Code of Conduct

Jump up North Festival is dedicated to provide a safe and comfortable event experience for everyone, therefore all attendees, artists, staff and volunteers are required to comply with the following Code of Conduct. Organizers will enforce this code throughout the event and we expect your full cooperation.

What do we stand for

We aim to provide a welcoming, comfortable and safe 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. This applies to all event participants, crew members and freelancers. If someone engages in any harassing behavior, the event organizers 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.

Need help?

If you feel uncomfortable at any point during the event please come talk to one of the event  organizers or send an email to info@jumpupnorth.com. 

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. 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. We value your attendance and your safety.

To get more understanding on the Code of Conduct

We really want to emphasize: We do not tolerate harassment of anyone and in any form. Harassment includes offensive (non)verbal behavior 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 deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of classes or other events, inappropriate physical contact and unwelcome (sexual) attention.

We expect participants to follow these rules.

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 socialize. The way you hold space influences how the space will be shaped. If you want to appreciate a specific behavior 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. 

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? Apologize 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 is based on different codes of conduct (Upside Down Festival, Berlin Balboa, 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!