Terms and conditions

Welcome to the Blue Monday Festival! By purchasing a ticket, entering any festival location (workshops, concerts, or social activities), or participating in any event-related activities, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.

1. Payment Terms

  • Payments must be completed within 2 days of receiving the confirmation email with payment instructions.
  • If the payment is not made within this time frame, your registration will be canceled, and the spot will be made available to other participants.
  • All bank transfer fees must be paid by the attendee.

2. Refund and Ticket Exchange Policy

  • Refunds are not available.
  • If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your ticket to another person with the same dance role (leader to leader / follower to follower).
  • To process a ticket transfer, you must send an email to [email protected] at least 7 days before the event, providing:

    • Your name
    • The name of the person you are transferring the ticket to
    • E-mail address of the person you are transferring the ticket to
    • Dance Role (are you registered as follower or as a leader)

3. Injuries and Personal Belongings

  • Participation in the festival is at your own risk. The organizers are not responsible for injuries, health issues, or damages caused during the event.
  • Keep your belongings safe, as the organizers are not liable for theft, loss, or damage to personal items.

4. Admission

  • The Blue Monday Festival is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
  • We reserve the right to refuse admission or participation to anyone who exhibits verbal, physical, or threatening behavior towards staff, volunteers, or attendees.
  • Registrations may also be declined or entry refused to those violating these Terms and Conditions.

5. Changes

  • The organizers reserve the right to make changes to the program, venues, or pricing if necessary.
  • Updates will be shared on the official channels (email and website) and event pages.

6. COVID Policy

  • Current regulations do not require certificates or minimum vaccination to attend the event.
  • Participants are encouraged to take self-tests before attending and to stay home if feeling unwell.
  • Policies may change based on government regulations. Updates will be provided one week before the event.

BMF organisers reserve the right to make any changes to the programme (events, time, location), venues and prices if necessary. Please check regularly our website, and Facebook page and event for updates.

7. Filming and Photography

  • By attending, you consent to being photographed or filmed. These materials may be used for promotional purposes by the organizers.
  • All recordings (photos, videos, digital media) remain the property of the Blue Monday Festival and may be used in any media.

 

    Code of Conduct

    The Blue Monday Festival is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for all participants. By attending, you agree to adhere to the following principles:

    1. Respect and Inclusion

    • Treat everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, dance experience, role or other personal characteristics.
    • Discrimination, harassment, or bullying of any kind is strictly prohibited.
    • Examples of inappropriate behavior include but are not limited to:
      • Verbal harassment (comments about personal appearance, unsolicited advice, offensive jokes).
      • Physical harassment (unwanted touch, invasion of personal space).
      • Gestures, expressions, or behavior that make others uncomfortable.
      • Any form of unwanted or inappropriate attention, whether in person or online
    • If you encounter or observe behavior that makes you or someone else uncomfortable, please inform a member of our care team immediately. We are here to support you and will take all necessary steps to address the situation.

    2. Dance Floor Etiquette

    • Always ask for dances respectfully and accept responses graciously. It’s okay to say or hear “no.”
    • Check with your partner before attempting dips, aerials, close embrace, or any advanced moves to ensure mutual comfort.
    • Be mindful of your surroundings to avoid collisions or disruptions on the dance floor.

    3. Behaviour in the Venues

    • Smoking is not allowed inside any festival venue.
    • Dancing shoes or clean-soled shoes must be worn in classrooms to protect the floors.
    • Treat the venues and facilities with care and respect, as you would your own home. This includes keeping spaces clean and using trash bins appropriately.

    4. Lost and Found

    • If you find any lost items during the festival, please hand them over to an organizer or volunteer. All recovered items will be kept at the check-in desk, where participants can claim them.

    5. Reporting Incidents

    • If you experience or witness inappropriate behavior or accidents, you can report them using the links provided in the booklet or by contacting us directly.
    • All reports will be treated with confidentiality and handled promptly and respectfully.

    6. Hygiene and Self-Care

    • Maintain personal hygiene to ensure everyone’s comfort. Deodorant, towels, and spare shirts are encouraged.
    • Stay hydrated, eat well, and listen to your body. It’s okay to take breaks when needed to avoid exhaustion.

    7. Alcohol Consumption

    • If you drink, please do so responsibly.
    • Never drive after consuming alcohol.

    8. Unintentional Harassment

    • Be aware that some actions or comments, even if unintentional, can make others feel uncomfortable.
    • Pay attention to non-verbal cues and respect personal boundaries. If someone expresses discomfort, adjust your behavior immediately.

    9. Accessibility and Inclusion

    • We aim to create an inclusive environment for everyone, including attendees with disabilities.
    • If you require specific accommodations, please contact us in advance to ensure your needs are met.

    10. Respect for Staff and Volunteers

    • Our staff, volunteers, and instructors work hard to make the festival enjoyable. Treat them with kindness and respect.
    • Avoid demanding or aggressive behavior, and respect their boundaries.

    11. Environmental Responsibility

    • Help us care for the environment by reducing waste and discarding trash properly.
    • Avoid unnecessary use of single-use plastics and use recycling bins where available.

    12. Accountability and Consequences

    • Participants are expected to follow the festival’s rules of conduct and Portuguese law.
    • Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in warnings, removal from the event without a refund, or, if necessary, escalation to local authorities.

    13. Everyone’s Role in Creating a Safe Space

    • Maintaining a safe and positive environment is a shared responsibility.
    • Be proactive in supporting others, intervening respectfully if you see someone in distress, or reporting incidents when necessary.

    14. Care Team and First Aid

    • The Care Team is available for anyone feeling unwell, overwhelmed, or overstimulated.
    • A first aid kit is also available at the check-in desk. If you or someone else requires assistance, please notify a member of the Care Team or an organizer.

    15. Behaviour in the Venues

    • The Blue Monday Festival welcomes attendees from different countries and cultures.
    • Respect and value cultural differences, including language barriers, customs, and traditions.

    16. Anti-racist statement

    • At Blue Monday, we recognize and honor that all of the dance styles we celebrate have deep roots in African-American culture and history. These art forms are a testament to the creativity, resilience, and rich heritage of the Black community.
    • As we come together to celebrate, we also see this as an opportunity to reflect on our own actions, educate ourselves about the history and experiences of the Black community, and strive to be active allies in the fight against racism.
    • We are committed to creating a space that is inclusive, respectful, and equitable for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) dancers and we encourage all participants to take this moment to not only enjoy the art but to deepen their understanding of its origins and the ongoing challenges faced by the communities that created it.

    17. Communication and Acknowledgment

    • This Code of Conduct is shared with all participants before the festival. By attending, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these guidelines.