Code of Conduct
General Rules and Guidelines
Our goal is to ensure that our social dances and lessons are a safe space for everyone. Discriminatory behavior is considered an offense and will not be tolerated. Anyone who violates our rules, guidelines, and etiquette and/or is reported to be harassing other members may be subject to banning from current and future events. Everyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, or ability, is welcome at our events.
Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
Unwanted physical contact
Unwelcome sexual attention
Continued invasive conversation
Offensive comments related to sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, mental illness, physical appearance, body size, age, race, religion, or nationality.
Unwelcome comments regarding a person’s lifestyle choices and practices, including those related to food, health, parenting, drugs, and employment.
Continued unwanted behaviour such as leading a specific move when asked not to
Social Dance and Lesson Etiquette
1. During Lessons
Listen to your teachers and follow their instruction to the best of your ability - they are there to help you! If you are asked to refrain from performing a move in a way you are warned could be dangerous, trust their experience and that they are trying to make you a safe, fun, and informed dancer.
2. Personal Hygiene
Participants are expected to maintain personal hygiene; shower, wear deodorant, and avoid
wearing heavy scents to lessons and social dances.
3. Dancing with a partner
Do not attempt moves that make your partner feel uncomfortable; let your partner know if they are making you feel uncomfortable, or speak with a teacher or scene leader.
Ask permission before leading your partner in close embrace or dips. If your partner does not want to dance in close embrace or do a dip, respect their decision.
For safety reasons, aerials are not allowed on the dance floor.
Don’t be afraid to speak up if you are uncomfortable for whatever reason. If you do not want to confront the person directly, speak with a teacher or scene leader.
4. Safety on the dance floor
Practice good floor craft. Be aware of the space and people around you when you are dancing so that others do not get hurt.
If you bump into someone, check to see if they are okay and apologize.
5. Accepting and declining dances
You can ask anyone to dance, regardless of whether you are a lead, follow, beginner, or advanced dancer.
Avoid consecutive dances with the same partner unless you are certain they are okay with it—dancing with different people is what makes swing dancing a social dance, anyway!
It is perfectly okay to decline a dance and you do not need to provide a reason.
If someone says no to you, respect their decision. They might be tired, dislike the song, or simply not want to dance with you. All reasons are valid, and a reason does not need to be given.
If you notice or experience inappropriate conduct, please report it to one of the teachers or scene leaders right away. We will deal with complaints in a timely, respectful, and thorough manner. If you have any concerns regarding the music being played for any reason, please also let us know.
Violating any of these rules will result in exclusion from lessons and social dances. Swing London reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone. Swing London also reserves the right to contact the authorities if they believe a situation requires it.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us in person, or via email.