Code of Conduct

NYC ZOUK FESTIVAL 2024 

CODE OF CONDUCT

AND

NYCZF POLICIES


One of the visions of the festival and primary purpose is for the attendees to have fun and learn. Therefore to provide this experience NYC ZOUK FESTIVAL has established certain rules of conduct as well as its "NO TOLERANCE POLICY" to be upheld DURING the times of the festival. The purpose of these rules is to ensure that behaviors of an individual attendee or a group of attendees DO NOT disrupt or disturb the experience or enjoyment of another attendee nor disregard the festivals mission or vision to grow and educate  from a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.


  • NYCZF welcomes everyone - with the exception of any COVID-19 guidelines at the present time, however the festival’s management reserves the right to deny or revoke the attendance of any individual, at any time, for any reason.
  • This action may be undertaken when an individual’s presence or behavior causes significant interference with festival operations or adversely affects the organization’s relationship with its guests or with its venue.
  • NYCZF also reserves the right to amend these rules at any time without prior or posted notice. If you have any questions, please contact the festival operations staff for assistance.
  • Anyone who purchases a ticket  agrees to indemnify and hold harmless NYCZF from any claim for personal injuries or other damages or equity arising out of any individual’s activities at NYCZF even if such injury or damage is caused by negligence or gross negligence by or on the part of NYCZF

Harassment Policy

NYCZF is dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming, and harassment-free festival experience for everyone. This protection is all-encompassing, and covers all characteristics, including, but not limited to a person’s: sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, color, religion, national origin, age, political affiliation, social aptitude, speech impediments and dance level. Anyone from any lifestyle is welcome at NYCZF , as long as they do not intentionally do any action that hinders the enjoyment of other attendees. Harassment of any kind, including but not limited to: physical assault, sexual assault, sexual harassment, battery, deliberate intimidation, stalking, harassing photography or recording, or unwelcome physical attentions, will not be tolerated. Please see our NO TOLERANCE POLICY here.


If a person says “no” or asks you to leave them alone, you must do so. Do not follow them or attempt to disrupt their festival experience in any way. If you continue to provide unwelcome attention to another attendee, you may have your pass revoked without refund, you may be removed from the premises, and you may be barred from attending future ZenZouk or NYCZF events. Please understand that, regardless of whether the behavior in question amounts to a violation of the law, it may be considered harassment and a violation of this policy. Please be sure to read our no tolerance policy.


IMPORTANT - Mediating interpersonal problems

  • We are not responsible for mediating any interpersonal problems that arose between individual attendees outside of our events. Thus, we can take no action to prevent a person from attending the festival unless that person has made a specific and credible threat toward the festival itself. If you feel that a threat exists against your person, we advise you to seek a restraining order against the individual in question and to present it to our security in advance of the festival at info@zenzouk.com  If you obtain a restraining order against someone prior to the event and you know that they are attending the event, please provide this information to us so that we are aware. If you are unable to obtain a restraining order, we recommend avoiding that individual, and reporting them to security immediately if they violate this harassment policy during the event so that appropriate action may be taken. Conversely, any attempt to have an innocent person removed from the festival by falsely accusing them will be treated as an act of harassment and dealt with appropriately. The responsibility for settling interpersonal disputes lies solely with the individuals involved. NYCZF will not tolerate being used as a leveraging point in such disputes. Exception cases will be for those individuals where there are issues in at least 2-3 established communities concerning an individual enough that it will change the energy or festival experience. 

CODE OF CONDUCT AND NYCZF GUIDELINES


RESPECT &

DIVERSITY


  1. I will respect myself: I am a valuable member of the Brazilian Zouk dance community, no matter my level of experience, age, sex, gender expression, sexual preferences, body size, ethnicity, or religious beliefs.
  2. I will respect others: I recognize that people have different values and viewpoints than I do, and that they are still valuable members of the community.

. 
 

CREATING COMMUNITY


  1. I am encouraged to actively participate in building the Brazilian Zouk community. To do so, I will seek out new people to dance with or talk to. I don’t know who might hold the keys to my next inspiration!
  2. I can foster connections by introducing or reintroducing myself with each new dance. 
  • I can choose to include the pronouns that I wish to be addressed with when introducing myself.

PERSONAL

BOUNDARIES


  1. I will strictly respect the physical and personal boundaries of my fellow attendees on and off the dance floor.
  2. I can let my partner know that I wish to dance as close together or as far apart as I want, for any reason I want.




RESPECT &

DIVERSITY


  1. I will respect myself: I am a valuable member of the Brazilian Zouk dance community, no matter my level of experience, age, sex, gender expression, sexual preferences, body size, ethnicity, or religious beliefs.
  2. I will respect others: I recognize that people have different values and viewpoints than I do, and that they are still valuable members of the community.

