Code of Conduct

General Conduct

All participants in Footwork & Frolick spaces including but not limited to event venues, outdoor gatherings, social media pages, and virtual rooms are expected to treat others politely and respectfully. While the activities conducted are historical, participants are expected to follow modern, 21st century standards for behavior.  This means:

• Be conscientious to other participants and event runners.

• Communicate thoughtfully with others:

• Don’t talk over instructors or speakers while others are listening.

• Don’t correct others unless asked to do so. This includes arguing with someone’s chosen dance role.

• Refrain from discriminatory, harassing, demeaning, or abusive words or actions:

• This includes (but is not limited to):

• Touching other people without their consent

• Making disparaging statements about people or groups based on real or perceived: sex, gender (including gender expression and/or presentation), race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, physical appearance, religion, national origin, age, or ability

• Comments or actions aimed at intimidation

• Assistive devices must be considered an extension of their users' bodily autonomy with regard to touching and other conduct. Service dogs, as defined by the ADA, are also an extension of their handlers and must not be touched, photographed, deliberately distracted, or otherwise impeded without permission of their handler.

• Refrain from wearing or displaying iconography, symbols, or words that could be perceived as harassing or that are associated with discrimination or hate groups regardless of its historical meaning. 

• Comply with all rules and policies of the facility/venue where the event is being held and follow any instructions issued by facility/venue staff.

• Comply with all local laws.

Event Behavior

F&F classes and events are open to all. We do not tolerate bigotry, harassment, or discrimination in our spaces, and do not permit:

• Hostility (verbal or physical) towards others 

• Harassment or abuse (verbal or physical) towards others, including sexual misconduct

• Non consensual physical contact of any kind

• Discrimination based on based on real or perceived: sex, gender (including gender expression and/or presentation), race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, physical appearance, religion, national origin, age, ability, or any other characteristic

• Ongoing disruption of an event including (but not limited to) sustained talking over instruction, reckless or disorderly behavior, or heckling

• Photography or video recording in any way that is intended to harass or intimidate; or continuing to record after someone has requested not to be recorded. See Footwork & Frolick’s Recording Policy below for policies related to photographs and recordings taken by The Footwork & Frolick Society.

• Intentional damage to, defacement of, or vandalization of event spaces/facilities/venues

• Advocating for, encouraging, or praising any of the above behavior

While it can be helpful to consider 18th and 19th century etiquette (if it wouldn’t happen in an Austen novel, for example, it’s probably not appropriate), our expectations for behavior are 21st century. Implying or outright telling someone that their participation is incorrect because they do not align with your perception of a historical space is unacceptable, and will be considered a violation of the behavior expectations above. This includes misgendering others or arguing with their chosen dance role.

Recording Policy

Anyone entering an F&F event space may be photographed or recorded by Footwork & Frolick staff and/or its deputies for official materials, including social media posts. If you see someone recording and have concerns about appearing online, please let a Footwork & Frolick staff member know.

We encourage attendees to ask permission before taking pictures or videos of others for personal use, and do not allow content recording for malicious purposes. If your social media posts use photos or videos of others unkindly, that will be considered breaking the Code of Conduct. F&F events are open to people of all experience levels and abilities, and we encourage learning at your own pace.

Reporting Procedure

If you experience or witness any behavior that makes you or others feel uncomfortable or unwelcome, please speak to a Footwork & Frolick staff member immediately. At least one designated Footwork & Frolick staff member will be wearing something identifiable to set them apart from other attendees and venue staff. When you speak with an F&F staff member they will take you to a private area and may bring another staff member with them to ensure the situation is addressed. Reporting can be difficult, and you are always welcome to bring someone with you for support. You will never be asked to engage with the person you are reporting.

If you would prefer not to speak to someone in person or have feedback after an event, you can email report@footworkandfrolick.org. All messages will be treated confidentially unless the issue requires law enforcement to be contacted.