Code of Conduct

Welcome to Forró Den Haag! The Forró Den Haag team aims to create a warm, supportive, and friendly space where everyone can connect through their shared love for Forró. Please follow this Code of Conduct to ensure a safer and enjoyable experience for all.

Fostering Safer Spaces: Dance with Respect

  • Respect & Understanding: Treat everyone kindly. Communicate your boundaries and respect the boundaries of those around you. Look out for signals of discomfort and act accordingly.
  • Zero Discrimination: We do not tolerate any kind of discrimination or discriminatory behavior (including sexism, ageism, racism, lookism, body-based discrimination, discrimination against gender, sexual orientation, religion, social class or any other form of discrimination).
  • Dance Roles & Gender: Dance roles are not determined by gender.
  • Building Connections: Prioritize the joy of dancing and sharing a space with like-minded people. Come to our space to share dances and meaningful interactions, not solely to flirt.
  • Promoting Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity. Invite diverse people to dance, welcoming everyone regardless of disability, race, gender, age, body size, or dance skill level. Let's make sure everyone feels seen!

On the Dance Floor: Your Comfort Matters!

Physical & Moral Integrity:

  • Speak up if a move or position hurts or is uncomfortable.
  • Respect your partner's preferences regarding close-hold, specific moves, or lifts.
  • Limit physical contact to areas necessary for dancing. Apologize if a sensitive area was touched by accident.
  • Kissing or sniffing any part of your partner's body without consent is not tolerated.

Consent & Withdrawal: You can withdraw consent at any time without justification. This includes refusing a dance or stopping mid-dance.

Spatial Awareness & Floorcraft: Be mindful of your dance space and others. Avoid aerials and lifts on crowded social dance floors. Anticipate movements to prevent collisions.

Feedback: Keep dance feedback to lessons and workshops only, unless requested or if behavior causes pain/injury. Politely decline unsolicited feedback. ​​This doesn't apply to setting boundaries. Communication about your wants & needs as well as your boundaries is always welcome.

Participant Guidelines: Be Considerate!

Hygiene: Essential for close-contact dancing. Please be fresh, shower, brush your teeth, use deodorant, bring an extra clean t-shirt/top, and wear preferably breathable fabrics on classes and parties.

Responsible Substance Use: Be moderate in your consumption of alcohol and other substances at parties, as it can impair your ability to negotiate consent and to read signals of discomfort. Focus on the joy of Forró and dance connection.

Festival Staff: As staff (organizer, volunteer, teacher, musician, DJ), be aware of your power imbalance. Refrain from flirting or using your status to gain favors or privileges.

Incident Response: Your Safety is Our Priority!

What is Not Okay?

Any unwanted, sexualised or otherwise unwelcome behavior that makes a person feel offended, humiliated, intimidated or affected in any way, is not okay. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Retrieving contact details from the group chats to approach members privately. Unless explicitly asked consent for;
  • Inappropriate comments, teasing, or intimidation;
  • Sexualized violence (such as unwanted physical contact, unsolicited sexual advances, stalking, etc.);
  • Inappropriate use of social media (such as sharing intimate information or photos, sending sexualized messages, etc.);
  • Any other criminal offenses.

If You Witness or Experience Inappropriate Behavior

You always have the right to walk away from an unsafe or uncomfortable dance without explanation.

Communicating Your Needs: Feel empowered to use your voice to adjust the dance (e.g., "Can we get more space?" or "Please don't dip me").

Witnessing Behavior: Offer help to the affected person (if comfortable) and/or discuss it directly and immediately with one of the organisers.

Experiencing Behavior: Talk directly to an organiser, or ask someone else to inform them on your behalf if you are not comfortable.

Reporting Incidents

If an incident occurs, please report it to one of the organisers live, send an email to safespace@forrodenhaag.nl or fill out our online Care Form.

Our Commitment

Behavior that crosses personal boundaries, causes harm, or involves violence, discrimination, harassment, or other forms of exclusion is not aligned with our community values and will be addressed promptly. Depending on the situation, consequences may include being asked to leave the event and/or exclusion from future participation.

When a concern is reported, we will seek to respond in a way that prioritizes the needs, safety, and wishes of those affected. This may include consulting legal professionals or involving the police when appropriate and necessary.

Creating a respectful, inclusive, and safer community is a shared responsibility. Together, we nurture a space where diversity is celebrated, boundaries are respected, and everyone can enjoy dancing and connecting with one another. Thank you for contributing to a Forró Den Haag community where people feel welcome, valued, and supported.