Short Version Bay Area Blues Dance is dedicated to providing a harassment-free and safe social dance experience for everyone regardless of dance ability, dance background, gender identity, gender expression or gender history, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion or any other characteristic or trait. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. We do not tolerate dancing which puts you, your partner, or the people around you at risk of physical injury. Individuals violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the venue at the discretion of the host(s). Our full anti-harassment policy can be found below.
Long Version Statement of Purpose Bay Area Blues Dance is dedicated to providing a harassment-free and safe social dance experience for everyone regardless of dance ability, dance background, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion or any other characteristic or trait. We do not tolerate harassment in any form, regardless of where the harassment happened. Individuals violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the venue at the discretion of the host(s).
Commitment to Gender-Neutrality Bay Area Blues Dance supports the idea that dance roles (lead and follow) are not tied to gender. We encourage all dancers to dance their preferred role. We encourage all dancers to avoid assumptions regarding dance roles and to check in with their partners about their preferred role.
Harassment Harassment includes verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination related to any of the above listed characteristics or traits, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, unwelcome photography or recording, inappropriate or unwelcome physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. When asked to stop any harassing behavior participants are expected to comply immediately.
Physical Safety While there is always some risk associated with any physical activity, we are committed to preventing injuries before they happen. Unsafe dancing is any movement that puts anyone at an increased risk of physical injury. This includes, but is not limited to, yanking or jerking your partner around or unnecessarily forceful movement (risk of shoulder, arm, and upper-back injuries), bending over your partner during a dip (risk of lower back injuries), sudden weight sharing (don’t dip yourself), any movement that causes a dancer’s head to be lower than their hips (especially, but not limited to, dips), or any lift where both of your partner’s feet go above your knees. If you are unsure what constitutes unsafe dancing, please ask the host(s) or any instructor.
Consideration We ask that all attendees take care to be mindful and considerate towards other community members, instructors, DJs and hosts. This includes, but is not limited to: Keep good personal hygiene and avoid strong personal odors (both natural and artificial). Be aware of other dancers and practice good floorcraft. (If you frequently bump into other dancers please ask an instructor for floorcraft tips.) Do not cause disruptions during the class or otherwise impede the ability of the instructor to teach and the students to learn. We reserve the right to remove anyone we believe to be intoxicated or in an otherwise altered state.
Enforcement If a participant engages in harassing or unsafe behavior, the event host(s) may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender, expulsion from the event without refund and/or temporary or permanent ban from all Bay Area Blues Dance events. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact the host(s) immediately. Contact the front desk volunteer or any of the instructors or DJs if you need assistance locating the host(s).
Event host(s) will be happy to help participants resolve the situation, provide escorts, contact local law enforcement if requested, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event.
We appreciate your assistance in keeping our events and venues safe for everyone.