Code of Conduct

Consent always applies.

There are many ways to ask for and receive consent, verbal and nonverbal. Whatever you use, make sure you’re asking clearly and getting a clear “Yes!” as a response. If you don’t know someone well, it’s best to default to verbally asking. This includes asking for a dance, but also for things like close embrace, before attempting any dips or lifts, etc.
Don’t assume that consent given once applies in perpetuity. Someone may be comfortable with something for one dance, but feel differently at a different time. It’s best to ask each time. Always err on the side of over-checking rather than risk assuming the wrong thing.
If you get a “no” please accept that with grace and move on to someone who is excited to dance with you.

Be aware of how you are affecting those around you.

This includes everything from being aware of other dances around you on the floor and having good floorcraft so you don’t bump into or injure yourself, your partner, or anyone else around you. It also includes just being mindful of your energy, how you approach people, etc, and keeping their comfort in mind. Pay attention to people’s body language.

Intent vs Impact. Sometimes we can have the best of intentions and still unintentionally cause someone else discomfort or harm. Repairing that harm always takes priority. Everyone makes mistakes and we want to have grace and understanding for that, while ensuring that the person who was harmed is well taken care of. However, repeat offenses are not ok and will be dealt with more seriously.

If someone tells you that you have made them uncomfortable: please take this feedback without defensiveness. By speaking up, they are showing you great respect in wanting you to learn and be better. Ask them what they may want or need from you in the moment and moving forward. Take it in and think about how your actions can better align with your good intentions.
If someone has made you feel uncomfortable: we want everyone at our events to feel empowered to hold their boundaries and speak up for themselves. If you do not feel comfortable doing so to that person directly, please come to one of us hosts.

Harassment of any type, including verbal abuse, unwanted physical touch, etc, will not be tolerated. The hosts reserve the right to ask anyone to leave if their behavior is deemed inappropriate or unsafe.

Drug Use. In order to help keep this a safe and fun dance space, please do not attend while under the influence. If you decide to partake in alcohol, please do so responsibly. The hosts reserve the right to ask anyone to leave if their behavior is deemed disruptive or unsafe.

Photos. We will occasionally take photos and videos during the event to use for promotional materials (posting on Facebook and instagram). We will do our best to announce when this will happen, and designate areas of the dance floor to be photography vs no photography spaces, so you may opt out if you don’t want to appear in them. It’s possible that others will be taking pictures at other times. If you ever see a photo of you and want it taken down or deleted, please reach out!

Be Good Neighbors. If you walk through the neighborhoods on the way to or from our event, please be mindful of noise and not disturbing our neighbors. Thank you!

We want this space to feel welcoming, comfortable, and safe for everyone who wants to attend. That’s what allows us to relax and have fun together! We as hosts put a lot of effort into helping create that environment, but we also ask you to co-create it with us. You can do that by coming with an open mind; by assuming positive intent in others as much as reasonably possible; and by being welcoming and friendly to other dancers. Talk to and ask people to dance who you don’t know! If you’re a more experienced dancer, take the time to dance with newer folks to welcome them into the fray. That way we can all learn and grow together.

This code of conduct is a work in progress and we may revise it at any time