I hereby assume all of the risks of participating in this activity or event, including by way of example and not limitation, any risks that may arise from negligence or carelessness on the part of the persons or entities being released, from dangerous or defective equipment or property owned, maintained, or controlled by them, or because of their possible liability without fault. I certify that I am physically fit, have sufficiently prepared or trained for participation in the activity or event, and have not been advised to not participate by a qualified medical professional. I certify that there are no health-related reasons or problems which preclude my participation in this activity or event. I certify that I am in good health and that I do not pose a health risk to the public. I acknowledge that this Accident Waiver and Release of Liability Form will be used by the event holders, sponsors, and organizers of the activity or event in which I may participate, and that it will govern my actions and responsibilities at said activity or event. In consideration of my application and permitting me to participate in this event, I hereby take action for myself, my executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin, successors, and assigns as follows:

I hereby waive, release, and discharge The Dancing Fools, LLC and all divisions thereof of any and all liability and responsibility for injuries, sickness, pandemics, accidents, natural disasters and/or acts of God incurred during participation in and/or instruction of classes, private lessons, social dancing, or any activity I may participate.

I waive, release, and discharge from any and all liability, including but not limited to, liability arising from the negligence or fault of the entities or persons released, for my death, disability, personal injury, property damage, property theft, or actions of any kind which may hereafter occur to me including my traveling to and from this event, the following entities or persons: The Dancing Fools, LLC and their employees, volunteers, or the activity or event holders, activity or event sponsors, activity or event volunteers.

I indemnify, hold harmless, and promise not to sue the entities or persons mentioned in this waiver, release and registration form from any and all liabilities or claims made as a result of participation in this activity or event, whether caused by the negligence of release or otherwise. The accident waiver and release of liability shall be construed broadly to provide a release and waiver to the maximum extent permissible under applicable law.

I certify that I have read this document, and I fully understand its content. I am aware that this is a release of liability and a contract and I sign it of my own free will.

I acknowledge the contagious nature of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) and acknowledge that The Dancing Fools, LLC adheres to the CDC recommendations as best as possible.

I further acknowledge that The Dancing Fools, LLC has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, to the best of their abilities.

I further acknowledge that no guarantee exists regarding whether or not I may contract COVID-19. I understand that the risk of becoming exposed to and/or infected by the COVID-19 virus may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including but not limited to, paid staff, volunteers and others.

I acknowledge that I may increase my risk of exposure to COVID-19 by participating in The Dancing Fools, LLC dance activities.

In the event a participant tests positive for COVID-19 within ten (10) days of a The Dancing Fools, LLC, event, I hereby waive confidentiality and authorize The Dancing Fools, LLC to disclose the participation list to the local public health authorities for the purpose of contact tracing.

I attest that:

I am not experiencing any symptom of illness, including, but not limited to: cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell.

I do not believe I have been exposed to someone with a suspected and/or confirmed case of COVID-19.

I have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 by state or local public health authorities within the previous ten (10) days.

I am following all CDC recommended guidelines and the Executive Orders of the Governor of Massachusetts regarding limits and procedures regarding COVID- 19 as much as possible, including limiting any purposeful exposure to COVID- 19.

I agree that the Governor’s Executive Orders are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof as if more fully set out herein.

I hereby release and agree to hold The Dancing Fools, LLC, its members, event directors, and volunteers harmless from any causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses, and compensation for damage to myself that may be caused by any act, or failure to act, or that may otherwise arise in any way while I am participating in The Dancing Fools, LLC dance activities.

I fully understand that this release discharges the aforementioned from any liability with respect to bodily injury, illness, death, medical treatment, or property damage that may arise from, or in connection to my participation as described above.

I hereby grant The Dancing Fools, LLC (“Dancing Fools”) the irrevocable right and permission to use photographs and/or video recordings of me on Dancing Fools and other websites and in publications, promotional flyers, educational materials, derivative works, or for any other similar purpose without compensation to me. 

I understand and agree that such photographs and/or video recordings of me may be placed on the Internet. I also understand and agree that I may be identified by name and/or title in printed, Internet or broadcast information that might accompany the photographs and/or video recordings of me. I waive the right to approve the final product. I agree that all such portraits, pictures, photographs, video and audio recordings, and any reproductions thereof, and all plates, negatives, recording tape and digital files are and shall remain the property of Dancing Fools. 

I hereby release, acquit and forever discharge Dancing Fools, its current and former trustees, agents, officers and employees of the above-named entities from any and all claims, demands, rights, promises, damages and liabilities arising out of or in connection with the use or distribution of said photographs and/or video recordings, including but not limited to any claims for invasion of privacy, appropriation of likeness or defamation.

