1. This environment is for everyone regardless of sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, ability, mental health status, physical appearance, body, ethnic background, religion (or lack thereof), dance experience, skill or style.
2. Disrespectful language will not be tolerated.
3. Anyone can ask everyone to dance and so can anyone decline your request to.
4. Do not give unsolicited advice to anyone at any point. Only give feedback when explicitly requested.
5. Take care of yourself and communicate your needs to your dance partners if needed.
6. Take care of others, apologize when needed and offer care if they need it.
7. Do not force a dance move or hold and be aware of your dance partner’s needs. Ask clarifying questions if you are unsure.
8. No airsteps on the dance floor unless you are in a jam circle with enough space and have extensively practices the exact step before with this specific dance partner.
9. Please take care of your personal hygiene.
10. Do not arrive at the festival with the intent to flirt or meet someone as this is not the purpose of the festival.

This environment is for everyone regardless of sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, ability, mental health status, physical appearance, body size, race, religion (or lack thereof), dance experience, skill or style.

We do not tolerate exclusionary language at Stir it!. This includes: homophobic, racist, misogynist, ableist, transphobic language, unwelcome sexual language, inappropriate and unwelcoming touching and comments on physical appearance. Harassing language, actions, and imagery in social situations is not appropriate for any event, including dances, workshops, and competitions.
All participants are entitled to enjoy dancing without having to confront unwelcoming behavior, inappropriate or untoward comments or other exclusionary behavior.

Anyone can say no to a dance without obligation or excuse. Remember that your invitation to dance is simply an invitation, and as such, while we encourage you to ask anyone to dance, we completely acknowledge their choice to decline. This person is not required to explain their refusal and we accept the individual’s choice without question.
We love to dance and dancing with a partner should be a shared, pleasurable experience on both ends; therefore, acknowledge and communicate with your partner while dancing. You may make eye contact at times, and smile. After the dance, you may express gratitude for their participation.

At social dances and in the classroom, unsolicited advice to your dance partner is frequently more harmful than beneficial. You should therefore only provide feedback if specifically requested by a partner (or if encouraged by the teacher as part of a session). Important: If your partner is giving you bodily or psychological distress, or if the dance is hazardous in any way, we encourage you to let them know or alert your teacher or a Care Team member or a committee member immediately. In such a case, we encourage you to exit a dance and seek support with peers or staff if you feel compelled to do so.

Before you begin dancing with your partner, please notify them of any injuries or concerns that may develop throughout the dance (e.g., particular motions that make you uncomfortable). If someone is doing anything that makes you unhappy, you have the right to tell them to stop, and if they do not, you have the right to end the dance. Obtain the assistance of a Care Team or committee member if a problem remains unsolved.

Everyone is responsible for adapting to the space provided on the dance floor. We recognise that accidents and crashes are inevitable, but before continuing your dance, make sure to apologize and check if the other person or couple is okay or needs support (e.g., ice) or medical treatment before you continue to dance. Apologize if you mistakenly touch a region of your partner’s body that the person considers as private, sexual, or is outside the realm of legitimate holds or connection points.

If you have attempted to lead something and they have stopped or adjusted the move, do not attempt to lead the same move again, as they likely had a legitimate reason for not continuing. Similarly, if you are in a closed position, provide room for your partner to exit the embrace at any point in time. If you are uncertain as to whether your partner is displaying difficulties with a certain part of the dance, be sure to inquire.

Air steps (Aerials) should only be performed in a performance or jam circle with a partner with whom you have previously studied this exact aerial with. You must also obtain verbal permission from your partner before engaging in deep dips that require your dance partner to commit to a movement that makes it difficult for them to regain balance if you let go, regardless of whether you are dancing as the leader or the follower. If something goes wrong, these types of actions can easily cause harm. Even with authorization, you should only execute these movements if you are confident, you can do so safely and have practiced them beforehand.

Take care of your hygiene before going to class or parties and wear deodorant if needed, as well as appropriate attire and footwear. Additionally, we encourage you to carry a towel, an alternate shirt, and/or breath mints.
Although some of our events may take place in bars or other alcohol-serving establishments, we ask that you do not arrive intoxicated or get intoxicated during the evening if you expect to dance, as this puts you and others on the dance floor at risk.

Partner dancing can be an intimate pastime, and flirtation may develop; nonetheless, you should not attend socials with the express aim of trying to meet someone, as this is not the aim of a social dance event. Do not presume that they are fine with other advances simply because they accepted to dance with you. If you are uncertain whether a person is at ease, you should ask them.
One person’s boundaries may differ from those of another, so if someone tells you that your actions have made them feel uncomfortable, take it to heart and adjust your behavior accordingly, even if others have not expressed similar sentiments.

Please be respectful to all other event participants, event staff, venue staff, and event volunteers. Without everyone’s goodwill, a smoothly functioning event is impossible.
If you experience, witness, or hear of a violation of this code, or an instance of behavior that causes you concern, we encourage you to take the following actions:

​​Please speak to a Care Team or committee member if you feel anyone is in any way violating the policies and values above, or if you feel unsafe for any other reason. Alternatively, you can fill in a form (coming soon) where you have the option to remain fully anonymous. Alternatively, you can contact us at saferspace@stirit.ch or phone number (soon available).

Once we are contacted, we will do our best to find a way to proceed together with the person who contacted us. Rest assured that we will treat your report with confidentiality. A breach against our code of conduct may lead to a warning, being excluded from the event and potentially even being excluded from future events.