Upside Down Festival is dedicated to provide a safe(r) and comfortable event experience for everyone, therefore all attendees, inspirers, staff, and volunteers at Upside Down Festival are required to comply with the following Code of Conduct. Organisers will enforce this Code throughout the event and we expect your full cooperation.
What do we stand for
Upside Down Festival aims to provide a more welcoming, comfortable and safe(r) space for everyone, regardless of ethnic background, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion (or lack thereof), nationality, physical appearance, (dis)ability, dance experience, dance role or others. We welcome a diverse group of people and ideas. We don’t tolerate the intolerant. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Event participants, crew and freelancers violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the event without a refund at the discretion of the organisers. We brief our inspirers about working with dancers of different ages, levels and bodies, and encourage them to develop inclusive teaching methods.
Need help?
Email info@upsidedownfestival.be or find an organiser in person at any venue during the event.
Safe(r) Space Team
For the Upside Down Festival 2023 we have a Safe(r) Space Team. You can contact any staff member, but these people are carefully selected to address any safe space policy issue, feedback or report. We’ll communicate our Safer Space team before the festival starts.
To get more understanding on the Code of Conduct
We really want to emphasise it. We do not tolerate harassment of anyone and in any form. Harassment includes offensive (non)verbal behaviour related to gender identity, age, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, physical appearance, skin color, religion, ethnicity, culture or any other expression of a person’s identity or background. We don’t tolerate unwanted sexual images in public spaces or through other channels. We don’t tolerate deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of workshops or other events, inappropriate physical contact and unwelcome (sexual) attention.
We expect participants to follow these rules.
If someone engages in any harassing behaviour, the event organisers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the event with no refund. If necessary we will inform authorities.
If you are being harassed, if you notice that someone else is being harassed, or if you have any other concerns, please contact a member of event staff immediately. Event staff can be found at any venue or location. Preferably contact anyone from the Safe(r) Space Team. You will find their photos, phone numbers and other means of contact posted at the event’s venues. You can also email to info@upsidedownfestival.be. We are aware that it is not easy to speak up but it will help us create a safe(r) environment for all of us. Designated crew members will always listen and assist those experiencing or witnessing harassment to feel safe(r) during our event, provide escort and support and help with notifying the authorities. We value your attendance and your safety.
Thank you!
YES, we appreciate this!
Here are some good practices that will hopefully ensure everybody’s comfort and wellbeing during our event.
- We believe we all create the atmosphere, the vibe and the community we like to spend time in to dance and socialise. The way you hold space influences how the space will be shaped. If you want to appreciate a specific behaviour at the event, act as its first example.
- Act inclusively and nicely to everyone.
- Respect people around you and yourself.
- Remember that boundaries may differ from one person to another. Set good intentions and be clear in communication. If you aren’t sure about something, ask. If something doesn’t feel right – speak up. Our designated staff will be available in case you need support.
Suggestions for common challenges on the dance floor and at events
- Connect with partners the way it feels comfortable for both of you. If your partner uses a hurtful or inappropriate connection consistently, please let them know, they may not be aware of that.
- Ask for people’s pronouns if you don’t know how to address them.
- Ask people if they want to follow, lead or switch. Share upfront what you prefer.
- Avoid giving unsolicited feedback. Do not correct others dancing unless you were specifically asked to do so.
- Mind people around you. Accidentally kicked someone on the dancefloor? Apologise and check if they are ok. Avoid aerials or flash moves in social dancing, keep them for jams, shows and competitions.
- You unintentionally touched someone’s private areas? Apologise.If someone is repeatedly inappropriately touching you, bring it to their attention or the attention of our staff.
- Be mindful when drinking alcohol or using other substances. If you are not sober and therefore pose a risk to yourself or others, leave the dance floor and ask for support.
- Want to dance with someone? Take initiative and invite them politely. Be mindful to take initiative to invite those who could benefit from your proactivity.
- Everybody has the right to say no to a dance, without need to justify it. If you say no, do it politely. If someone refuses to dance with you, don’t take it personally as there are lots of possible reasons. Like the need for a break, hurt ankle, disliked song, just not feeling it and many more.
This document was based on different codes of conduct (Berlin Balboa, Upside Down Festival previous editions, Retro Weekend, Out of the Toolbox). Feel free to use this as it is or in a modified form, for your own dance event. Just credit 😉