At Swingin The Bay, we are committed to creating and sustaining an open and welcoming dance community that accepts people of all backgrounds and has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment. We recognize that people have different expectations and boundaries in social situations, both on and off the dance floor; therefore, to ensure that our community is a fun and safe environment, we ask that all our members, instructors, staff, and event attendees adhere to the following values and policies.
We want everyone to enjoy themselves and feel included on the social dance floor, so we expect you not to discriminate based on ethnicity, skill level, age, gender, sexual orientation, physical and mental ability, religion, body size, appearance, etc.
Consent
Remember that your invitation to dance is an invitation, and as such, while we encourage you to ask anyone to dance, we completely acknowledge their choice to decline. This person is not compelled to explain, and their refusal of your dance invitation does not give you the right to be furious.
Enjoyment
Dancing with a partner should be a shared, pleasurable experience; therefore, acknowledge and communicate with your partner while dancing, make eye contact at times, and smile. After the dance, express gratitude for their participation.
At social dances and in the classroom, unsolicited advice to your dance partner is frequently more harmful than beneficial. You should therefore only provide feedback if specifically requested by a partner (or if encouraged by the teacher as part of a session). Important: If your partner is giving you bodily or psychological distress, or if the dance is hazardous in any way, we encourage you to let them know or alert your teacher or the organizers.
Care
Look after yourself. Before you begin dancing with your partner, please notify them of any injuries or concerns that may develop throughout the dance (e.g., particular motions that make you uncomfortable). If someone is doing anything that makes you unhappy, you have the right to tell them to stop, and if they do not, you have the right to end the dance.
Consider the needs of others. Everyone is responsible for learning acceptable floor craft and adapting to the space provided on the dance floor. We recognize that accidents and crashes are inevitable, but before continuing your dance, make sure to apologize and check if the other person or couple is okay or needs medical treatment. Apologize if you mistakenly touch a region of your partner’s body that is private, sexual, or outside the realm of legitimate holds or connection points.
Do not force your partner into a move or dance-hold (such as a close embrace). If you have attempted to lead something and they have stopped or adjusted the move, do not attempt to lead the same move again, as they likely had a legitimate reason for not continuing. Similarly, if you are in a closed position, provide room for your partner to exit the embrace. If you are uncertain as to whether your partner is displaying difficulties with a certain part of the dance, be sure to inquire.
Aerials and air steps are not permitted on a social dance floor and should only be performed in a performance or jam circle with a partner with whom you have previously studied this exact aerial. You must also obtain verbal permission from your partner before engaging in deep dips that require the follower to commit more than fifty per cent of their body weight or any other movement that makes it difficult for the follower to regain balance if the leader lets go, regardless of whether you are dancing as the leader or the follower. If something goes wrong, these types of actions can easily cause harm. Even with authorization, you should only execute these movements if you are confident, you can do so safely.
Please observe proper personal hygiene at events; shower before going and wear deodorant, as well as appropriate attire and footwear. Additionally, we recommend carrying a towel, an alternate shirt, and breath mints. Followers, please cover your back and leaders, please cover your shoulders to make the dance more enjoyable for your partner.
Respect
Partner dancing can be an intimate pastime, and flirtation may develop; nonetheless, you should not attend socials with the express aim of trying to meet someone.
Respect other people’s boundaries: do not presume that they are fine with other advances simply because they accepted to dance with you. If you are uncertain whether a person is at ease, you should ask them.
One person’s boundaries may differ from those of another, so if someone tells you that your actions have made them feel uncomfortable, take it to heart and adjust your behaviour accordingly, even if others have not expressed similar sentiments.