Code of Conduct

All dancers at UCSwing agree to follow this Code of Conduct, which is split into the following categories:

Dance Community Goals and Values:

UCSwing strives for an environment that is safe, welcoming, and fun for beginner and continuing dancers at its social dance events. Good social dancing happens from a place of mutual respect and kindness, and we ask that attendees embody these values at our events. We welcome all genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, abilities, physical appearances, body sizes, religions, dance levels, and other varieties of the human experience.

Social Dance Rules

Safety:

You can say no to a dance for any reason, at any time.

You can also say no to certain patterns, handholds, etc.
If you hear “no,” accept it gracefully.
Don’t attempt weight-sharing moves (e.g., dips) without proper technique and consent from your partner.
Do not choose moves that make you or your partner run into people.

No Teaching on the Social Dance Floor:

Class is for learning, social dance is for fun.
Do not give unrequested advice to your partner on their technique while social dancing.
Exception: It is always acceptable to say “ouch!” It is important to communicate to your partner that a move/action hurts your body, and to let them know if you have injuries or special considerations and you don’t want certain moves to be executed. If something is uncomfortable, please let your partner know. For example, if they are grabbing your hand too tightly, please adjust their grip and let them know it hurts.
If your partner is doing something that you know is dangerous to themselves, please inform a board member, who will address it with them.
If you are seeking feedback, you may ask your partner for it, but be aware that they might not agree because they would rather just dance.

Avoid Recording Dancers without Permission:

Do not assume that dancers are okay with being recorded; panning over the crowd is okay, but focusing on someone dancing needs consent.
If you want a video of your friends dancing, that’s great! Try to keep other dancers out of frame and make sure you get permission from their dance partner.

Whole-Event Rules

We will not tolerate harassment.
- Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
  - offensive verbal comments (including but not limited to those related to gender, gender identity, race, age, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, body size, religion, dance level, etc.),
  - use of sexual images or behavior in public spaces (in person or virtually)
  - deliberate intimidation
  - stalking or following
  - photographing or recording someone without their permission
  - inappropriate physical contact
  - unwelcome romantic or sexual attention
- Advocating for or encouraging any unacceptable behavior will also be considered harassment.
- Harassment of ANY kind will not be tolerated at any event venue, dances, or other online or social media affiliated with our organization. If you experience or witness harassment at a University City Swing event, please reach out to a member of the UC Swing board.
Dancers under 18 must bring an over-18 chaperone
No weapons or liquor allowed in the venue
We will ask anyone who is visibly intoxicated or high to leave the dance floor

Code of Conduct Violation Resolution Process

UCSwing takes complaints seriously and is committed to resolving issues to the best of our ability. We ask that you speak up if you witness something that isn't contributing to the community goals of safety, welcoming, and fun. This may include

someone dancing in a way that is not safe to themselves or others
someone not respecting requests made to not do certain moves or holds
inappropriate language or commentary being used or directed at others
any violation of our Code of Conduct

Resolution Process:

UCSwing representatives will attempt to work with anyone who violates this Code of Conduct to correct the behavior, whether the violations are observed directly by event organizers or reported by attendees. Extreme or repeated violations of this Code of Conduct, or refusal to cooperate with representatives, may be met with consequences up to and including expulsion from the event without a refund and suspension from future UCSwing events. Code of conduct violations that may pose a risk to the local community may be communicated to other organizers.

When you bring up an issue, you may expect the following:

An initial conversation away from other attendees
Confidentiality (unless we feel someone is in immediate danger)
You will be asked how you would like the situation to be handled
UCSwing will then determine the next steps in consultation with you

Next steps may include the reported person being:

Monitored, but not approached, to keep an eye on them for further issues
Spoken to directly about their behavior and asked to stop

Removed from the event, and/or banned from future events

Tips and Etiquette

Our community norms are written explicitly in this section so that everyone is on the same page about etiquette in the dance space. UCSwing board will not consider violations of this section “violations of the code of conduct,” but we are happy to chat with people about this sort of thing, including letting attendees know if they have a hygiene issue so that it does not impact their experience of the dance.

Asking People to Dance:

You can always say yes or no to a dance for any reason, and you don’t need to explain yourself
- It is common to either give a sentence of explanation (“I’m sitting this song out”) or ask to dance later in the night instead
When you choose who to ask to dance, and when you choose who to accept dances with, we encourage you to choose without regard for gender, orientation, age, or race, or how long they’ve been dancing.
Common “signals” that people are interested in dancing include, but are not limited to: standing, looking at the dance floor, not engaging in other activities
Many people are shy but want to dance. Everyone appreciates the person who asks them to dance!
It is common to change partners after every song, although you can dance with someone for more than one song if you ask and they agree. It is also common to dance with most people in the room before you return for a second or third dance with someone.
When you ask someone to dance, it’s helpful to clarify if you intend to lead, follow, or switch. Lead or follow cannot be assumed by appearance.
High-fiving or saying ‘thank you’ are nice ways to end a dance; not everyone is a hugger.
It is not encouraged to dance solely for seeking out romantic interactions/dating. Dancing should not be viewed as inherently a romantic/sexual activity.
Practice good floorcraft and pattern choice - no one should be putting their partner or other dancers in danger

Hygiene:

It can get sweaty! Bring a sweat towel and extra shirts if you tend to soak through your shirt in a night of dancing. Try to keep your arms from getting slippery.
If you are sick or not feeling well, please stay home. We will enjoy dancing with you next time.
We recommend you frequently use hand sanitizer (we provide) and wash your hands because we know that gatherings spread germs
If you want to wear a mask, we welcome you
If you are tired or something starts to feel weird, feel free to take a break and take care of yourself
Manage the odor of your breath. We have mints if you need them.
Remember that dancing is an exercise activity: wear deodorant or antiperspirant
Bring an extra shirt. Some of us get sweaty and a dry shirt is awesome. A towel and fan may help too.
Recognize that some people are scent-sensitive. We discourage hand lotion and strong scents.

Lesson Etiquette:

In class, please rely on the instruction/instructor for learning and not by asking your classmates for peer review. Classes are for self-assessment and self-paced learning.
- Teaching assistants, marked by lanyards, have been approved by the board to give individual feedback during the class that aligns with UCSwing’s curriculum. You may ask teaching assistants for peer review during the class, and they may offer suggestions.
We run two lessons in the same space, and noise can be quite disruptive - please maintain awareness of your volume if you chat with your classmates.

These policies were adapted for our community from 309 Westies, with additional credit to Jazz Attack, Lindy Focus, Swingout New Hampshire, Mobtown Ballroom, Swing Diversity, and Swing Literacy Ultimate WCS Etiquette Checklist.