Code Of Conduct

At Santa Cruz Swing, we believe that swing dancing should be joyful, inclusive, and safe for everyone. Whether you're brand new or have been dancing for years, you are part of a community that supports one another through shared respect, care, and responsibility.

By participating in our classes, events, and community spaces, you agree to uphold the following values and expectations. 

1. Respect for All People

Treat everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, body type, dance ability, or background. We value a respectful and safe atmosphere. Please talk to one of the teachers or administrators if something happens that feels uncomfortable.

2. Safe and Comfortable Dancing

Practice good consent: Always ask before dancing, and respect a “no” without question or pressure.

Maintain physical awareness and adjust your dancing to keep yourself and others safe.

Use clear and respectful communication with your partner, including during dips or other physically involved moves. These should only be attempted with explicit consent.

Practice good hygiene and dress in a way that allows for comfortable and respectful movement.

3. Positive Learning Environment

Be encouraging to others, especially those who are newer or struggling.

Avoid giving unsolicited feedback to fellow students unless requested or invited to do so in class exercises.

4. Boundaries and Behavior

Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

If someone’s behavior is making you or others uncomfortable, please let an instructor or staff member know. We will take concerns seriously and handle them with care and discretion.

Do not attend class or events under the influence of substances that impair your ability to dance respectfully or safely.

5. Our Commitment

We are committed to providing a space where everyone feels welcome and supported. Instructors and staff are available to help address concerns, mediate conflicts, or assist in making adjustments to ensure everyone’s experience is positive.

If you experience or witness something concerning, please speak with a staff member in person, or email us via our Contact Form. We are here to listen and help.

6. Violations

Violation of any of these expectations is grounds for removal from a class or event, and serious violations are grounds for being barred from being allowed to return to any Santa Cruz Swing class or event.

Some additional helpful notes:

1. Wanna dance with someone? It's usually best to start by simply asking if they'd like to dance :) And you can follow up to ask if they have a preferred role – Lead, Follow, Switch – or to let them know yours.

2. Don't wanna dance? Feel free to say "No thanks!". No other explanation needed :)

3. Don't sweat it if someone says "no". There are plenty of reasons to decline a dance, and often folks  just are taking a break. Plus, there are always plenty of other people to dance with.

4. Speaking of sweat... the dance floor can get hot! Not a bad idea to bring an extra shirt or two to change into when the first one gets soaked. 

5. This dance can also get close...so, it's also a great idea to freshen up before coming to class or social dance in whatever way you do that: e.g. showered, deodorant applied, teeth brushed, etc. 

6. Be safe: look around when you are dancing to make sure you aren't crashing into folks. And for moves that are inherently a little riskier – e.g. dips – Leads, please be extra cautious about where you are moving your partner's head. Often, another head is getting dipped at the same time in your vicinity, and head knocking is no fun. 

7. Aerials: we highly discourage aerials on the social dance floor. If they are ever done, it should be in a context where:

   1. You are dancing with a partner you have already practiced the specific aerials you are doing

   2. You both are aware that you are planning to do an aerial

   3. You are in a jam circle where there is plenty of space around so you don't hit anyone else

   4. You assume all risk for injury