North Bay Swing Dance Club is committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment for everyone. To achieve this, we ask you to abide by the following Code of Conduct during our dances.
We reserve the right to handle any violations of this Code of Conduct as we deem necessary, which may include ejection from the dance without a refund. We also reserve the right to refuse admission for any reason.
Treat others with respect
We want everyone to feel comfortable attending our dances, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, physical appearance, ability, ethnicity, religion, nationality, or other personal circumstance.
Social dancing should always feel safe. You are entitled to:
- Choose who you want to dance with.
- Choose whether to lead, follow, or switch roles during the dance, if your partner agrees.
- Choose to change partners for the next dance, dance again with the same partner, or take a break.
If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, touches you inappropriately, or hurts you, it is ok to say “no” or “stop”. You have the right to turn down an invitation to dance, or to stop dancing with someone who mistreats you or ignores your wishes. You do not have to give a reason.
If someone says “no” or ”stop” to you, honor their request. Never pressure anyone to act against their own feelings. If someone turns down your invitation to dance, move on. If someone refuses several invitations to dance, stop asking and move on.
Thanking your partner will always be appreciated. However, unless someone specifically asks for feedback, never offer unsolicited advice, teachings, criticism or comments about their dancing.
No harassment of any kind
Harassment of any kind is not acceptable here.
Any offensive comments, hostile online communications, sexual propositions, unwelcome photography, videography, displays of sexual imagery, unwanted physical contact, physical intimidation, stalking, verbal abuse, disruption of classes or dances will not be tolerated.
If you experience harassment during our dance, or notice that someone else is being harassed, please contact a board of director or staff right away, so that we can put a stop to it.
Help keep others safe
We all love trying new dance patterns and movements, but be mindful of the inherent risk of injury. Any movement that increases the danger of hurting your partner, or other dancers, makes for unsafe dancing.
Avoid forceful movements that could cause an injury by yanking or jerking your partner, or making you partner move before they are ready. Avoid lifts, drops or other dramatic weight-supported moves that your partner may not be prepared to do. No sudden moves throwing yourself or your partner into a dip.
Dancers shall always be mindful of other dancers in their immediate area to avoid accidental collisions and potential injuries. Especially if the dance floor is crowded.
RESPECT FOR THESE RULES WILL MAKE OUR DANCES SAFE AND ENJOYABLE.
Thank you
NBSDC Board of Directors
This Code of Conduct is posted with permission, adapted based on the Conduct Code of our friends at Boogie By The Bay.