(Updated March 16, 2021)
CSDS is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and comfortable dance experience for everyone, and we expect cooperation from all participants to help ensure it. By attending our events, you agree to abide by our rules and be held accountable if you engage in unsafe or harassing behavior. We reserve the right to handle any violations of this Code of Conduct as we deem necessary. Violators may be ejected from the event without a refund and/or banned from attending future events.
This environment is for everyone.
We welcome all participants regardless of race, age, level of dance, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, physical appearance, body size, religion, familial status, or anything else. We will support anyone who calls out intolerance or otherwise refuses to accommodate intolerant behavior.
Respect
CSDS hosts social dance events where it is common to dance with different partners, even if you came with a special someone. While this is entirely optional, it is an opportunity to connect with other dancers. Partner dances have a leader and a follower, or (if your partner agrees) you may switch roles during the dance. These roles are not tied to gender identity. We don’t have any rules or norms about who should ask whom to dance. All participants are encouraged to ask one another to dance.
You can decline to dance with anyone at any time without giving a reason. If at any point in a dance you feel uncomfortable, you may ask for adjustments or excuse yourself from a dance without explanation. If someone declines your invitation to dance, asks for adjustments, or excuses themselves during a dance, respect that. Do not offer unsolicited advice, teaching, or criticism. This is considered impolite in social dancing.
Harassment
At CSDS events, harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. Making another person feel unsafe or uncomfortable is considered harassment; it includes but is not limited to making offensive comments, verbal abuse, inappropriate or unwelcome physical contact, physical intimidation, and disruption of workshops or social dancing. If you experience harassment during a CSDS event or notice that someone else is being harassed, please contact CSDS staff (members of the Board of Directors or the event host) right away so that we can intervene. Anyone asked to stop any form of harassing or unsafe behavior is expected to comply immediately.
Physical Safety
If you feel physically unsafe or are injured, please notify CSDS staff. If you hurt someone, please apologize and try to determine how to avoid hurting them in the future. This may mean going back to a teacher and asking for help.
Avoid drops, dips, and other weight-supported moves if you have not cleared them with your partner, whether or not you have done these moves before with said partner. Lifts and aerials are not allowed on the social dance floor. If you or someone else needs medical attention, contact CSDS staff immediately. In an emergency, call 911.
Adopted by the CSDS Board on March 4th, 2021.