Stanford Swing Dancers

Here is an wonderful infographic produced by the Holy Lindy Land team (design by Ron Dobrovinsky), based on a post by Bobby White, about lindy hopper etiquette.

Stanford Swing Dancers is dedicated to creating a comfortable space for everyone. To that end, we ask every person at our events -- all community members, volunteers, instructors, visitors, organizers, etc. -- to follow these rules:

Be inclusive

Our mission is to create a warm community of social dancers where everyone can enjoy themselves doing something they love. Everyone is encouraged to dance with people of all abilities and walks of life. We will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of sex, gender expression or sexual orientation, race, religion, nationality, regardless of age, ability, physical appearance, lifestyle, dance experience, or dance role.

Respect your partner, your fellow dancers, and yourself

Please ask politely for a dance and wait to receive consent before escorting someone to the dance floor. Be gracious if turned down. Every person has the right to decline an invitation without providing a reason, but please be polite when doing so. Be mindful of what physical space and connection your partner is comfortable with; acknowledge that the personal boundaries of others may not be the same as our own. Refrain from providing feedback unless you are specifically asked. If you accidentally bump someone during a dance or unintentionally cross a person’s boundaries, apologize immediately. If you are sick, please take the night off.

Maintain a safe space for everyone

We absolutely do not tolerate harassment or assault of any form, whether that be physical, verbal, or psychological. This includes verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination such as intimidation, stalking, repeated unwanted attention (in-person or online), unwanted photography or recording, inappropriate physical contact, or unwelcome sexual advances. Offenders may be banned permanently at the discretion of the hosts. If you experience or witness a violation of this, please report to any of SSD's leadership!

Practice good hygiene

Pack a few spare shirts if you tend to sweat more. Bring breath mints or chew gum, especially if you’ve just had a particularly odor-heavy meal.

Be responsible for everyone’s safety

Practice floorcraft: you and your partner are both responsible for protecting yourselves and each other during the dance. Do not throw down aerials on the social dance floor. If your motor control and judgment are impaired due to heavy inebriation or being under the influence, we will ask you to leave.

If you ever find yourself in an uncomfortable situation at one of our events, please do not hesitate to find a member of SSD leadership immediately. Our first priority is for everyone to have a good time in a safe and comfortable space, and we will do everything we can to support you.
For more on how to help make our space safer, read Dogpossum's primer on dealing with sexual harassment in Lindy Hop