At Flama Salsa Festival, we want to offer all participants a safer and more inclusive festival experience. We do not tolerate inappropriate behavior, harassment, or bullying at the festival.

We all play a part in creating the atmosphere and spirit of the festival, so please read the festival’s code of conduct in advance and follow the instructions. If you experience or witness any inappropriate behavior, please contact the festival staff immediately.

• Flama Salsa Festival is an inclusive and open event where everyone is welcome as they are. Do not make assumptions about anyone’s sexuality, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, values, socioeconomic background, health, or functional ability.

• Treat others with respect and kindness. A pleasant and safe event is built together. Do not mock, ridicule, belittle, exclude, or humiliate anyone through your words, behavior, or actions. Refrain from commenting on appearances, gossiping, and reinforcing stereotypes. Aggressive behavior is not acceptable. Respect the privacy of other dancers.

• We encourage everyone to dance with a variety of partners, regardless of skill level or other factors. Do your part to ensure that all dancers, including new ones, feel welcome at the event.

• Respect the autonomy of other dancers. One may decline an invitation to dance or end a dance if, at that moment, dancing or dancing with a particular partner feels uncomfortable. There is no obligation to give an explanation for declining, and you should not demand one or take offense if someone refuses. When declining a dance, however, be considerate; remember that rejection never feels good.

• Respect others’ personal physical and emotional space. Remember that you cannot know someone’s boundaries without asking. In couple dances, be especially attentive to your partner’s body language and communication. Ask for consent, verbally or with gestures, before touching your dance partner. When dancing in close hold, make sure your partner feels comfortable. Do not assume that physical touch outside the dance floor is acceptable for everyone. Give and ask for space when needed.

• Try to use gender-neutral terms when referring to couple dance roles, such as leader or follower. Couple dance roles are not tied to gender.

• Do not teach, advise, or give negative feedback on the dance floor or in dance classes without being asked. Leave teaching to the instructors, unless your dance partner specifically requests guidance.

• Make dancing physically safe. Both leaders and followers are responsible for being aware of their surroundings and avoiding collisions with others. For example, followers should be careful not to accidentally hit others with hand styling or step on someone’s foot with heels. Leaders carry significant responsibility for their partner’s physical safety. Pay attention to your partner’s skill level. When dancing with a new partner, start with simple moves to gauge their comfort and ability. Aim for clear yet gentle leading. Do not yank, twist, or force movements. Avoid risky patterns, such as lifts or demanding bends, unless you are confident in your partner’s skill level. Followers should also allow the leader the space to lead.

• Apologize if you have intentionally or unintentionally hurt someone.

• Avoid using strong fragrances in classes and social dances to ensure everyone can enjoy dancing comfortably.

• Sexual harassment is strictly prohibited. Inappropriate comments, insinuations, gestures, or touching of intimate areas, whether leading or following, do not belong in dance or at dance events.

• If you experience or witness inappropriate behavior, such as bullying, racism, other forms of discrimination, or sexual harassment, take action. If you do not feel safe intervening yourself, contact the event staff (+358 44 244 2061 / info@flama.fi).

• The event organizers have the right to remove anyone behaving inappropriately from the event.

These guidelines are based on the United Nations Safer Spaces principles as well as guidance from dance clubs and associations.