. 
 

CREATING COMMUNITY


  1. I am encouraged to actively participate in building the Brazilian Zouk community. To do so, I will seek out new people to dance with or talk to. I don’t know who might hold the keys to my next inspiration!
  2. I can foster connections by introducing or reintroducing myself with each new dance. 
  • I can choose to include the pronouns that I wish to be addressed with when introducing myself.

PERSONAL

BOUNDARIES


  1. I will strictly respect the physical and personal boundaries of my fellow attendees on and off the dance floor.
  2. I can let my partner know that I wish to dance as close together or as far apart as I want, for any reason I want.




INVITATIONS TO

DANCE


  1. I will strictly respect the physical and personal boundaries of my fellow attendees on and off the dance floor.
  2. I can let my partner know that I wish to dance as close together or as far apart as I want, for any reason I want.
  3. It is assumed that i dance one song at a time with my partner, but I am free to re-ask my partner to dance, knowing that dancing multiple songs in a row is a great way to increase my connection and enjoyment with them!



 

SAFETY ON THE
DANCEFLOOR


  1. I can inform my dance partner if something they do makes me uncomfortable or physically hurts me. 
  • Additionally, I will respect my dance partner’s request that I stop doing something that makes them uncomfortable or physically hurts them.

2.  I will not attempt dance moves (such as aerials, kicks, lifts or overly large movements) that could be dangerous to my partner, the dancers around me, or myself. 

  • I will do my best not to step on, bump, or trip other dancers; I will be gracious if I accidently do, and still gracious if someone does it to me.

3.  I will care for my own safety. I am responsible for determining what I can and cannot accomplish on the dance floor.

4.  I will take care not to wear extraneous jewelry or other accessories that can get my partner’s way or harm them.


SEXUAL

CONTACT


  1. I understand that dancing with someone is not an invitation for sexual contact, but about sharing the love of dance.
  2. I know that as a responsible adult, if I am uncomfortable with my partner’s actions I am free to be clear with my verbal communication and ask them to change their behavior.
  3. I will speak with a staff member wearing a volunteer shirt if for some reason I am unable to communicate with my partner, the behavior is severe, or it is repeated.
  4. If I personally observe inappropriate actions inside the venues or classrooms, I will bring it to the attention of a staff member wearing a red armband.
  5. As an instructor I understand that I am to respect all students that I dance with and not cross any uncomfortable boundaries. 





CLEANLINESS OF

SPACE


  1. I understand that I am responsible for the cleanliness of our venue just as much as the staff is.
  2. I will keep coats and bags off seats, open containers of liquid off the floor, and throw away my trash.
  3. I will be responsible with late-night food, not taking more than I can eat, and cleaning up after myself.





 

CLEANLINESS
OF MYSELF

  1. I will care for my body odor by washing or deodorizing, bring towels or extra clothing if I sweat a lot, make use of hand sanitizer and mints, and always wash my hands after I go to the bathroom.
  2. If I have a cold, or any other contagious condition, I will respect my fellow dancers by staying home and choosing to rest & heal



SEXUAL

CONTACT


  1. I understand that dancing with someone is not an invitation for sexual contact, but about sharing the love of dance.
  2. I know that as a responsible adult, if I am uncomfortable with my partner’s actions I am free to be clear with my verbal communication and ask them to change their behavior.
  3. I will speak with a staff member wearing a volunteer shirt if for some reason I am unable to communicate with my partner, the behavior is severe, or it is repeated.
  4. If I personally observe inappropriate actions inside the venues or classrooms, I will bring it to the attention of a staff member wearing a red armband.
  5. As an instructor I understand that I am to respect all students that I dance with and not cross any uncomfortable boundaries. 




BRAZILIAN ZOUK

AND LAMBADA


Dance is the hidden language of the Soul. You are destined to unleash your potential!

PURE BLISS

NEW YORK CITY 

EVERYTHING YOU NEED NEARBY
NEW YORK CITY is a central hub for all things arts, entertainment, and business.  It defines a true home for artists in its diversity of the arts and entertainment.  Because of this day and night life are both vibrant and alive and constantly evolving.  Its what makes this city so special and amazing. 
You can reach an abundance of internationally renowned restaurants, famous bars, and world-class cultural arts and entertainment.  We are excited for you to continue to explore NYC and we are happy to have our festival right in the heart of MANHATTAN!!! Step outside and enjoy everything NYC has to offer.  You may just fall in love with all its amazing DIVERSITY!




YOUR LIMITATION - It's only your imagination

Just Zouk!

It's never too late or to soon!

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