CODE OF CONDUCT

Respect & Diversity

1. I will respect myself:  I am a valuable member of the Brazilian Zouk and Lambada dance community, no matter my level of experience, age, sex, gender expression, sexual preferences, body size, ethnicity, or religious beliefs.
2. I will respect others: I recognize that people have different values and viewpoints than I do, and that they are still valuable members of the community.

Creating Community

1. I am encouraged to actively participate in building the Brazilian Zouk and Lambada community.  To do so, I will seek out new people to dance with or talk to.  I don’t know who might hold the keys to my next inspiration!
2. I can foster connections by introducing or reintroducing myself with each new dance.
   • I can choose to include the pronouns that I wish to be addressed with when introducing myself.

Personal Boundaries

1. I will strictly respect the physical and personal boundaries of my fellow attendees on and off the dance floor.
2. I can let my partner know that I wish to dance as close together or as far apart as I want, for any reason I want.

Invitations to Dance

1. I will ask someone to dance with respect, and choose to accept or reject requests with respect.  I am free to accept and decline dances for whatever reasons I wish.
2. If someone says no, I will accept their answer knowing that I am still a valuable member of the community, and move on to have just as much fun dancing with someone else.
3. It is assumed that i dance one song at a time with my partner, but I am free to re-ask my partner to dance, knowing that dancing multiple songs in a row is a great way to increase my connection and enjoyment with them! 

Safety on the Dance Floor

1. I can inform my dance partner if something they do makes me uncomfortable or physically hurts me.
   • Additionally, I will respect my dance partner’s request that I stop doing something that makes them uncomfortable or physically hurts them.
2. I will not attempt dance moves (such as aerials, kicks, lifts or overly large movements) that could be dangerous to my partner, the dancers around me, or myself.
   • I will do my best not to step on, bump, or trip other dancers; I will be gracious if I accidently do, and still gracious if someone does it to me.
3. I will care for my own safety.  I am responsible for determining what I can and cannot accomplish on the dance floor.
4. I will take care not to wear extraneous jewelry or other accessories that can get my partner’s way or harm them.

Sexual Contact

1. I understand that dancing with someone is not an invitation for sexual contact, but about sharing the love of dance.
2. I know that as a responsible adult, if I am uncomfortable with my partner’s actions I am free to be clear with my verbal communication and ask them to change their behavior.
3. I will speak with a staff member wearing a volunteer shirt if for some reason I am unable to communicate with my partner, the behavior is severe, or it is repeated.
4. If I personally observe inappropriate actions inside the venues or classrooms, I will bring it to the attention of a staff member. 
5. For instructors - As an instructor, I understand that I am to respect all students that I dance with and not cross any uncomfortable boundaries.

Cleanliness of the Space

1. I understand that I am responsible for the cleanliness of our venue just as much as the staff is.
   • I will keep coats and bags off seats, open containers of liquid off the floor, and throw away my trash.
2. I will be responsible with late-night food, not taking more than I can eat, and cleaning up after myself.

Cleanliness of Myself

1. I will care for my body odor by washing or deodorizing, bring towels or extra clothing if I sweat a lot, make use of hand sanitizer and mints, and always wash my hands after I go to the bathroom.
2. If I have a cold, or any other contagious condition, I will respect my fellow dancers by staying home and choosing to rest & heal