I hereby warrant that I am eighteen (18) years old or more and competent to contract in my own name or, if I am less than eighteen years old, that my parent or guardian has signed this release form below.  This release is binding on me and my heirs, assigns and personal representatives.

SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS & COVID-19 EXPOSURE

Please do not attend Dancing Fools events if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness. Participants should not attend Dancing Fools events until they have been free of fever/vomiting/diarrhea for a minimum of 24 hours without the use of symptom-reducing medication, though we strongly recommend waiting at least 2-3 days.

All participants must attest that they have not tested positive for COVID-19, been in close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, or had symptoms of COVID-19 in the past ten (10) days as part of the registration process.

Participants who are unable to attend due to symptoms of illness, including confirmed or potential COVID-19 exposure/infection, may contact The Dancing Fools to request a refund or transfer of their payment to a future date.

If participants have participated in higher-risk activities, it is strongly recommended that they test for COVID-19 before coming to a Dancing Fools event.

COVID-19 VACCINATION

After September 1st, 2023: COVID-19 vaccines are not required for entry to Dancing Fools events at this time. COVID-19 is still a constantly evolving issue and we reserve the right to reinstate this requirement if needed.

MASKS

Masks are welcome and encouraged (but not required) for all participants.

Higher-quality masks, such as KN94, KN95, and N95 masks are strongly preferred.

Please be sure to have a mask handy in case a partner requests that your wear a mask while you dance together.

CONTACT TRACING

Participant’s first names, last names, and email addresses will be collected as part of the registration process for contact tracing purposes.

If a participant tests positive for COVID-19 and they have attended a Dancing Fools event within the past 14 days, they are expected to report their first name, last name, and date of positive test to the Dancing Fools immediately.

This information will be used to determine who to notify about potential COVID-19 exposure and will not be shared with other participants.

The names and contact information of the COVID-19-positive participant and anyone who may have been exposed may be shared with local public health authorities to facilitate additional contact tracing beyond the event.

If a participant attends a Dancing Fools event with someone who later tests positive for COVID-19, they will be notified at the email address that they provide during registration.

The Dancing Fools strives to create a fun and safe environment for people from all walks of life to learn and enjoy dancing. This entails coming to an agreement on the culture of our community and what is considered acceptable at our classes, dances, and other related events. The expectations outlined below apply to attendees, staff, and guest instructors or performers at any class, dance, or event hosted by The Dancing Fools. Conduct outside of Dancing Fools events may be subject to the code of conduct if it poses a threat to the safety of other community members.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

Be free from threat of harm to their bodies and their property.

Express and enforce personal boundaries.

Choose who to accept an invitation to dance from and when.

Refuse or end a dance at any time without explanation.

Be free from unsolicited feedback or comments, including, but not limited to, feedback or comments regarding dance technique, clothing, movement choices, or facial expressions. Requesting adjustments for your safety is welcome and encouraged. While uncommon, you may give feedback if your partner has explicitly asked you to do so.

Be free from harassment, threats, and discrimination of any kind. This includes, but is not limited to: offensive, derogatory, negative, discriminatory, or vulgar comments or behavior related to an individual’s race, age, level of dance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, physical appearance, religion, or anything else; microaggressions related to any of the above listed identities and attributes; talking over, heckling, or deliberately disrupting a class or event; persistent and unwelcome attention or advances; unwelcome or coerced physical contact in any capacity; any situation which makes another person feel unsafe or uncomfortable to the point of being unable to enjoy the event.

Respectfully express opinions in a way that: does not mock, ridicule, or demean individuals or groups; does not contain obscene, vulgar, or inflammatory statements; is not detrimental to the welfare of other community members.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO:

Adhere to personal boundaries set by other community members.

Attend to other community members’ verbal and non-verbal cues (ex. changes in eye contact or facial expression, pulling away, tensing up) that may indicate a boundary crossing and to change their own behavior accordingly.

Gracefully accept when another community member refuses their invitation to dance.

Be aware of their surroundings and make choices that minimize the risk of injury.

Avoid performing lifts or aerials on the social floor. Lifts and aerials should only be executed by trained professionals during a performance.

Acknowledge and apologize for accidental injuries. Offer assistance for minor injuries and find a staff member if first aid is required.

Invite each other to dance clearly and kindly. “Would you like to dance?” or some variation thereof is generally safe; close friends may use a variety of noises and gestures to invite each other to dance.

Be aware of how their actions affect others and take responsibility for harm caused, even if their intentions were not malicious.

