Code of Conduct

At Tuxedo Cat Swing Dance Society, we recognize that jazz music and dances are rooted in Black culture and experience. We honour the contributions of Black communities past, present, and future, not only by preserving this history but also by fostering its growth, transformation, and inspiration for generations to come. The art form of Black American expression is a culture born out of hardships, systemic violence, and racism. As participants, we must acknowledge this history, speak of it explicitly, and respect the cultural roots of the dance and music to appreciate it without appropriation.

Classes and social events are meant to be spaces of joy, creativity, connection, and inclusivity. At Tuxedo Cat Swing, our top priority is to ensure that every participant feels safe, respected, and valued. We strive to provide a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive dance community environment. Below are some guidelines and standards that everyone attending must be respectful of and adhere to:

Consent

Every dance should begin with verbally asking someone to dance. No one should ever assume that another person wants to dance, nor should one grab or pull someone onto the floor. A “yes” must be freely given, and a “no” must always be respected. 

Consent can also change at any time. You are welcome to decline a dance for any reason, or to end a dance if you feel tired, unwell, uncomfortable, or if you simply change your mind. “No” is a complete answer, and there is no need to provide an explanation. We ask all dancers to respect one another persons boundaries and to never take a “no” personally. 

Inclusion:

Our classes and social dances are open to everyone, regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, appearance, religion, or dance experience. We celebrate diversity in our dance community and aim to create a safe space where everyone feels welcome.

Celebrate the diversity of skills and styles in this community. Consider asking newer dancers, experienced dancers, and dancers that you don’t know to dance. 

Do not assume someones dance role based on their physical or identifying features. When asking someone to dance it is good practice to let them know if you want to lead, follow, or switch during the dance.

Harassment or discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. This includes racist, misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic, ableist language, unwelcome sexual comments and behaviours, or any other behaviour that targets someone because of any aspect of their identity. 

Respect

Allow people the space to learn and enjoy themselves without making unnecessary comments or corrections on their dancing. Refrain from giving others unsolicited feedback during classes or social dances. However, if a move causes you or your partner any discomfort or pain, address this in a constructive way r to find a way to make that move more comfortable for your partnership. 

Respect extends to how we recognize and affirm one another’s gender identities. Honor and use people’s pronouns correctly. Take the time to apologize if you make a mistake and correct yourself. Everyone deserves to be addressed in a way that affirms who they are.

Safety:

All dancers are responsible for floor craft and keeping each other safe. Accidents happen, but if you bump or hurt someone, take a moment to apologize and to ensure everyone is okay. 

Do not perform aerials on the social dance floor as this poses a threat to the safety of yourself, your partner, and nearby dancers. Aerials require training and practice between partnerships.

Health:

If you are feeling unwell, have symptoms of illness, or have been recently exposed to something contagious, please refrain from attending classes or social events.

Masking is optional and welcome. We ask all participants to respect the health choices of others.

Safer Spaces:

If you witness or experience verbal or physical harassment, discrimination, bullying, abuse, or any other inappropriate behaviour, we encourage you to reach out and speak to an instructor or organizer, or to contact us via email (tuxedocatswing@gmail.com). We do not tolerate this kind of behaviour at our events and will take appropriate actions to support you. All concerns will be taken seriously and be dealt with appropriately in a timely manner.

We are here to listen enthusiastically, provide support, and determine next steps of action. This may include monitoring behaviour, speaking to the individual asking them to stop, or removing them from the event and/or future events.

By looking out for each other and working together, we can ensure our dance space remains a safe and secure space for everyone.

Should someone raise an issue with your behaviour, take the time to listen openly and be willing to learn. When making a complaint, please be conscious that that

With that in mind, should someone raise an issue with your behaviour, listen gracefully and be willing to learn. When raising a concern, please recognize the difference between harassment and personal disagreements. We are committed to addressing harmful behaviour or, but it isn’t our role to resolve personal issues.