Salsa and Afro-Latin dance come from histories of resistance and survival. As a queer community, we use dance to build connection, practise solidarity, and find joy. These guidelines are what we agree to follow together, to keep our spaces safe. They apply at our events, our classes, and in our online communities.
come with generosity
This is a space for joy, connection and fun. We expect our community to approach and support each other with generosity and care, in person and online.
respect the roots
Afro-Latin dance carries real history and meaning, and there are many different ways of dancing and connecting with it. Approach it with curiosity and respect.
consent comes first
Always ask before dancing with someone, and before giving feedback on their technique. Respect a "no" or "not now" immediately and without comment. This applies to touch, photography, and sharing content online too.
ask, don't assume
Don't assume someone's lead or follow role based on how they look, ask instead. The same goes for pronouns, check rather than guess.
check in as you dance
Check in about holds and moves as you dance. Share what you are comfortable with and any adjustments you need, and ask about theirs too.
look out for each other
Be aware of how your words and actions may land. If you notice someone might have been affected by something said or done, in person or online, check in with them directly and help them to get extra support if they want it.
We aim to have a Community Care Host and volunteer Guardian Dancers at every event who you can speak to directly if you need support with a concern.
At large events we also aim to work with specialised external welfare support.
For support online, message a group chat admin in any of our WhatsApp communities, or reach us at [email protected]
We try to understand behaviour in the context of what someone's been through, and lead with calling in rather than pushing out. We listen to everyone affected and take it seriously. If someone isn't following our community guidelines and it's causing harm, we'll let them know. If they aren't willing to follow these guidelines, and repair the harm, we will remove them from the space and community.
Let us know about any access needs and we'll do what we can to plan for them, whether that's mobility, sensory environment, or anything else. Personal assistants can always come free to our events, courses and workshops. We post venue information with our event communications, and we'll let you know who to speak to on the night if you need any adjustments.