Self-reflect and/or seek guidance from a trusted teacher or mentor if they are frequently asked to make changes to their behavior or frequently injuring partners.

Commit to learning and growing from both their successes and mistakes as a dancer and as a member of the dance community.

Refrain from participating in illegal activities while at a Dancing Fools event.

Avoid using perfumed products immediately before or during a Dancing Fools event. Fragrance allergies can cause severe side effects; using unscented products is a simple way to keep our space accessible to all.

Report issues that you experience or witness as soon as possible (see “How to Contact Us” below); Dancing Fools staff members are keeping an eye out during all of our events, but reports from our community are key to helping us maintain a safer space for everyone.

ADDRESSING AN ISSUE

If you feel wronged or feel you have witnessed wrongdoing, we want to hear about it. We welcome all opportunities, big and small, to provide education on our community’s expectations so that we can maintain a safer space for all. Reporting issues also help us monitor and address larger patterns of behavior in individuals and in the community.

Step 1- Make it known that you or another community member are in an uncomfortable or unsafe situation by:

Reporting the incident by using one of the options in the “How to Contact Us” section. Proceed to step 2.

OR

Directly telling the individual(s) that their behavior is creating an uncomfortable or unsafe environment. If you choose this option and their behavior does not change, please report the incident as above.

Step 2- Once an incident has been reported, the Dancing Fools will respond as follows:

For harassment, threats, and other serious safety issues: the individual(s) causing harm will be immediately asked to leave without refund or compensation. Law enforcement may be called. Proceed to step 5.

For all other incidents: a Dancing Fools staff member will have a private conversation with the individual(s) causing harm. If they acknowledge their infraction and correct their behavior immediately, the incident will be considered resolved. If not, proceed to step 3.

Step 3- The individual(s) harmed will be offered three options:

a. Participate in a restorative circle with the individual(s) causing harm, moderated by a Dancing Fools staff member. Proceed to step 4.

b. Grant the Dancing Fools permission to resolve the incident without their participation. Proceed to step 4.

c. Resolve the incident without involvement from the Dancing Fools.

Step 4- The individual(s) causing harm, others involved in the incident (if applicable; participation by individual(s) harmed and witnesses is voluntary), and a Dancing Fools staff member will meet for a restorative circle. The goal of this process is for the individual(s) causing harm to understand the impact of their behavior and to come to an agreement about how to repair the harm they have caused. If an agreement is reached and adhered to, the incident will be considered resolved. If not, proceed to step 5.

Questions for the individual(s) causing harm to reflect on:

What happened?

What were you thinking at the time?

Who has been affected by what you have done? In what way?

What do you think needs to happen to make things right?

Questions for the individual(s) harmed (if applicable) to reflect on:

What did you think when you realized what had happened?

What impact has this incident had on you and others?

What has been the hardest thing for you?

What do you think needs to happen to make things right?

Restorative actions may include:

Verbal or written apology to the individual(s) harmed or to the community as a whole.

Community service.

Seeking education on issues related to the incident.

Step 5- Taking a break from the community

In the case of harassment, threats, and other serious safety issues, the individual(s) causing harm will be required to take a break from the community for a minimum of six months and may be permanently banned from Dancing Fools events. For non-lifetime bans, the individual(s) causing harm will be required to participate in a restorative circle in order to rejoin the community.

Involvement in more than one incident of harassment, threats, or other serious safety issues will result in an automatic, permanent ban from Dancing Fools events.

If an incident is not considered resolved for any reason, the individual(s) causing harm will be required to take a break from the community until the incident is resolved.

How to Contact Us

Find a staff member or Dance Angel at one of our events. Staff are at the registration desk, DJ booth, and on the social floor. Dance Angels are wearing a white bandana.

Email us at thedancingfools@gmail.com – use the direct email or our contact form.

Call or text us at (617) 453-8266.

Use our Anonymous Incident Report Form by clicking here or using the QR codes posted around the venue.

All electronic methods of contacting us are password-protected and are only accessible by Neal Klein, Joe Mahoney, and Alli Reese.

Acknowledgements

This code of conduct was developed by Neal Klein, Joe Mahoney, and Alli Reese for The Dancing Fools. It is modeled on codes of conduct from Dance Jam Productions, Mobtown Ballroom, Charlottesville Swing Dance Society, The Jam, and the Delaware MET, among others, with input from numerous friends and community members. Our incident response procedures are based on the principles of restorative/circle justice, a practice developed by the First Nations people of Canada and the U.S. and the Maori people of New Zealand.