Manifesto
We believe in creating an environment where people can be themselves and connect with others around the shared love of Swing music, culture and dance. We believe that people have the right to be able to fully participate and feel safe without judgement. Help us build an amazing and creative community full of life, happiness and most importantly, incredible dancing.
Code of Conduct for attending our classes and events
Respect other people, their bodies, their level in dancing, their backgrounds, their clothes, their personal space. All of it.
Pay attention to your partner and the dance floor. We are all sharing space and it’s easy to get caught up in what you are doing. If there is a collision, both parties apologise. If someone has stopped dancing, stop dancing to make sure they are ok.
Pay attention to your body. Know your limits and do not exceed them.
Don’t do aerials, lifts, or drops on the social dance floor, leave these for jams and competitions. Also, always make sure you have consent from your partner EVERY time before you pull any of these tricks.
Please do not offer unsolicited advice to fellow dancers either in class or on the social dance floor.
You can say NO to someone at ANY time for ANY reason. Saying yes to dancers is a good way to help people feel included but you are not obliged to say yes, and if you do say yes you can stop the dance at any time if you feel uncomfortable. Of course this means that no one is obliged to dance with you either, so please be as polite as is practical when you decline, and aim to make every dance you have enjoyable for both you and your partner.
Drinking alcohol is fine. Ensure that you do not get intoxicated to the point that you are unaware of any breaches of this code of conduct.
Some of our venues are licensed. Please respect this and do not bring your own drinks to these venues.
Harassment & bullying in any form will not be tolerated. If there is an issue you will be warned, asked to leave, banned from our events or the police may be notified as necessary. If you are unsure of what constitutes harassment please visit the Australian Human Rights Commission. Their page on sexual harassment for example is here
Getting Help
If you are injured and require medical attention; fear for your safety, feel threatened or would like to make the organisers aware of inappropriate behaviour, contact a Corner Pocket Swing teacher or representative immediately.
But also, if you aren’t sure, if you think something is creepy or it makes you feel uncomfortable and you want a second opinion, please ASK for advice. Feel free to contact Emma Hadfield or Robert Edwards by email, phone or in person.
Don’t hesitate: we have your back.
Brisbane Balboa Swing
emma@brisbanebalboaswing.dance
rob@brisbanebalboaswing.dance (0418 715 891)