Max HeyraudAmsterdam-based festival DGTL has issued a statement addressing a troubling trend surfacing online, which shames and ridicules people for simply “dancing freely” and “being themselves”.
With a firm stance rooted in the core values of dance music culture, freedom, expression, and community, DGTL is calling out the misuse of social media that turns personal moments of joy into viral spectacles of mockery.
“As we have quite the platform on here, we feel it’s important to speak up about the concerning trend of online shaming,” the statement reads. “People are being ridiculed just for dancing freely, for letting go, for being themselves.”
In recent months, clips of festivalgoers dancing have been shared across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, often without consent, and frequently accompanied by demeaning commentary. DGTL has made it clear that this kind of behavior is not welcome within its community.
“Our dance floors are built on freedom, expression, and connection. They’re meant to be safe(r) spaces, where everyone can move however they want, without fear of being filmed, judged, or mocked.”
“To those who misuse social media to bring others down: that energy doesn’t belong here,” the statement concludes. “Let’s keep our dance floors joyful, respectful, and free.”
With this message, DGTL contributes to a growing discussion in the electronic music community about consent, respect, and the role of social media in shared cultural spaces. As nightlife evolves in the digital age, this reminder from one of Amsterdam’s flagship festivals serves as a call to preserve the freedom upon which dance music was founded.
