Everyone Belongs

We welcome dancers of all backgrounds, identities, ages (where appropriate), and experience levels.

We do not tolerate:

• Harassment, discrimination, or bullying

• Intimidation or abusive behavior

• Disrespect toward instructors, staff, volunteers, or fellow dancers

Treat everyone with kindness, patience, and respect.

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Consent & Personal Boundaries

Consent is essential in partner dancing.

Please:

• Respect verbal and non-verbal boundaries.

• Accept "no" to a dance without question or pressure.

• Understand that anyone may stop a dance at any time, for any reason.

• Ask before attempting dips, lifts, tricks, or movements outside what is being taught.

• Prioritize your partner's comfort and safety at all times.

 

Dance Safely

Help keep the dance floor enjoyable for everyone.

• Dance within your current skill level.

• Be aware of the space and dancers around you.

• Follow instructor guidance during classes.

• Avoid rough, reckless, or unsafe movements.

Safety always comes before styling or showing off.

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Social Dance Etiquette

Our socials are for dancing and building community.

Please:

• Avoid teaching or correcting your partner unless they ask for feedback.

• Respect personal space on and off the dance floor.

• Be welcoming to new dancers and help create an inclusive atmosphere.

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Community, Not a Dating Scene

Meaningful friendships and relationships can naturally develop through dance, but our events are not intended as places for unwanted romantic or sexual advances.

Please avoid:

• Repeatedly asking someone to dance after they've declined.

• Pressuring others for personal information or contact details.

• Unwanted flirting or physical contact.

• Any behavior that makes another person feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

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Harassment

Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Unwanted physical contact.

• Sexual harassment or inappropriate comments.

• Intimidation, coercion, or repeated unwanted attention.

• Stalking or following someone at events.

• Stalking, monitoring, harassing, or repeatedly contacting someone online or through social media after they have asked you to stop or made it clear the contact is unwanted.

• Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern or participates in an investigation.

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Personal Hygiene

Good hygiene makes dancing enjoyable for everyone.

Please arrive in clean clothing, use deodorant, maintain fresh breath, and bring a towel or change of shirt if needed during longer events.

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Alcohol & Substance Use

Participants are expected to remain respectful, aware, and in control.

Anyone whose behavior is unsafe, disruptive, or impaired by alcohol or other substances may be asked to leave and may be restricted from future events.

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Photography & Social Media

Photos and videos may be taken during classes and events for use on our website, social media, and promotional materials. If you prefer not to appear in photos or videos, please let an organizer know. We will make every reasonable effort to respect your preference.

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Reporting Concerns

If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, we encourage you to let us know.

You may:

• Speak with an MDC organizer or instructor.

• Submit a confidential report through our Google Report Form.

All reports are taken seriously and handled respectfully. Information will be shared only with those who need it to review and respond appropriately.

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If you believe you are in immediate danger, have been threatened, are being stalked, or fear for your personal safety, contact local law enforcement or emergency services immediately. MDC will take appropriate action within our community, including restricting or removing individuals from our events, but we cannot investigate crimes or provide emergency protection.

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Our Commitment

To protect our community, MDC reserves the right to address violations of this Code of Conduct. Depending on the situation, this may include a conversation, a warning, removal from an event, or suspension from future classes or activities.​