code of conduct

HD Latin Dance is committed to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for our students and community. 

By attending our events – classes, workshops, or socials – you agree to abide by the rules and guidelines outlined herein, and to be held accountable if you engage in unsafe behavior or harassment, including any of the following violations.

Diversity and Inclusion

HD Latin Dance is committed to providing a space that is safe and welcoming to all, regardless of an individual’s age, race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, body size, physical appearance, dance skill, occupation, or any other characteristic or trait.  

In our spaces, dance roles (lead and follow) do not need to be tied to gender. We strive to use de-gendered language when referring to roles in class and we encourage all students to do the same. We encourage all dancers to avoid assumptions regarding dance roles and to check in with their partners about their preferred roles. 

If a student ever feels marginalized, disrespected, or treated unfairly due to a particular trait, we ask that they report such events to our team via the Incident Report Form, if they feel comfortable to do so.

Physical Safety & Technique

Although all physical activity involves some degree of risk, our goal is to avoid preventable injuries. Leaders should be mindful of both their own technical level and that of their partner. Dancers should do their best to avoid rough motions that cause partner discomfort, including gripping, squeezing, pushing, or tugging. All dancers are expected to practice care and attentiveness toward their partners. For this reason, dancers are asked not to lead advanced movements that they have not received thorough instruction in, including but not limited to cambrés and dips, head movement, and single-leg spins.

Be aware of your surroundings on the dance floor to prevent collisions and injuries. Leads are responsible for maintaining awareness and avoiding unsafe pathways for their follow. Extra caution is required when leading advanced movements, especially those involving the follow’s head and neck. Follows are also asked to maintain awareness of their surroundings and to keep styling appropriately contained when on crowded dance floors.

HD Latin Dance is not liable for any injuries that occur at our events. By attending HDLD events the attendee understands that they take responsibility for their own personal safety in regard to injuries. That being said, if you experience dangerous technique on the dance floor, please alert the HDLD team by completing an Incident Report.

Consent On & Off the Dance Floor

In order to maintain a safe and comfortable atmosphere for all community members, it is important to be mindful of how we interact with others both on and off the dance floor.

In general, remember:

• Our spaces are not a dating app; do not approach them as if they were. Of course, people may organically meet in the dance community, but do not think of class as primarily a place to meet people to date.

• You can always say “No” to a dance. “No,” or “No, thank you,” is a complete sentence, and should be accepted graciously without protest. A “no” can happen when you are initially asked to ask, or even during a dance. If you feel uncomfortable, you can always leave a dance.

• Consenting to close embrace DOES NOT automatically mean consenting to sexual advances or behavior.

• Do not touch your dance partner inappropriately.

• Do not force your dance parter into a close embrace.

• Refrain from behaviors that are considered sexual harassment, including:

  • Any unwanted contact that can be spoken or done through gestures, touch, or online, that is of a sexual nature

  • Staring or leering

  • Unnecessary familiarity, such as deliberately brushing up against you, or unwelcome touching

  • Suggestive comments or jokes

  • Insults or taunts of a sexual nature

  • Intrusive questions or statements about your private life

  • Sending sexually explicit emails or text messages

  • Inappropriate advances on social networking sites

  • Requests for sex or repeated unwanted requests to go out on dates

If you or someone you know experiences any of these behaviors, you have the option to let the HDLD team know by submitting an Incident Report.

Collaborative Feedback Practice

Partner dance is, by definition, a team activity. But it can take time to learn how to properly offer and receive feedback.

Context matters. While feedback may be welcome in class, prácticas, or training sessions, it is not appropriate to give feedback at socials unless specifically requested. Socials are a time for attendees to enjoy dancing regardless of their level.

In a classroom setting, feedback is appropriate, but should be offered in a consensual manner. This can be done by prefacing feedback with questions such as, “Are you open for feedback?” or “Can I share what I’m feeling?”.

Students are encouraged to adopt an exploratory and collaborative approach, where a spirit of teamwork is used to uncover how movements could feel clearer and more comfortable. Examples of this include:

• “Hmm, I’m not quite feeling the lead there. Can we try it again with more frame?”

• “I’m wondering how this would feel if you engaged your lats more. Could we try that?” ">> “Sure, like that?”

• “I’m feeling a lot of weight going into my shoulders.” >> “Oh, maybe I’m leaning on you too much, I’ll try to do that less.”

• “I’m noticing a lot of pressure in the heel of your palm; could you try evening out the connection in your hands?”

Intoxicants at HDLD Events

HD Latin Dance does not actively monitor or regulate alcohol or substance use at our classes or events. We encourage dancers to be mindful of their own limits and to consume responsibly. If, however, a participant appears impaired to the extent that their behavior poses a safety risk while dancing or socializing, HDLD reserves the right to require that individual to leave the event.

Any behavior involving the use of alcohol or drugs to intentionally intoxicate, manipulate, or take advantage of other participants will be treated with zero tolerance. Individuals responsible for such actions may be permanently removed from HDLD spaces and events.