Code of Conduct of the Charlottesville Salsa Club
The Charlottesville Salsa Club is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive and comfortable dance experience for everyone. We expect cooperation from all participants to help ensure a positive dance experience for everybody. By attending our events, you agree to abide by our rules and to be held accountable if you engage in unsafe or harassing behavior. We reserve the right to handle any violations of this Code of Conduct as we deem necessary, which may include ejection from the event without a refund.
Respect
We want everyone to feel comfortable attending our events. You are entitled to choose whom you want to dance with; choose whether to lead, follow or switch roles during the dance (if your partner agrees); and choose to change partners for the next dance, dance again with the same partner, or take a break.
If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, touches you inappropriately, or hurts you, it is okay to say “no” or “stop.” You have the right to decline an invitation to dance or to stop dancing with someone who mistreats you or ignores your wishes. You are not obligated to dance with anyone. You do not have to give a reason.
If someone says “no” or “stop” to you, honor their request. You may not pressure anyone to act against their feelings. If someone declines your invitation to dance, move on. If someone declines several invitations to dance, stop asking and move on. You are not entitled to dance with anyone.
Unless someone specifically asks for feedback, never offer unsolicited advice, teaching or criticism.
Physical Safety
While there is always some risk associated with any physical activity, we are committed to preventing injuries before they happen. Injuries frequently occur as a result of unsafe dancing, which we define as any movement that puts one at an unnecessarily high risk of physical injury. This includes, but is not limited to, yanking or jerking your partner around or using unnecessary force when leading or following. Avoid drops/dips, lifts and other weight-supported moves if you have not cleared them with your partner, regardless if you have done these moves before with said partner. If anyone near you falls or is injured, please offer immediate assistance. If you see that someone needs medical attention, contact CSC Staff (bar manager, security, DJ, dance instructor) immediately. In an emergency, call 911.
Harassment
At CSC events, harassment is not acceptable. Behavior including, but not limited to, making offensive comments, verbal abuse, unwelcome physical contact, physical intimidation, disruption of workshops or social dancing, or other harassment will not be tolerated. If you experience harassment during a CSC event, or notice that someone else is being harassed, contact CSC Staff (bar manager, security, DJ, dance instructor) immediately so that we can help put a stop to it. Anyone asked to stop any form of harassing or unsafe behavior is expected to comply immediately.
The Charlottesville Salsa Club 