At Black Bottom we are concerned with promoting a safe and comfortable space for everyone, both in classes and in any social event or festival that we organize. To build a space aligned with our values, we have drafted the following Code of Conduct:
- Black Bottom is against any racist, homophobic or sexist behavior and any type of aggression, sexual, verbal or physical. If you see a situation like this, whether you are the victim or others, please notify the Black Bottom team (teachers and/or organization and management staff). Black Bottom will not tolerate violence of any kind under any circumstances, they will be grounds for expulsion from school.
- We encourage people who are victims of a situation of abuse, harassment or aggression to contact the Black Bottom team. We are here to help you. We can help confront situations of abuse, harassment and aggression if we pay attention and collectively work to make them visible. To do this, we suggest that people who witness such a situation inform the organization and respectfully help the person who is being affected. Take action, don’t hesitate!
- Don’t confuse gender with role. Not all men are leaders and women are followers. Feel free to choose the role you want, since it is NOT going to be associated with the gender. In fact, practicing two roles will make you improve as a dancer and will enrich your dance and the scene. We encourage you to do so. Dare and break tags.
- Being a leader does not mean commanding, it means proposing. The dance is a conversation and the listening is carried out by both roles. Remember that two people contribute twice as much creativity as one alone. Actively listening to both roles helps the inspiration and versatility of the dance grow.
- Be careful with your space on the dance floor and with your partner. If there is limited space on the dance floor, limit your movements to a reasonable amount of space and try not to invade the space of others. Take care not to hurt. Crashes are sometimes unavoidable. If that happens, apologize and make sure, before you continue dancing, that the person involved is okay. If you see that someone is taking up a lot of space unnecessarily and is consistently bothering the rest of the dancers, let us know. Limit aerials to jams, competitions, or performances. Aerials are not allowed in the social dance. In the same way, if you are dancing socially and you feel like doing dips and tricks, ask your partner for permission before doing so. Don’t do it without asking and having their consent. The fact of dancing with a person shorter than you and wanting to practice dips and tricks does not give you the right to throw that person into the air. Always ask permission before making any such move.
- Whether in class or social dancing, it is not necessary to issue corrections to anyone who has not asked for them. We firmly believe that even making corrections with the best of intentions is not a good gesture, and creates a climate of discomfort in class. The teachers are there to help, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask them. If while on social (and without asking for an opinion) you receive any correction or uncomfortable comment about your dance, let the person involved know that: “neither personal opinions nor corrections are welcome on social” so that it doesn’t happen again. If the situation persists, notify the school management.
- Ask to dance politely. You have the right to freely invite whoever you want to dance. When you do, ask for it politely and wait for the person to give their consent. Once the dance is over, thank your partner when the song ends. You have the right to freely invite whoever you want to dance, but being told that it is not a possibility. In most cases, it is not a personal reason. If this happens to you, don’t be offended, ask someone else to dance, surely there is someone who wants to be asked to dance!
- We can refuse to dance with someone without giving explanations, these can be very varied and personal. If you don’t feel like dancing say no. Being invited to dance is not an obligation.
- Let’s respect hygiene rules. Take a shower before coming to class/social. Bring several changes of shirts, a towel and deodorant if you plan to give it your all on the dance floor. We’ve all been infected by the swing bug, but if you’re constipated, your germs aren’t something we want to share. Be extra careful, wash your hands more regularly and wear a mask.
- Live music. When there are events where we have live music, let’s support the musicians and female musicians! Every time a song ends let’s clap. Musicians like the closeness of the dancers, let’s dance near the stage, wrap them up and appreciate their work. The same goes for the people who play music, the DJs. Without these people would not have the magnificent music that we so enjoy dancing to.
- Respect contact with the partner you are dancing with. Take care where you touch and the way in which you touch other people when dancing, paying attention to whether they are uncomfortable or if you hurt your grip. We know that in lindy hop/balboa/shag/blues there is contact, and also that there are displays of affection and affection in the dance, but if a person insists on behavior that causes discomfort, please contact a member of the management of Black Bottom.
