FAQ

What is fusion?

First things first: fusion - or fusion dancing - is not associated with the well known German festival "Fusion". But, it is an improvised partner dance to all kinds of music ranging from blues over lyrical tunes to pop and EDM. As someone once put it: "Fusion is a continuously-developing concept and can mean different things to many different people." To learn more about the concept(s) of fusion dancing, you might want to read this article on The Fusion Continuum by Flouer Evelyn.

So what is going to happen from Saturday until Friday?

This week will be whatever you want it to be, dream about and actually make happen. We will all create this space together in terms of activities, vegetarian food, music and magic. Things that are likely to happen here: hiking, nature, body related work, massages, chilling in the sun, playing games, reinventing the world, cuddling, playing music, cooking and eating together, sharing our skills and passions and obviously dancing. Like we would say in German: "Einfach mal die Seele baumeln lassen" (to simply unwind and let the soul dangle).

And if I don’t dance (yet), can I come?

Of course! :D
If you don’t dance (yet), feel free to join us anyway. This is a great opportunity to tip your toe in and try yourself out as a dancer, but there is also so much other fun stuff to do here! While we will dance every night during the weekend, depending on participants’ wishes, the evenings during the week could also be used for other stuff, such as film or game nights, or discussions. It’s up to you!

Is there a reduced fee?

No, there will be no reduced fee in general. As we’re not aiming to make any profit with the event, the fee is calculated to cover just the expenses for the venue, the food and other necessary items. All decorations will be financed through donations. That said: If - for any reason - you cannot afford the fee, but are absolutely craving to be part of BFF, please contact us directly via blackforestfusion@gmail.com and we will try to find a solution.

What will the music be like?

BFF is a non-profit event and we don’t pay any musicians or DJs. We count on our participants to take on DJ shifts or even play some live music on a voluntary basis. Therefore, it is really up to these participants what kind of music will be played.

What is a skill-share? Can I offer one?

At BFF there will be no pre-planned program for daytime activities. The event lives from what the participants are willing to offer. So, if you have a skill that you think other people would like to learn about, we would love for you to share it with us. This may reach from playing board games over massage techniques to a lecture about that one thing you’re totally into. Surprise us.

By the way, there is also a room with work benches, where we could craft things during a manual/technical workshop. Just get in touch with us, if you would like to know more about this.

When and how can I expect food?

We’ll cook and eat together throughout the week, running on “dance time” — meaning meals happen a few hours later than usual, since nights tend to end in the early morning. Breakfast will be ready from 9 am, but you can also eat later at your own time. Lunch is a simple self-serve buffet with bread, cheese, spreads and other small things available for a few hours after breakfast. Dinner is a hot meal served around 7 pm — the one time we expect everyone to join in, so we can make announcements and share a meal together. Midnight snacks are often available in the dance room from 11pm.

All meals are cooked by participants according to a kitchen shift schedule — there’s no hired staff. Think of it as cooking and eating at a friend’s house rather than dining out. Supplies will be provided; you just chop, cook, and clean (yes, there’s always a catch!).

What kind of food will there be?

The food will be vegetarian and there will always be a vegan option. Please, check the corresponding options when signing up. Though, if you have serious food allergies, please let us know when signing up. We will see then if we can adjust the menu or if you’ll have to bring your own food.

Will there be enough food? Should I bring my own snacks?

You’ll get three meals a day plus midnight snacks. If you’re hungry between meals, there’s always bread and small bites available. We want everyone to be well-fed and happy. 🙂

You’re also welcome to bring your favorite snacks. We’ll have a good selection, but we might not stock your favorite chocolate.

What kind of drinks will there be?

There is tap water with good drinking quality and you can drink as much tea and coffee as you like throughout the day. Other than that there will be some beer and wine for you to buy for the actual cost. However, we can’t provide all the drinks you might be dreaming of. So please, if you need anything else to be happy, bring it along.

What will the sleeping arrangements look like? Can I choose with whom I’m going to share a room?

The venue offers rooms for 4, 5 or 6 people to sleep in bunk beds. As soon as all the spots are assigned, you will receive our booklet with the option to select a room according to your preferences i.e. the room size and how close your room is to the dancefloor. Remember that these are shared rooms, so please be mindful of the other people sharing the room with you.

Everyone will have to bring their own sheets, pillows and blankets. If you are a light sleeper, you may want to bring earplugs.

When will be bedtime?

The answer is quite simple: Whenever you feel like it. There will be no fixed schedule when all the fun and music is going to end every night. Although the music probably won’t be too loud (for more details, have a look at our Sound Policy) and we trust in all the participants to be quiet around the halls at night, if you are a light sleeper you may want to bring earplugs. If you are worried about it being too loud anyway, make sure you pick one of the quieter rooms. But keep in mind: The Wolfhof is an old wooden house from a time where soundproofing was not a priority.

