Community Culture
Overview
Our community is built on care, consent, and connection.
Everyone is welcome here
Across identities, bodies, and dance experience. No bigotry or harassment allowed.
Consent is key
Ask before you dance, accept a "no" graciously. Read the room and the person. When in doubt, ask. If someone pulls back, stop.
We look out for each other
See someone looking uncomfortable? Check in. Something feel off? Flag it to the organisers, no drama required.
Respect boundaries
Mistakes can happen and we are open to conversation and clarity. However, repeated or intentional boundary-crossing will be addressed immediately, and you will be asked to leave in order to protect the community.
Most of all, dance, connect, and have fun. We are building this community together.
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 of any kind. Any situation which makes another person feel unsafe or uncomfortable to the point of being unable to enjoy the class/event is unacceptable and can be considered harassment. Persistent and unwelcome attention is also considered harassment and will be treated as such. 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, and dancers are welcome to explore across roles with mutual respect. We value dancing across experience levels, seeing it as part of learning, sharing, and growing a connected community.
- Care on the dance floor requires awareness and responsibility. This includes being mindful of those around you, apologising if you bump into or hurt someone, and adjusting your behaviour when needed. It also means recognising that everyone has different comfort levels, and that those boundaries should be respected at all times.
- Care also includes how we use our words. Feedback and advice are part of learning when they are invited. If you have something to share about someone's dancing, ask first if they would like to hear it. Our teachers are there to offer guidance and supported learning, and we trust that process.
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, and understanding that anyone can change their mind at any time.
- Consent is contextual. Just because someone dances a certain way with one person does not mean they want the same with someone else. If you are unsure, ask. If someone asks you to stop, whether verbally or through body language, stop. If you are uncomfortable with someone's behaviour, then politely inform them if it feels safe enough to do so. Requests made for personal comfort or safety are part of consent and mutual care, not criticism.
- Please also be mindful that 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 are unsure whether someone is okay, check in. This might look like asking them if they need help, or inviting them to dance to create space.
- If you experience or witness behaviour that goes against our principles of care or consent, whether on or off the dance floor, you are encouraged to reach out to our community organisers or teaching team, or contact us privately through our official channels (instagram or community@wcscapetown.co.za).
- Concerns may be addressed in the moment, or followed up privately, depending on what feels most appropriate and safe. Our approach is grounded in conversation and clarity. Sometimes harm comes from misunderstanding, and we are 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, in order 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.