Community Guidelines

Code of Conduct

1.  Arizona Swing Cats (ASC) is affiliated with the University of Arizona and expects all participants to abide by its code of conduct. 

2.  We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, dance skill level, or dance role. We do not tolerate harassment of any form. Event participants violating these rules may be asked to leave without a refund or banned from future events at the discretion of the organizers. 

3. Examples of harassment include, but are not limited to:

   • Offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, dance skill level, or dance role. 

   • Inappropriate physical contact

   • Sustained disruption of events

   • Photography or recording of others without prior permission

   • Intimidation, stalking, or unwelcome sexual attention

4. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. 

5. If a participant engages in inappropriate behavior, the organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including, but not limited to:

   • Discussing the incident with involved parties as appropriate. 

   •  Logging the incident in a written report

   •  Issuing a verbal and or written warning to the offender

   • A temporary or permanent expulsion from the AZSC classes or events without a refund

   • Sharing details about the incident(s) and or expulsion with other dance organizations

6.  If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed or have any other concerns, please contact an organizer or a course instructor immediately, or email arizonaswingcats@gmail.com. Organizers and instructors will be happy to help participants contact local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe during our classes.

Dance Etiquette

1.   You must ask explicitly before taking pictures or recordings of ANYONE. Period. 

2. You are encouraged to ask anyone (everyone!) to dance! Politely. 

3. Thank your dance partner when the song ends! 

4. Everyone has the right to say “No” to a dance request -- for any reason and are not obligated to say why. In most cases, the reason is not personal. Smile and graciously move on to ask someone else. 

5. Connection: Some styles and dancers prefer more or less intimate connections. Do not hesitate to tell your partner if you are uncomfortable with the connection being offered. 

6. Styles: Be proactive about asking a partner ahead of time if they are comfortable dancing a particular style (e.g. Charleston, Balboa, Shag, etc…)

7.  Advice: It is rude to offer unsolicited feedback about others’ dancing. Don’t advise unless you are specifically asked for feedback. 

8. Collisions: If you accidentally kick or hit someone while dancing, apologize. If a person consistently dances in a dangerous way, bring it to their attention or let the organizers know. Both partners should be mindful of their space and the location of other dancers around them to help avoid collisions. 

9. Harassment: Intentional unwanted verbal or physical interactions are unacceptable. Offenders may be banned. 

10. Aerials: Are unacceptable on the social dance floor. Please Refrain. 

11. Comfort: If you unintentionally make your partner uncomfortable with an awkward move, an unintentional inappropriate touch, or other incidental, apologize! Communicate if you’re uncomfortable. 

12. Hygiene: Please maintain good personal hygiene -- extra shirts can be nice -- dancing can be a sweaty business!. 

13. Shoes: Slidey shoes are better than sticky trainers -- please avoid rubber that leaves skid-marks, spike-heels, or being barefoot. 

14. Fun: Have it