Santa Cruz Swing is dedicated to creating a welcoming, respectful, and safe environment for everyone who participates in our community. Our events are meant to celebrate dance, music, learning, and connection, and we expect all participants to help uphold these values.

This Code of Conduct applies to all Santa Cruz Swing activities, including but not limited to dances, classes, workshops, performances, meetings, and online spaces (such as social media, email, and messaging platforms) associated with Santa Cruz Swing.

Our Commitment

Santa Cruz Swing is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and comfortable experience for everyone, regardless of age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, or religion (or lack thereof).

Harassment, discrimination, or behavior that makes others feel unsafe or unwelcome is not tolerated.

Respect, Consent, and Inclusion

• Treat everyone with kindness, respect, and consideration.

• Everyone has the right to say “no” to a dance or any interaction, for any reason, without explanation.

• Be gracious if someone declines a dance or asks to stop or adjust something.

• Respect personal boundaries — physical, emotional, and social.

• Avoid unsolicited feedback or teaching unless you are explicitly asked (with the exception of communicating if something is physically uncomfortable or painful).

Physical Safety and Dancing Considerations

We ask everyone to help maintain a safe dance environment:

• No aerials, lifts, drops, or other high-risk movements are permitted on the social dance floor.

• Maintain awareness of your surroundings and practice good floorcraft.

• Avoid movements that could endanger your partner or others nearby.

• Connect with your partner in a way that is comfortable and respectful; do not squeeze, grab, push, or pull in a hurtful way.

• If something does not feel right physically or emotionally, speak up and adjust.

Hygiene and Courtesy

• Be mindful of personal hygiene and attire so that dancing is comfortable for everyone.

• Dress in a way that is safe and appropriate for dancing.

• If accidental contact or collisions happen, a sincere apology goes a long way.

Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• unwanted or inappropriate physical contact

• sexual harassment or unwelcome sexual attention

• verbal abuse, intimidation, or bullying

• stalking or persistent unwanted interaction

• discriminatory or derogatory comments or gestures

• deliberate disruption of classes, dances, or events

• harassing photography or recording

• retaliation against someone who reports a concern in good faith

Participants asked to stop any behavior that violates this Code of Conduct are expected to comply immediately.

Reporting Concerns

If something does not feel right, we encourage you to speak with a teacher, staff member, or organizer.

You may also contact us privately via email or the website contact form. Reports will be taken seriously and handled with care and discretion.

Event staff are available to listen, help determine appropriate next steps, and support the safety and well-being of everyone involved.

Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern or reports a violation in good faith will not be tolerated.

Enforcement

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in action to maintain a safe environment. Depending on the situation, this may include a verbal warning, removal from an event without refund, suspension from future events, or a permanent ban.

Santa Cruz Swing organizers reserve the right to take appropriate action at their discretion in order to protect the community.

Shared Responsibility

We ask everyone in our community to help uphold these standards. If you witness behavior that concerns you, consider checking in with those affected or notifying staff.

We are all here to have fun, learn, and enjoy dancing together — thank you for helping make Santa Cruz Swing a positive experience for all.