Code of Conduct and Consent

Statement of Core Values

Love of Bachata, LLC is dedicated to providing an atmosphere grounded in mutual respect, inclusion, and consent. We strive to provide optimal Latin dance and music experiences, both social and educational, for all individuals regardless of religion, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disabled or veteran status. The safety of our attendees is our top priority.

Code of Conduct and Consent Scope

This policy applies to all attendees, instructors, amigos, and coordinators of Love of Bachata, LLC events. The Code of Conduct and Consent is published on the company website, sent to all attendees, and posted at all events. All attendees should read and be aware of this policy as it relates to their participation and responsibilities.

Definitions

Assault: a violent physical or verbal attack; a threat or intent to inflict offensive physical contact or bodily harm on someone that either puts them in immediate danger or apprehensive of immediate danger.

Bully[ing]: a person who uses strength or power to harm or intimidate those who are weaker; the use of force, threat, or coercion to abuse, intimidate or aggressively dominate others.

Consent: [to give] permission for something to happen or an agreement for something to happen. Discrimination: the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, age, or gender/gender identity.

Harassment: a form of discrimination. It involves any unwanted physical or verbal behavior that offends or humiliates. Generally, harassment is a behavior that persists over time. Serious onetime incidents can also be considered harassment.

Trust, Respect, Consent and Communication

We all deserve to learn and dance in an environment where we are treated with dignity and respect. Love of Bachata, LLC is committed to providing an environment that is free of discrimination of all types and from abusive, offensive or harassing behavior. Any attendee who feels harassed or discriminated against should report the incident to one of our event coordinators. For the Love of Bachata creates a consent-based culture, where dance etiquette and respect are afforded everyone. Any and all actions both on and off the dance floor must be consensual. All attendees are encouraged to speak their mind, particularly with respect to conduct, behavior, and safety concerns. We strive to create an open and supportive environment where attendees feel comfortable raising such questions and voicing their discomfort. We all benefit tremendously when we exercise our power to prevent and/or mitigate mistakes or wrongdoing by asking the right questions at the right times. Love of Bachata, LLC will investigate all reported instances of questionable or unethical behavior. In every instance where improper behavior is found to have occurred, Love of Bachata, LLC will take appropriate action. All reports of will be handled with discretion and confidentiality, without bias.

Unacceptable Behaviors and Consequences

Bullying, harassment, discrimination, inappropriate comments/touching, verbal/physical/sexual assault, and non-consensual actions will not be tolerated at any For the Love of Bachata event. Love of Bachata, LLC reserves the right to take appropriate action against anyone reported; appropriate action includes but is not limited to verbal counseling, verbal or written warning, expulsion from events, and/or the informing of legal authorities. All consequences and corrective actions will be proportionate to the reported infractions. Love of Bachata, LLC utilizes a three-step complaint and corrective action process with the hope to correct behaviors and ensure all have the ability to attend FTLOB events. All complaints are considered confidential will remain anonymous.

This Code of Conduct was crafted by Melissa Brewer.

Tips for Gaining Consent

(Portions of this section credited to BachaDura Social Club in NYC)

We strive for a strong culture of consent at FTLOB. This means that all actions, on and off the dance floor, should be consensual. This includes asking your partners if they wish to be dipped or picked up, and bigger things like not making unwanted advances on others. This goes for all genders.

Be a role model of consensual behavior:
Don’t make assumptions about what someone else might want.
Ask questions of your dance partners and people in your circle.

For example, ask:
“Dip?” “Lift?”
“Do we have a mutual attraction thing going on?”
“Is it okay if I _________?”

Respect that without question, no means no. 

If someone is interacting with you in a way that you are not comfortable with, use your voice. Say things such as:
No.
Stop.
I don’t like that.
or put a hand up as a signal to stop

If you are  uncomfortable in a way that is not manageable with words, you have the right to remove yourself from the situation, even if it’s in the middle of the dance. If you experience this level of problem with someone, please report to the staff members so that we can help further. Staff can be found at the DJ booth or at the front desk.

Let’s all be kind and respectful. 

Dance Etiquette

LEAD AND FOLLOW

FOR THE LOVE OF BACHATA DANCE ETIQUETTE 

Listen to your partner – dance is a conversation

Invite someone to dance by Extending a hand and asking politely

Bathe before Attending – be aware of your body odor, breath, and general hygiene

Be inclusive and Don’t discriminate

Always know your limits and drink responsibly

Sweating is Normal; bring extra shirts and deodorant – your partners will thank you

Protect the Dance environment; if you see something, say something

Be aware of your partner’s comfort and don’t Force a close hold

Dance floors can fill up quickly, respect the Other couples and their use of the space

Leave your drinks on the sidelines and keep the dance floor clean

Dance at the Level of your partner

Respect the DJs, the Organizer, and the dancers

We were all beginners; pay it forward

written by: Melissa Brewer