FFT Hobart Dances – Entry Conditions, Health & Safety, Inclusion

In a troubled world, it is important, perhaps more than ever, to seek joy and to share wonderful music and dancing with other people. It’s also very important to care for others.

Folk Federation of Tasmania—Hobart Dances—Entry Conditions

Before you attend any of our dances, please read the following. By attending, you have committed to abiding by these conditions.

Note: This policy applies only to the FFT’s Hobart dance series – our end of month dances, Monday Night Folk Dances (including TasContra) and Danceoholics Unanimous.

Please do not attend one of our dances if,

  • You are unwell with any cold/flu-like symptoms, including fever (night sweats or chills) or respiratory symptoms e.g., shortness of breath, cough or sore throat. It’s important not to make other people sick.
  • You are under quarantine or isolation for illness.
  • You have recently had a COVID-19 test and not received a negative result.

If you develop any flu-like symptoms at a dance, please inform us and then go home to rest, be tested if necessary, and be safe.

If you have any questions, please ask us, e.g., by phone on 6273 2127 or email at folkdancetas@gmail.com, or at a dance, our door person or one of the organisers.

Folk Federation of Tasmania—Hobart Dances—Health, Safety and Inclusion

Whilst you are here, please:

  • Ensure safe hygiene to do with food and drink, but do have adequate hydration and sustenance.  Ideally, bring your own water bottle.
  • Use hand sanitiser or wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, at the start and end of the event, after going to the toilet and before and after eating.
  • Limit the spread of germs in other ways, including by limiting touching your face, sneezing or coughing into a handkerchief or tissues or into your elbow.
  • Follow any safety-related directions of our dance organisers/volunteers.
  • If you develop any flu-like symptoms, please inform us and then go home to rest, be tested if necessary, and be safe.
  • Note: You are welcome to wear a mask at any time if you wish. COVID vaccination is not required, although we certainly highly recommend it, for everyone’s health and safety.
  • Respect other dancers and help them feel safe, respected and welcome:
    • Invite people you don’t know to dance. Dancing with different partners means everyone learns and you meet new people.
    • Respect peoples’ boundaries and personal space: For example, if your partner tells you they have an injury, ask how you can dance in a way that accommodates their needs. Ask permission before doing something new with your partner, e.g., a twirl or a close swing hold. Do not force anyone into a move that they’re not comfortable with.
    • If you wish to help someone in a dance, try to do it with your eyes, your head and body direction, minimal hand gestures or, without distracting from the caller, quick verbal hints. Don’t physically direct them without checking their consent. Largely, let them learn from the caller and from observation. Smile and be encouraging.
    • If your partner looks dizzy, slow down.
    • If someone tells you that you are causing them discomfort, for example by swinging too fast or holding too close, listen and (if appropriate) ask how you can modify your dancing so that they feel comfortable.
    • Accept it if someone says they don’t wish to dance, without expecting a reason.
    • Apologise if you’ve hurt or offended someone or said something you shouldn’t have, whether or not you meant to offend.
    • Use whatever pronouns people prefer, and if unsure, ask them.
    • Larks and Robins: Ask your dance partner which role they would like to dance, rather than assuming. Anyone is welcome to dance in any role. We use the terms Larks and Robins for those who stand on the left or the right of their partner respectively. Anyone is welcome to dance in either role, and if they choose, switch roles between dances or within a dance. Never assume which role someone is dancing in based on their appearance and never “correct” anyone. “Dance with who’s coming at you”. If your neighbours look confused, you could ask if they’re dancing Lark or Robin, or just keep dancing; even if they have accidentally switched roles, they can work it out, usually automatically. See https://www.socontra.org/about-contra-dance/gender-free-dancing for more info.
    • Dance carefully. We welcome enthusiasm and vigour, just so long as you don’t tread on people.
  • If you experience or notice a health and safety problem, including unwelcome behaviour, raise it with the person involved or with the organisers as soon as possible. We will treat it confidentially.
  • We reserve the right to refuse entry or to ask someone to leave. Please respect this.

Booking and Payments

Ideally, book beforehand as per the links in our publicity, to reduce queues at the door and allow us to provide and collect the necessary information ahead of time.

Thank you

Thanks for your understanding, support and enthusiasm.

By attending, safely, you are showing your support for a healthier, happier world, and providing some income for musicians and venues.

Enjoy yourself!  Be safe, but have fun with live music and dancing.