What can I expect in terms of cozy atmosphere?

We intend to create an open-minded and welcoming atmosphere where you can be around your friends, establish new connections and where cuddling is encouraged - but only if you wish to do so.

What is the policy on sex and nudity?

Cuddling ≠ Sex. So: No sex on the grounds of the Wolfhof! This is a dance event, so keep it in your pants.

Also this is a clothed event, unless you’re having a shower or getting changed, please keep your clothes on. More specifically: Please wear bottoms that cover your genitals in the common rooms as well as outside on the grounds of the Wolfhof. In the common rooms we also ask you to wear a top. There is a creek flowing along the Wolfhof’s grounds where it is possible to take a dip. It is usually fine to be naked there - but please ask people who might be nearby first. This applies to all genders. See our Code of Conduct.

Why is there a No Sex Policy?

BFF is a community event where we want everyone to feel safe, relaxed, and free from pressure. Physical closeness (dancing, cuddling) can sometimes be misunderstood as an invitation to sexual activity. Our No Sex Policy helps keep these spaces clearly separated, so no one has to negotiate or defend their boundaries in the moment. At other events, participants often agree on room rules among themselves, and this can work well. However, we know that some people find it difficult to speak up, especially if they don't want sexual activity in a shared room. We want to remove that pressure entirely.

Additionally, children attend the event, and the house is an old, shared building with limited privacy. Given the location and our capacities as organizers, we believe this policy is the most reliable way to create the respectful and comfortable atmosphere we aim for.

Will there be a Care Team?

Yes, BFF has a Care Team you can turn to if you need support or someone to talk to. Care Team members try to stay aware of their surroundings and help participants feel safe. However, they are not present at all times, especially during late-night dancing. This is why we encourage mindful and supportive behavior among all participants: look out for each other and reach out if you notice someone might not be feeling well.

How does the lottery work? Is the lottery real or do you choose the participants?

The lottery is real! We use it to make the registration process as fair as possible. Everyone who signs up within the registration period has the same chance to get a spot. Here’s how it works: after registration closes, each name is randomly assigned a number between 1 and the total number of registrations. The list is then sorted by those numbers, and the top names get a spot. The names that don’t get a ticket in this process are automatically in the waiting pool.

We don’t hand-pick participants — the only exceptions are team members, their families, and a small group of friends and helpers who support us in running the event. After the draw, all applicants receive an email letting them know whether they got a spot or are in the waiting pool.

What happens if I’m in the waiting pool?

If you’re in the waiting pool, it means all spots are currently taken, but you still have a chance to join. When someone cancels their ticket, everyone in the waiting pool will be notified at the same time. The spot will go to the person who replies first.

You don’t need to do anything until you receive such a notification. However, if you’re no longer able or willing to join, it helps us a lot if you let us know, so we can keep the pool up to date. In previous years, quite a few people got in from the waiting list, especially during the last two weeks before the event, when some participants had to cancel on short notice.

Can my friend and I come together?

If you want to attend BFF only if another person is also coming, you need to sign up together and enter each other’s names in the corresponding field on the registration form. After the lottery, each name is randomly assigned a number as usual. To keep the pair together, the two numbers are then adjusted so that both names move down to the larger of the two numbers. This means your position on the list may end up further down than you would have individually, and it’s possible that neither of you will get a spot immediately. In that case, both names will be moved to the waiting pool. This system ensures that all participants are treated fairly and no one is given special preference.

What about internet?

We are not sorry to have to tell you that there won’t be any internet or cell phone connection as there is no reception in the vicinity of the Wolfhof. After all, the event is supposed to be a small vacation and who needs email etc. there? However, there is a phone at the house for emergencies.

Is the event child friendly? Can I bring my child?

Children are welcome at BFF. In fact, we've had children at previous events, and it worked out well. However, spots for children are limited, and we may not be able to invite all lottery winners with children. Please also note that BFF is primarily a dance and skill-sharing event and is not explicitly designed for children. This means there may not be any other children present, and there is no childcare provided. Parents bringing children are expected to participate in the event just like all other attendees, including contributing to communal tasks such as kitchen or cleaning shifts. Additionally, the week will be filled with participant-led skill shares, and some topics may not be suitable for minors. If you would like to bring your child, please contact us as soon as possible at blackforestfusion@gmail.com.

Will there be children there?

There will probably be children at BFF (see question above). If you absolutely prefer not to be around children, please be aware of this before signing up.

I bought a ticket but I cannot come. What do I do?

Have a look at our Refund Policy.

The location is pretty far off. How do I get there without a car?

By bike or by walking! ;) That actually is an option that a couple of people did choose, but the Wolfhof can also be reached easily from Freiburg by train and bus. Although the nearest bus stop is about 4km away from the Wolfhof, we will make sure that you will get there. You will receive more detailed information once you got a ticket.