Domingo Bachatero is Ottawa's Dominican social dance community.
We are committed to preserving and celebrating authentic Bachata and Merengue

 Community Code of Conduct

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By attending our events, you agree to help us maintain an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and excited to return.

Our Values

At Domingo Bachatero, we believe in:

• Respect for one another.

• Respect for Dominican culture and its traditions.

• Building community over competition.

• Dancing with kindness, joy, and good sportsmanship.

• Creating a space where everyone—from first-time dancers to experienced dancers—feels welcome.

Respect Dominican Culture

Domingo Bachatero is first and foremost a cultural space.

Our goal is to highlight and celebrate the richness of Dominican Bachata and Merengue by sharing the music, history, traditions, and social dance culture of the Dominican Republic.

We ask all attendees to dance in a way that reflects the spirit of Dominican social dancing—respectful, musical, and considerate of their partner and those around them.

This is a public, community-oriented event where dancers of all ages, cultures, and experience levels should feel comfortable participating.

Respect Everyone

Every person deserves to feel welcome.

Please:

• Treat everyone with kindness and respect.

• Welcome newcomers to the community.

• Be patient with beginners.

• Respect differences in culture, language, identity, and dance experience.

Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, bullying, or abusive behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated.

Asking Someone to Dance

Social dancing is built on mutual respect.

• Always ask politely before inviting someone to dance.

• Accept "no" graciously.

• No one is ever obligated to accept a dance.

• Please do not pressure or repeatedly ask someone who has declined.

A respectful invitation and a respectful decline are both part of social dancing.

Respect Personal Boundaries

Everyone has different comfort levels.

Please:

• Be aware of your partner's comfort.

• Adjust your dance accordingly.

• If your partner requests more space or a different connection, respect that immediately.

• If someone appears uncomfortable, check in or modify your dancing.

Mutual comfort always comes before personal style.

Dance Floor Etiquette

Help keep the dance floor safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Please:

• Be aware of the dancers around you.

• Avoid dangerous movements that require excessive space.

• Do not perform lifts, aerials, or tricks during social dancing.

• Move carefully in crowded conditions.

• Help prevent collisions whenever possible.

Personal Hygiene

Social dancing involves close interaction.

Please arrive with:

• Fresh clothing.

• Good personal hygiene.

• Deodorant when appropriate.

• Clean hands.

These small considerations help everyone enjoy the evening.

Alcohol & Responsible Behaviour

If alcohol is available at the venue:

• Please drink responsibly.

• Do not dance while excessively intoxicated.

• Aggressive, disruptive, or unsafe behaviour will not be tolerated.

Anyone whose behaviour negatively affects the experience or safety of others may be asked to leave without a refund.

Photography & Social Media

Photos and videos may be taken throughout the evening to promote Domingo Bachatero and De La Isla.

If you would prefer not to appear in photos or videos, please let a member of our team know and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

If Something Doesn't Feel Right

If you experience or witness behaviour that makes you uncomfortable, please speak with Giselle, DJ Luis, or a member of the De La Isla team.

All concerns will be taken seriously and handled respectfully and as confidentially as possible.

We would much rather address an issue early than have someone leave feeling unwelcome.

Our Commitment

Domingo Bachatero exists to build community through authentic Dominican music and dance.

Whether this is your first social or your hundredth, we want you to feel welcomed, respected, and inspired to continue learning about Dominican culture.

Every dance, every conversation, and every act of kindness helps create the community we are proud of.

Thank you for being part of Domingo Bachatero.

Dance with respect. Celebrate the culture. Build the community.

— De La Isla Ottawa

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