Community Guidelines – Wasatch Contras

Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that respects and considers the welfare of other dancers and the dance community – a community that includes families and children.
Please refrain from alcohol, smoking, and strong perfumes.
Smiling, maintaining eye contact, and engaging in flirtatious looks are all part of the fun of contra dancing and are not typically considered inappropriate or harassing behavior. However, dancers should consider each new partner’s experience and comfort level, and adjust their style accordingly.
One should never impose a dance move, such as an aggressive swing, on an unwilling or inexperienced dancer.
Partners are equal participants who mutually decide what is acceptable. If you are uncomfortable, speak up. (For example: “Please swing me more slowly”, “Move your hand up a little”). A smile and ‘thank you’ will soften the blow.

Children require special consideration. Don’t assume that kids want to be picked up in a swing. Often, a gentle two-handed swing is preferable to picking the child up.
Contra dancing is a fast-paced and exuberant activity that is done in close quarters. Occasionally, this can result in accidental contact, which becomes unacceptable if part of a pattern of repeated ‘accidental’ contacts. There is always a possibility of inadvertent bumps, but individual dance styles that risk injury to other dancers are never acceptable.
Every dancer has the right to decline interaction with any other dancer without explanation or repercussion. Disregarding an expressed unwillingness to interact is considered harassment and is not acceptable.
Anyone who feels harassed, intimidated, or is at risk of injury is encouraged to speak with a board member, who will investigate the issue and offer suggestions for resolving the problem. We reserve the right to refuse admission to anyone whose behavior is considered harassing, intimidating, disruptive, or dangerous.