Swing Dancing Code of Conduct

Firstly, we want to stress that we don’t want to be the “Dance Police”. Everyone should be here because they are wanting to have a fun-filled day or evening of entertainment and respectful connection with each other to create a memorable dance experience. Having said that, inappropriate behaviour has no place at our events and won’t be tolerated. Participation in our classes, workshops and social dances is conditional upon agreeing with the following code of conduct. Event Organisers will enforce this code throughout the event. We expect cooperation from all participants to help ensure a safe and comfortable environment for everybody.

How We Can Inspire Our Scene

We should, as a community, strive to be friendly, welcoming, non-judgmental and inclusive of all people who wish to participate in swing dancing. We should be aiming to create an atmosphere that inspires others to be part of this amazing scene we call swing dancing.
Quite simply, treat everyone with courtesy and respect, provide compliments and encouragement where appropriate, be polite, have fun, laugh lots (never at the expense of others) and most of all, remember, if we want this wonderful dance to thrive, we need to provide the environment where others can come to love it as much as we do. If we can collectively do that, there is no reason this dance can’t continue on for the next 100 years!

The Etiquette We Should Observe

Rather than rehash what others have expressed so well, we invite you to check out Bobby White’s post in Swungover - Swing 101 — Etiquette & Floor-craft to get a real understanding of what is great and not so great on the social dance floor. This post was the inspiration behind the very renowned “A Lindy Hopper’s Etiquette” A very useful abbreviated reference of this post.

Definitely Don’t Do!
The Quick Version

Rusty’s Swing Dancing is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any of our activities, including talks, workshops, parties, classes, Facebook groups and other online media. Event participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the event without a refund at the discretion of the Event organizers.

The Less Quick Version

Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, technology choices, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of teaching instruction or other activities, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

Staff and volunteers are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, should not be used in sexualised images, activities, or other material. Staff (including volunteers) should not use sexualised clothing/uniforms/costumes, or otherwise create a sexualised environment (in the setting of a dance performance, there may be occasion to dress in a vintage “Burlesque” or other provocative style that directly reflects the era or “feel” of the song/s being danced to. In this case, it would be done so with the permission and understanding of all parties involved and be strictly performance based. No unwelcome suggestive behaviour, advances or criticism from other performers or spectators would be tolerated).

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the event organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the event with no refund.

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of staff immediately.

Staff will be happy to help participants contact hotel/venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance.

We expect participants to follow these rules at classes and workshop venues and dance-related social events.