At Chicagoland English Country Dance and Chicagoland West International Folk Dance, we strive to create a dance environment that is safe, inclusive, and comfortable for everyone. We want you to feel welcome here and to look forward to dancing with us again and again.
The following policies reflect our community's shared commitment to mutual respect, physical safety, and the well-being of every dancer. All participants are asked to read, understand, and agree to these policies prior to attending events.
English country dance and folk dance involve close contact with other people, and individual dancers vary widely in their ability and comfort level. Please be mindful of the space around you and the needs of those you dance with.
Be aware of how tightly you are holding others' hands. A firm grip with the fingers (not the thumb) is appropriate; a tight grip can be painful, especially for dancers wearing rings or those with arthritic hands.
Avoid jerking anyone's hand, arm, or shoulder — for example, at the end of turns or in a fast-moving line.
Before doing variations (such as extra twirls or swings), confirm that your partner is willing and that the move can be executed safely.
While eye contact is encouraged in most social dancing, it is never required. If you feel uncomfortable, you are always welcome to look at your partner's ear or shoulder instead.
Energetic dancing is fun — just keep your arms and legs out of your neighbors' dance space and check in with your partner about their needs and preferences.
If you make a mistake or miss a figure, keep dancing. Don't leave the set — it's best to skip a missed figure and carry on.
No alcoholic beverages are permitted during any of our dance events. Intoxication will not be tolerated on the dance floor.
We advocate for a culture of consent and kindness on the dance floor.
Right to Decline: Anyone may ask anyone to dance, regardless of age or gender. Every dancer has the right to decline an invitation to dance for any reason, without needing to offer an explanation. A simple "no thank you" is always sufficient and should always be respected.
Verbal Communication: You are encouraged to communicate with fellow dancers about your comfort and safety — including any discomfort — in a kind and respectful way. Remember that your partner's comfort zone may differ from yours; always err on the side of being considerate.
Correcting Others: Correcting another dancer's errors by discreet non-verbal signals is preferred and acceptable. Verbal correction should normally be avoided unless agreed to in advance (for example, between partners or within a set). Correction by touching is not acceptable unless permission is explicitly asked and given. Even with permission, excessive verbal volume or physical force must be avoided.
Many members of our community have environmental or chemical sensitivities. Exposure to scented products — even those that seem mild — can cause serious health issues including respiratory distress, migraines, and dizziness.
Chicagoland ECD events are fragrance-free. We ask you to please refrain from using:
Perfumes, colognes, and aftershaves
Strongly scented lotions or hair products
Essential oils
Clothing recently treated with heavily scented laundry detergents or fabric softeners
Personal hygiene matters in a close-contact activity. We ask that all dancers come with clean clothing and attend to basic personal hygiene. As a courtesy, consider bringing a hand towel or a fresh shirt in hot weather or if you sweat profusely. Please also be sensitive to other odors that might cling to you from your environment.
Looking out for one another is the hallmark of a great dance community.
Stay Home if Sick: If you are experiencing symptoms of a cold, flu, or other contagious illness — including fever, cough, sore throat, or runny nose — please stay home. We will genuinely miss you, but your fellow dancers' health comes first.
COVID-19 and Communicable Illness: Participants agree not to attend an event if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or experienced symptoms of a communicable illness within the five days prior to the event. If you test positive for COVID-19 within the week following an event, please notify the organizers at ChicagolandECD@gmail.com.
Masking: Masking is currently optional at our events. We fully support any dancer who chooses to wear a mask for their own protection or the protection of others.
Vaccination: We strongly encourage all participants to stay up-to-date on vaccinations. Vaccination is not currently mandated for all events, but we reserve the right to update our policies in line with local health guidance and venue requirements.
Note: Our COVID-19 and health policies are subject to change based on local health guidance and venue requirements.
By completing the linked form, I acknowledge and agree to the following:
I have read and understand the Chicagoland ECD & Chicagoland West IFD Health and Community Care Policy in full, and I agree to abide by it.
I understand that participating in English country dance and folk dance — which necessarily involve physical activity and close contact with other persons — carries an inherent risk of physical injury and/or exposure to communicable disease. I voluntarily accept these risks.
I agree to dance at my own comfort level and to take personal responsibility for my safety and participation.
I agree to treat all fellow dancers, organizers, callers, and musicians with kindness, respect, and courtesy.
I agree to follow the directions of board members, organizers, and callers, whose goal is to ensure a safe and joyful experience for all.
In choosing to attend Chicagoland ECD events, I waive any and all claims against the organizers, venue locations, and other attendees pertaining to illness or injury arising from my participation.
If you have questions about accessibility, chemical sensitivities, or our current health protocols, please reach out to us at ChicagolandECD@gmail.com. We are happy to discuss how we can best accommodate your needs.