by the caller (e.g., “Do you like twirling?” “Can we swing like this?”)

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• We encourage you to tell your partner about your preferences before the dance begins and to ask about theirs (e.g., “Which role would you like?” “Slow swing, please. I get dizzy easily.”)

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• You may refuse any invitation to dance for any reason. If someone refuses your invitation to dance, just say “okay!” Then find another partner.

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• If someone is doing something you don’t like, it’s okay to say “Stop!” or “I don’t like twirls.” or “Please move your hand towards the center of my back.” or “You’re swinging too close.”

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​• If you feel very unsafe or uncomfortable, you can leave the line. Your safety takes priority. If possible try to leave at the back of the line.

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• A culture of consent includes not engaging in sexual harassment. Do not engage in sexual banter or innuendo, or comment on other dancers’ appearances or any behavior that could be considered intimidation.

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• If anyone asks you to stop doing something, apologize and stop doing it.

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If anyone makes you feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or embarrassed, you can address it with them during or after the dance. If you’re not comfortable addressing it with them, we encourage you to approach one of the BOARD MEMBERS ​who will work with you to resolve the situation in a way that helps you feel safe and comfortable. This will typically involve the committee members reminding the dancer of our community standards, and asking them to change their behavior. For rare cases of serious or repeated breaches of standards, we reserve the right to suspend or ban a dancer.

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Contra is a community founded on a love of dance and music and a desire to enjoy the respectful company of others. If however these norms are not being followed, CCD reserves the right to refuse admittance, or to ask an individual or individuals to leave our dance. Thank you for respecting this Code of Conduct and doing your part to maintain our joyful, safe and respectful community. 

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Dance-Floor Etiquette

• Contra dancers generally change partners after every dance. Please look to the sidelines for new dancers or those who are sitting out.

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• Give full attention to the caller, line up quickly, and take hands four on request. Do not talk while the caller is walking us through the dance.

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• The two dance roles in contra are usually called “gent” and “lady,” but dancers are encouraged to dance whichever role(s) they prefer, and many dance both.

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•  If you get dizzy dancing, feel free to ask your partner to slow down. If that does not work, make a 'about to hurl' face :)

Contra dancing brings dancers into close contact with each other.

Please:

• Do not wear scented products to our dance events. Many are allergic.

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• If you have a cold, consider staying home for the evening.

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• Watch out for other dancers around you—stay in your space and mind your elbows and feet. Heavy jewelry, unsecured long hair, and heavy shoes may be hazardous to others.