Accessibility Information

• If you have a disability and need someone with you so that you can enjoy our events, we’re happy to provide you with a ticket for them, free of charge. You can book a carer’s ticket when you book your own.
• There is one accessible parking space adjacent to the Centre. There is level access into the Centre, with a ramp at the front. An accessible toilet is available.
• Lighting is, depending on the time of day, natural light or the hall’s own lighting. We do not use flashing lights.
• There is a quieter area in the lobby, which is next to the hall but also separate from it.
• For called dances, we use non-gendered positional terms or alternative role names.
• If you have any questions please contact us on info@oxfolk.org.uk

How to find us

We are usually at:

Kennington Village Centre, Kennington Road, Kennington, Oxford, OX1 5PG

• Kennington Village Centre is opposite The Tandem Pub in the centre of the village.
• The nearest train station is Oxford.
• The City 35 bus runs every 30 mins – 1 hour between central Oxford and Abingdon, via Kennington.  (Our evening dances finish at 23:00.) The nearest bus stop, on Edward Road, is a few yards from Kennington Village Centre.

Please note: parking for the Centre is in the Village Centre / Surgery car park. When the car park is full, there is lots of legal parking available in the streets immediately off Kennington Road, but please do park considerately.

The Building and Facilities

There is access to the main entrance using the ramp at the front of the Centre, or there are 5 steps.

This brings you into a lobby. The ticket desk is here. There are a few chairs and tables. You can get access to the toilets (men’s, an accessible toilet and women’s). There are coat hooks for you to hang up coats if you wish.

From the lobby there are double doors into the hall. The stage is at the far end. There are chairs around the edge of the room, with tables in the corners. The bar is in a small room that comes off the hall to the left.

There is no induction loop at Kennington Village Centre.

Lighting in the hall is half-dimmed. It should be light enough to see what you’re doing. Lighting on stage is static. We avoid using flashing lights of any kind.

Other Events/Venues

For Oxford Folk Festival in April, and for some special events such as Narthen’s Christmas concert, we use venues in Oxford city centre. All the venue details will be on the ticket booking page. 

What to expect at our events

The Dancing

All our dances at Kennington have a live band and a caller who explains the dances.

Beginners are welcome at our dances! You don’t need to know lots about dancing, as the caller will explain what to do. The caller does a “walk through” of the dance – this is a mini dance lesson lasting just a few minutes. They will explain the dance moves and may also get some dancers to demonstrate parts of the dance.

When the music starts, the caller will call the dance moves for at least the first few times through the dance. 

Tips for learning dances as you go

• Dance near the stage – you and the caller can see each other better, which means they can give you some extra help if needed
• Ask the caller questions
• Look around you and you can learn by watching other dancers
• Look out for dancers wearing badges saying “Ask me for a dance” – these are people who are happy to share what they know about dancing with others.
• Oxford Contra events start with a short lesson in the basics, so if you’re new to contra there’s a chance to learn more at the beginning of the event.

All our callers use non gendered dance instructions, and either positional (no role terms) or with role terms such as Larks and Robins. Positional calling describes things in terms of where dancers are on the dance floor, eg “the line facing the bar leads round the other line”. Positional terms are commonly used in ceilidhs. 

Role names are used to name the dancers, eg using larks and robins to describe a dance couple. The lark is the person on the left and the robin in the person the right. Callers for Oxford Contra may use either positional or role name calling.

Occasionally, we run other styles of folk dance event, and most of these are balfolk dances without a caller as such. Sometimes we have a dance workshop beforehand. There will be a full description on the ticket booking page.

When you’re not dancing

Whilst you are sitting in a chair, it is yours. Whilst you are dancing or elsewhere, other people may sit in that chair. If you need to reserve your chair for access reasons, please talk to the volunteers or ideally let us know in advance.

Is there a dress code?

There is no dress code! Please wear shoes and clothes you feel comfortable to dance in.

Dance Culture

We want everyone attending Oxfolk dances to have a good time and to feel comfortable. Here are some things that help to achieve that.

If you are a new dancer

• Don’t be afraid to ask anyone to dance. Experienced dancers are usually happy to help new dancers learn.
• Trust the caller. They are trained to lead the dance and know what they are doing.
• If you need it, ask for another walk-through. The caller will be happy to go over the dance again.

If you are an experienced dancer

• Walk through the dance fully without flourishes and don’t talk over the caller.
• Only touch other dancers as the dance requires it. Pushing or pulling is never helpful. You can guide other dancers using your eyes or gestures.
• Variations and flourishes are welcome, but try to be in the right place at the right time.
• Ask if someone is okay with you doing a variation or flourish if you’re not sure.

Asking people to dance

• Anyone can ask anyone to dance. If you see someone you would like to dance with, simply approach them and ask. Be polite and respectful, and be prepared to accept a no.
• If someone asks you to dance, you are free to accept or decline. There is no need to feel obligated to dance with someone just because they asked.
• Respect other dancers’ boundaries.
• If you’re not sure what someone is comfortable with (eg swing holds), ask them.

Community guidelines

• We want everyone to feel comfortable and respected, regardless of their background or identity. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any time, please don’t hesitate to speak up.
  • Tell the person who is making you uncomfortable.
  • Ask a Committee member or Volunteer. These people are here to support you. We use the Ask for Angela scheme if you need to be discrete.
• We want everyone to have a positive experience at our dances. If you see something, say something. Together, we can create a safe and inclusive community for everyone.
• We reserve the right to ask any person causing others to feel uncomfortable or unsafe to leave.

Injuries and disabilities

• Be aware that other people may have injuries or physical limitations that you don’t know about.

“Dance with who’s coming at you”

• Anyone can dance either role at any time, and anyone can dance with anyone, regardless of gender or presentation.
• Trust people to be dancing the role they want to dance, regardless of their appearance, and that they’ll communicate if they’re confused or need reassurance about where they are meant to be.

Feedback

• We’re keen to receive your feedback. All feedback received will be reviewed and taken into account when shaping plans for future years. Please contact us on info@oxfolk.org.uk or speak to one of the Committee who are identifiable by name badges.