Safe Space Policy

Swingout OKC wants to make sure that everyone is able to enjoy dancing while feeling safe and respected. This includes people of any dance skill or background, race, nationality, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, body type, age, or any other characteristic or trait. Everyone is responsible to help ensure all dancers feel safe and respected. By attending one of our events, you agree to abide by our policies and be held accountable if you do not do so. If you become aware of someone not respecting the safe space policy, please bring it to the attention of a council member or event organizer.

Ask people politely if they would like to dance! Anyone can decline a dance for any reason. Accept an answer of “no” gracefully. When you ask someone to dance, do so verbally and do not rely on non-verbal cues. You should always feel comfortable declining a dance or ending it early, and you should not feel inclined to share your reasons for doing so if you don't want to. If someone declines to dance with you, respect their decision and remember that they do not owe you either an explanation, or a later dance. Appreciate the fact that they are taking care of themselves, and don’t take their answer personally. When you’ve finished a dance, remember to thank your partner for the dance!

Anyone can ask anyone to dance! Discuss with your partner if they would like to lead or follow! Dancing does not have gendered roles. When you ask someone to dance, let them know which role you would prefer for this dance (lead/follow/switch) or ask their preference. Never assume someone’s preferred dance role based on gender.

Take care of your own safety, your partner’s safety, and the safety of other dancers! Consider asking your partner if they have any injuries to be wary of. Be aware of how much power you are using while leading and following. Be careful not to hurt your partner. Maintain responsibility for your own weight and balance. Both partners are responsible for practicing good floorcraft and watching out for other dancers. Stick to skills you are comfortable with and are confident you can do safely. If your partner does something that makes you uncomfortable or hurts you, you should express that to them! Social dancing should be fun, not painful, but your partner won’t know unless you say something! Note: For the safety of our dancers, we do not allow any lifts, aerials, or death drops on the social dance floor!

Have good communication about your boundaries and seek consent! Be proactive about making sure your partner is comfortable by watching body language or checking in verbally. Be proactive about letting your partner know if you are uncomfortable. If a partner crosses a boundary, communicate that to them. If you have crossed a boundary, apologize.

If you are uncertain if something might cross a boundary, ask for consent before proceeding. Respect people’s personal space and don’t touch someone without permission.

Be respectful of instructors, DJs, the venue, and other dancers! Arrive on time to a class and please he sure your cell phone is set to vibrate or silent unless there is an emergency.

Respect the instructor when they are talking, whether you are participating in a class or watching the class. Follow any rules communicated about the venue and clean up after yourself. If you spill or cause damage to the venue in some way, let someone know immediately so it can be dealt with. Dancing is a partner sport, so please make sure you exhibit good hygiene by showering, wearing deodorant, washing your hands after using the bathroom, changing your shirt if you are sweaty, and brushing your teeth. Avoid wearing strong colognes or perfumes.

If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe confronting a situation, please talk to an event organizer. We take all complaints seriously and are committed to resolving issues to the greatest extent possible. Anyone who reports a safe space violation has the right to request that their information be kept entirely anonymous.

If you are asked to stop any behaviors, either by an organizer or a fellow attendee, you are expected to listen and respectfully comply immediately. We understand that people can make mistakes, but we expect those mistakes to be acknowledged and for that behavior to be changed. Refusal to acknowledge mistakes or change behavior may be met with consequences up to and including expulsion from the event.

We have a zero-tolerance harassment policy. Harassment includes but is not limited to deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of events, inappropriate physical contact, unwelcome sexual attention, and offensive verbal comments related to dance skill or background, race, nationality, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, body type, or age. We will not hesitate to remove offenders or ban them from future events we host, organize or are responsible for. If you see or experience any harassing behavior by students, observers, or teachers, please find a council member or event organizer. We will take care of the situation in a discrete, yet firm and professional manner.

Have fun and get to know your fellow dancers! We appreciate you helping make our scene an open and welcoming place for everyone!

Created by: Taylor Bruce and Hannah Berrett

Informed by: Swingin’ Denver Code of Conduct, Capital Blues Safe Space Policy, Blue River Notes Safer Space Policy, LaB Safe Space Policy