Code of Conduct

The Austin Tango Society is committed to creating a safe and healthy environment in the events that we organize and tries to provide information or suggestions that other organizers in the community are free to use. We strongly recommend these guidelines to everyone in our community.  Our goal is to build respect between long-time dancers, newcomers, and everyone in between. We appreciate your attention.

Anyone who violates these guidelines may be subject to removal from an event without a refund. For repeated or serious offenses, future admission may be denied.

Consent

  • There is ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT. Let there be a culture of CONSENT.
  • SPEAK UP If there’s anything you feel uncomfortable about. COMMUNICATE to your leader/follower or to one of the organizers of the event.
  • SPEAK UP If you see any mistreatment on the dance floor please communicate to the organizer.
  • “NO” means NO! If either individual dancing feels uncomfortable for any reason with his/her partner, they should feel free to say “I have to go/Thank you” to end the dance. If your partner ends the dance in this way, it is inappropriate to question why and thereby hold up your partner’s exit.
  • LISTEN to your follower/leader and do not make your partner feel guilty.

Respect

  • SPACING. Let the FOLLOWER determine the distance. Pay attention to cues like the follower/leader pulling/pushing you away. If in doubt, just ask.
  • SUPPORT those in the community who may reach out to you for aid and take calls for aid seriously.
  • DRINK RESPONSIBLY. Alcohol often triggers dance incidents.
  • Suggestive songs DO NOT give you permission to act sexually.REFRAIN from any inappropriate touching.
  • Address the follower/leader respectfully! Say “Excuse me” or address them by their name. Avoid “Sexy”, “baby” or similar terms of endearment. REFRAIN from talking about body parts.
  • Kindness/Niceness does NOT suggest the follower/leader is “into you”.
  • TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. If your partner is offended or made uncomfortable by something you do (whether it is an innocent error, a questionable remark, an uncomfortable embrace, or whatever), assume that you have some responsibility. Do not try to make up for an offense by saying “I didn’t think it would be taken that way”.

 

Courtesy

  • NEWCOMERS are not to be taken advantage of in any form. RESPECT BOUNDARIES and make them feel comfortable in the community.
  • REFRAIN FROM TEACHING on the dance floor or giving unsolicited advice.
  • LEAD BY EXAMPLE. Treat everyone as you’d like to be treated.
  • RESPECT THE DANCE FLOOR. Be mindful and share the dance floor with everyone. Let’s all practice courtesy. Remember, on the dance floor you are dancing with everyone on the floor at that time, not just one partner.

If a dispute relevant to these guidelines arises between dancers,  the Austin Tango Society encourages mediation and resolution between the two parties, to help heal the individuals and the community relationships.  If requested, the Austin Tango Society Board will work to find a mediator comfortable for those involved.