This policy was written by Pass The Bounce and also incorporates language from other events including Downtown Jazz Jam, Lazy River, and PittStop. Thank you to these organisations for their work and prioritisation of safety at their events.
When you attend Pass the Bounce, you’re agreeing to follow our Code of Conduct - this is built on our values and is all about making sure everyone can have fun and feel safe at the festival.
If you have any questions or concerns during the event, please reach out to one of our Safety and Wellness Team who will be identifiable during the weekend.
Whether you’re an attendee, a teacher, a musician or a volunteer, treat everyone with respect and kindness.
We will not tolerate discrimination, intimidation, bullying or harassment of any kind - we aim to create an inclusive space and therefore do not welcome any behaviour that is racist, xenophobic, sexist, homophobic, transphobic or ableist. Short hand, don’t be an ass!
Meeting someone new? Why not ask for people’s pronouns and share yours - please address people by their pronouns of choice.
FYI: There’s a difference between harassment and personal beef – it is not the responsibility or our job to make sure no one will ever get on your nerves.
Enthusiastic consent is everything. Dancing should never be an obligation and anyone can decline a dance at any time, for any reason. A polite “no, thank you” or “i’m good right now, thanks” is just fine - no explanation needed. Don’t take it personally - just ask someone else to dance.
Respect verbal and non-verbal boundaries on and off the dancefloor - if someone asks to change hold or connection, please comply. If someone says no or asks for space, don’t be a dick. Like to dance in close hold or do dips? Ask first. Not sure how to make adjustments on the dancefloor? Feel free to ask one of our Safety and Wellness Team for tips. Unwanted touching (e.g touching areas not required for the dance, lingering hand placement) is not acceptable.
And remember, just because you’ve danced with someone before don’t presume you know how they want to dance this time with you.
When we’re on the dancefloor, we’re not just dancing with the person we’re connected to - we’re dancing with everybody! Be aware of your surroundings to avoid collisions; if you bump into someone, please apologise and check they’re okay before you carry on with your dance.
No airsteps or dangerous moves on the social dancefloor. Aerials are great but not on a crowded floor!
Love a beverage when you’re dancing? No problem! Just be mindful of the fact your floorcraft probably doesn’t improve with booze.
Social dancing is not the space for unsolicited feedback or critique. Your job is not to teach or correct your partner on the dancefloor, however well intentioned you may think you are being.
That goes for workshops too, unless explicitly requested. If feedback is asked for, make it supportive and respectful. Event staff and instructors may offer guidance when necessary for safety on the dancefloor.
Please note that telling someone that they are making you uncomfortable or doing something that is causing you pain is NOT unsolicited feedback: advocating for yourself and your safety is always supported. If you want support in this, feel free to reach to a member of the Safety and Wellness Team.
Dancing can be sweaty business. Practice good personal hygiene so everyone can feel comfortable dancing. Consider bringing a small towel to dry off as well as changes of clothes if you know you get sweaty.
If you’re feeling unwell, or showing symptoms of illness, please stay home or take precautions to help protect your fellow dancers (e.g increased hand washing, use of hand sanitiser, wearing of a mask). If you feel impaired - be it booze, exhaustion or distress- and find it hard to follow the Code of Conduct, take time out to rest, eat and recover. If you need support at the festival, feel free to check in with the Safety and Wellness Team.
If you feel unsafe or experience/witness any behaviour that violates this Code of Conduct, please report it to event staff. Communities look out for each other and we all play a role in creating as safe an environment as possible. All reporting will be taken seriously and handled as discreetly as possible.
If you do not wish to talk to someone in person but would like to raise a safety concern, please use our anonymous reporting form here.
Event organisers reserve the right to take appropriate action in response to violations of this Code of Conduct. This may include warnings, removal from the event, banning from future events or contacting external authorities.