MILONGA Maleva

Tangueros of this vast universe! Here's our updated Milonga Maleva DC Code of Conduct. Please read it fully in order to participate in our events. See y'all soon!

La Milonga Maleva D.C. (Mas Malevo Tango LLC) Code of Conduct

La Milonga Maleva D.C. is committed to providing a safe and fun environment for people from all walks of life to learn and enjoy dancing Argentine tango.  This entails coming to an agreement on the culture of our community and what is considered acceptable at our classes, dances, and other related events.  We believe all people have the right to enjoy this dance form and we strive to create a community of mutual respect.  The expectations outlined below apply to attendees, staff, volunteers, and guest instructors or performers at any class, dance, or event hosted by or at La Milonga Maleva D.C.  By attending our events, you agree to abide by our rules and guidelines and be held accountable if you engage in unsafe or harassing behavior, including any of the violations described below.  We reserve the right of admission.

COVID-19 Precautions

La Milonga Maleva D.C. takes COVID-19 pandemic and the safety of our dancers and the general public very seriously. La Milonga Maleva D.C commits to following CDC and city guidelines for gatherings and interactions while the virus continues to circulate.  We expect our participants to follow all guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic that are mandated at our events.

Diversity and Inclusion

La Milonga Maleva DC strives to provide a safe, inclusive, and comfortable dance experience for everyone, regardless of dance skill or background, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, or any other characteristic or trait.

Community members have the right to:

• A safe, inclusive and comfortable dance environment.

• Be free from harassment, threats, and discrimination of any kind.

• Be free from unsolicited feedback or comments, including, but not limited to, feedback or comments regarding dance technique, clothing, etc.

• Be free from the threat of harm to their bodies and their property.

• Express and enforce personal boundaries.  As a dancer, every dance is a gift you are giving and receiving. You are the ultimate authority on your own boundaries, which may be different with different people, and which may change over time.

• Choose who to accept/decline an invitation to dance from and when.  You are NOT obligated to dance with anyone, and you can turn down any dance or end it early for any reason.

Community members have a responsibility to:

• Express and enforce personal boundaries.  You are the ultimate authority on your own boundaries.

• Adhere to personal boundaries set by other community members.

• Attend to other community members’ verbal and non-verbal cues that may indicate a boundary crossing and to adjust their own behavior accordingly.

• Gracefully accept when another community member refuses their invitation to dance.  You should treat every dance partner with respect and recognize that he or she is partner is the ultimate authority of their own boundaries and physical safety. 

• Be aware of their surroundings and make choices that minimize the risk of injury. Avoid performing lifts, aerials or movements that invade other dancers' space or that put others at risk of injury.

• Report issues that you experience or witness as soon as possible.  Reports from our community are key to helping all of us maintain a safer space for everyone.

Safety on the Dance Floor: Personal Boundaries

In Argentine tango, there are specific movement types or techniques that not all dancers will be comfortable with.  We ask that all participants be mindful and respectful of their partner’s comfort level as it pertains to physical proximity, body contact, hand placement, or any movements that cross a partner’s specific personal boundaries.

Dance is a conversation, and while we encourage dancers to build a strong awareness of their partner’s non-verbal cues, the easiest way to ascertain your partner’s comfort level with any particular move is to ask. As a highly suggested guideline, please ask a new partner if they are comfortable with close embrace (or other intimate moves) before attempting to lead or follow it. Additionally, be respectful that a familiar dance partner’s boundaries are flexible and they reserve the right to change their mind about their comfort levels at any point.

While close physical connection is a beautiful part of Argentine tango, it is also non-essential for a fun, connected, and enjoyable dance.  Any movements that are typically done in close proximity to one’s partner can be modified and still led/followed enjoyably and comfortably.  You are the ultimate authority on your own boundaries and what feels comfortable or uncomfortable. Communication is key.  If you are uncertain about issues on connection and intimacy in dance and want to adapt the dance form to fit your personal comfort level - just ask your dance partner if he or she can adjust and work together.

Harassment

No forms of harassment (such as verbal/online) towards other dancers, volunteers, teachers, DJ’s or organizers will be tolerated.  Harassment includes inappropriate verbal comments or verbal abuse, deliberate intimidation, bullying, stalking, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.  If anyone engages in harassing or unsafe behavior, Milonga Maleva D.C. organizers may take any action they deem appropriate.  Anyone asked to stop any harassing or unsafe behavior is expected to comply immediately.  Anyone who does not comply immediately may be sanctioned or expelled from our event without a refund, at the discretion of the organizers.

While at a Milonga Maleva D.C. event, we are happy to help with immediately addressing concerns and otherwise assisting anyone experiencing harassment, to feel safe for the duration of the event.   We value your attendance and your safety.

Addressing an Issue

If you feel wronged or feel you have witnessed wrongdoing, we want to hear about it. We welcome all opportunities, big and small, to provide education on our community’s expectations so that we can maintain a safer space for all. Reporting issues also help us monitor and address recurring issues and patterns of behavior in individuals and in the community.

Step 1- If you or another community member are in an uncomfortable or unsafe situation, make it known by:

Directly telling the individual(s) that their behavior is creating an uncomfortable or unsafe environment. If you choose this option and their behavior does not change, please report the incident to an organizer.

Step 2- Once an incident has been reported, the Organizer will respond as follows:

For harassment, threats, and other serious safety issues:  once we learn and understand the circumstances and facts, the individual(s)reported of causing harm will be immediately asked to leave without refund or compensation. Law enforcement may be called. For all other incidents: once we learn and understand the facts and circumstances, an organizer will have a private conversation with the individual(s) reported of causing harm. If they acknowledge their infraction and correct their behavior immediately, the incident will be considered resolved. If not resolved, we will seek to take the necessary steps to assure that future behaviors at the event are consistent with the Code of Conduct and with Milonga Maleva DC policies, and will work to facilitate the resolution of the conflict between the parties.

 At your discretion, you can report incidents to law enforcement.

Lost/Found

Please make sure you have all your belongings prior to leaving the event. La Milonga Maleva DC is not responsible for lost or forgotten property. If an item is found at the end of an event, it will be left at the venue’s Lost and Found bin and it is the owner’s responsibility to pick it up during the venue’s hours of operation.

Adherence to this Code of Conduct

We expect participants to abide by the above steps and guidelines at all Milonga Maleva D.C. event venues and related social events. Violations of this Code of Conduct are taken seriously and Milonga Maleva D.C./Mas Malevo Tango, LLC reserves the right to deny entrance to any event if a participant violates this code of conduct.

Any violations, questions or concerns can be reported in person to an organizer or via a message to the organizer on our online Facebook Milonga Maleva D.C page or via email at milongamaleva3@gmail.com. Be safe and enjoy dancing!

Updated September 18, 2024

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