We’re so happy to have you as a part of Central Swing Time! It is critical to our values to make sure that everyone can enjoy dancing while feeling safe and respected. This includes people of any dance skill or background, race, nationality, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, body type, age, or any other characteristic or trait. Everyone is responsible for helping ensure all dancers feel safe and respected. To preserve a safe and positive environment for our communities, we ask that all participating scenes agree to some guidelines and be held accountable accordingly. 

1. Ask verbally and clearly when you ask someone to dance. 

• A verbal “would you like to dance?” or ASL sign for dance (two fingers pointed down on the opposite open palm) is great!

• It is always your choice whether or not to say yes, and remember that “no, thank you” is a full sentence. Remember that a no is not personal, and, on both sides, remember to be kind.

1. Anyone can ask anyone to dance! 

• Discuss with your partner if they would like to lead or follow! Dancing does not have gendered roles. When you ask someone to dance, let them know which role you would prefer for this dance (lead/follow/switch) or ask their preference. 

• Never assume someone’s preferred dance role based on gender.

1.  Don’t give any dance advice or criticism on the social dance floor. 

• We strive to create a constructive and welcoming environment for dancers of all levels. Do not correct your partner.

• Another exception is if your partner is causing you physical or emotional discomfort. Please speak up and let your partner know right away.

1. Appropriate touch/boundaries: Respect the physical and personal boundaries of everyone both on and off the dance floor. 

• Realize it is possible to make others uncomfortable even without intending to and always ask for consent for any type of personal contact. Only a clear and verbal “yes” means “yes.”

• Maintain responsibility for your own weight and balance. Both partners are responsible for practicing good floorcraft and watching out for other dancers. Stick to skills you are comfortable with and are confident you can do safely.

• Be proactive in making sure your partner is comfortable by watching body language or checking in verbally. Be proactive about letting your partner know if you are uncomfortable.

• For the safety of our dancers, we do not allow any lifts, aerials, or death drops on the social dance floor!

1. Be respectful of instructors, DJs, the venue, and other dancers!

• Arrive on time for class and please be sure your cell phone is set to vibrate or silent unless there is an emergency. 

• Respect the instructor when they are talking, whether you are participating in a class or watching the class. 

• Follow any rules communicated about the venue and clean up after yourself. If you spill or cause damage to the venue in some way, let someone know immediately so it can be dealt with. 

• Dancing is a partner sport, so please make sure you exhibit good hygiene by showering, wearing deodorant, washing your hands after using the bathroom, changing your shirt if you are sweaty, and brushing your teeth. 

• Avoid wearing strong colognes or perfumes.

1. Appropriate language: Racism, homophobia, misogyny, transphobia, ableism, or any type of offensive comments marginalizing others will not be tolerated and will be subject to similar action as in our sexual harassment clause.

2. Verbal, physical, and sexual harassment and assault will not be tolerated.

• If you feel unsafe, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please notify the organizers immediately. We all need to be active participants in keeping our class and dance environments safe. It’s up to all of us to create a space where everyone feels comfortable and free to express themselves through this wonderful language of partner dance.

• If you are asked to stop any behaviors, either by an organizer or a fellow attendee, you are expected to listen and respectfully comply immediately. We understand that people can make mistakes, but we expect those mistakes to be acknowledged and for that behavior to be changed. Refusal to acknowledge mistakes or change behavior may be met with consequences up to and including expulsion from the event.

1. In the case of a violation of this Code of Conduct, our actions are as follows:

• On report, the accused individual will receive notice and be asked to adjust their behavior. That report will be documented by CST Council and host city.

• In the case of an assault or a prolonged harassment or behavioral issue, we may enforce immediate expulsion from the event and a ban from future Central Swing Time events.

• We understand this policy is not exhaustive. The CST Council retains the authority to respond to violations as we deem necessary.

We believe that everyone’s voice matters and everyone’s life matters. We believe it’s important to invest the time and effort needed to bring support, healing, and growth to everyone. While we believe in the power of conflict resolution, we also know that it isn’t possible for every situation. We will not tolerate harassment or assault of any kind in our place of dance. Safety will always be our Number One priority.

If you do notice or experience something that makes our spaces less safe, please reach out to us in any manner you feel safe: email, phone call, text, or in person. You can also use our Safety Report Form to anonymously reach out to us. 

We believe that together, through respect and honest conversation, we can create a friendly, supportive, and safe environment for everyone.