Community Culture
Overview
Our community is built on care, consent, and connection.
Everyone is Welcome
Across identities, bodies, and dance experience. No bigotry or harassment allowed.
Consent is Key
Ask before you dance, respect a "no". Read the room and the person. When in doubt, ask.
Respect Boundaries
Boundaries matter. People matter. Repeated or intentional boundary-crossing will be addressed immediately.
We Look Out for Each Other
See someone looking uncomfortable? Check in. Something feel off? Flag it to the organisers, no drama required.
We are building this community together
Let's dance, connect, and keep this space joyful for everyone.
We're Here to Listen
If something doesn't feel right, or you experience or witness behaviour that goes against our values:
Reach out to our community organisers or teaching team in person
Or reach out through:
Our Full Policy
Our Community Culture Is One of Care and Consent
Our dance community is intended to be a fun, welcoming place where everyone can enjoy learning, dancing, and connecting. This shared agreement outlines how we look after one another and what helps keep our spaces safe, respectful, and joyful.
Care looks like
- We actively welcome differences in race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical appearance, age, ability, and dance experience.
- Inclusion is a core value of our community
- We do not tolerate behaviour rooted in hate, discrimination, harassment or threats
- If you harass or threaten someone, you will be asked to leave
- We practice role freedom and curiosity.
- Lead and follow are choices, not gendered roles
- We value dancing across experience levels
- Care on the dance floor requires awareness and responsibility.
- Be mindful of those around you
- Apologise if you bump into or hurt someone
- Everyone has different comfort levels - boundaries should be respected
- Care includes how we use our words.
- Feedback and advice are part of learning when they are invited
- Ask first if they would like to hear it
Consent looks like
- Consent means asking before dancing with anyone, and accepting a "no" with grace and without pressure.
- A refusal is not an invitation to persuade, joke, negotiate, or revisit later
- Consent also means:
- Listening to verbal and non-verbal cues
- Respecting personal boundaries
- Understanding that anyone can change their mind at any time
- Consent is contextual.
- Just because someone dances a certain way with one person doesn't mean they want the same with someone else
- If you are unsure, ask
- If someone asks you to stop, stop
- Requests for personal comfort or safety are part of consent and mutual care, not criticism
- Alcohol or other substances can make it harder to read boundaries accurately.
- Knowing your limits helps you respect others
Looking out for each other
- Care and consent are a shared responsibility.
- If you're unsure whether someone is okay, check in
- Ask if they need help, or invite them to dance to create space
- If you experience or witness behaviour that goes against our principles:
- Concerns may be addressed in the moment, or followed up privately.
- Our approach is grounded in conversation and clarity
- Sometimes harm comes from misunderstanding - we're open to addressing that with care
- However, if someone repeatedly or intentionally ignores boundaries or causes discomfort:
- They may be asked to stop certain behaviours
- Or to refrain from returning, to protect the wellbeing of the community
- We are grateful for everyone's care, attention, and commitment to making this a space where all can feel safe, respected, and welcome.
This policy was created by West Coast Swing Cape Town in 2026, informed by the international standards of the World Swing Dance Council and adapted from code of conduct policies developed by WCS communities including Asia West Coast Swing Open, and NYC Swings.