Our Values:

CCD strives to be an inclusive dance community and is committed to providing a fun, welcoming, and safe environment for all. We value dancers and guests of all ages, dance experience levels, sexual orientations, gender presentations, ethnicities, and abilities. We ask that participants interact with respect and kindness toward others.

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​Contra Etiquette:

• Contra dancers generally change partners after every dance. Please look to the sidelines for new dancers or those who are sitting out. 

• Anyone may ask anyone else to dance. Anyone may refuse a dance for any reason by simply saying “No, thank you.” If someone refuses a dance invitation, accept it gracefully and ask someone else.

• Give full attention to the caller, line up quickly, and take hands four on request. Do not talk while the caller is walking us through the dance. 

• The two dance roles in contra are usually called “gent” and “lady” in our community, but dancers are encouraged to dance whichever role they prefer, and many dance both. Other communities may use different role terms, such as “lark” or “robin.” Don’t assume which role someone is dancing based on their gender presentation; dance with whomever is coming at you in the line.

• We encourage you to check in and kindly communicate with your partner: “Do you like twirls?”; “What role do you prefer?”; “Can we please swing slow tonight?”; “I’m dizzy - can we slow down?”; “Can you put your hand higher?”; “I’m not comfortable swinging like this.”

• Don't hurt people. We can be a large crowd in a small space, and dancers have a wide range of capabilities. Avoid squeezing hands, tweaking thumbs, and forceful leading, and keep in mind that some dancers have injuries that may not be visible.

• Be welcoming, kind, and respectful of all people. We love that CCD has a wide range of experience levels, and that people come from a variety of backgrounds. 

• Communicate with others in a respectful way. Refrain from unwanted and annoying actions, which may be verbal, physical, or sexual in nature. Give and receive feedback in a constructive and kind manner.

• ​If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, you can leave the line. Your safety takes priority. If possible try to leave at the back of the line. Please find a board member if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable at any time during an event.

 

Suggestions for New Dancers

• Contra is purely for recreation, so laugh and have fun!

• Know that everyone makes mistakes, even experienced dancers. If you miss a figure, just skip it and go on to the next move. 

• Consider asking an experienced dancer to dance. You’ll learn quicker that way, and our experienced dancers love helping beginners.

• If you get dizzy, feel free to ask your partner to slow down. 

• Communicate your needs to your partner. You can always speak up if a dancer is doing something that makes you uncomfortable. If you are unable to communicate an issue to your partner, please speak to a board member.

 

Suggestions for Experienced Dancers

• If you see someone sitting out, ask them to dance. We want everyone to feel welcomed into our community.

• Check in with your partner about flourishes. Remember that a flourish is an invitation that can be accepted or refused. When in doubt, ask.

• Refrain from twirls, spins, and other flourishes with new dancers. Please also refrain from flourishes during walk-throughs, as it is confusing to new dancers who are trying to learn the basic steps.

• Come to the beginner lesson if you’re able. It’s a great way to introduce new dancers to our community and help them pick up contra as quickly as possible. 

• We love new folks - bring a new person and help build our community!

Other Reminders

• Personal hygiene is important but please do not wear scented products to our dance events. Many are allergic.

• If you have a cold or other illness, please stay home for the evening.

• Watch out for other dancers around you—stay in your space and mind your elbows and feet. Heavy jewelry, unsecured long hair, and heavy shoes may be hazardous to others.

 

Contra is a community founded on a love of dance and music and a desire to enjoy the respectful company of others. If, however, these norms are not being followed, Charlotte Contra Dance reserves the right to refuse admittance, or to ask an individual or individuals to leave our dance. Thank you for respecting this Code of Conduct and doing your part to maintain our joyful, safe, and respectful community.