Dance with Joy Studios Safer Space Code of Conduct

Safer Space Declaration

Dance with Joy Studios is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming community space for all persons, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, nationality, profession, gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, social skill, dance skill, or fitness level.

We believe everyone deserves to express themselves freely and joyfully in dance, without fear of harassment, discrimination, or harm. Together, we build a studio culture of kindness, respect, and care.

By entering Dance with Joy Studios, all staff, students, and guests agree to uphold this Code of Conduct and contribute to a safe, joyful, and welcoming dance community.

Our Community Values

  • Kindness: Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

  • Respect: Honor boundaries, identities, and differences.

  • Consent: Always seek permission before physical closeness or feedback.

  • Safety: Protect the emotional and physical wellbeing of everyone.

  • Accountability: Take responsibility for your actions and their impact.

Code of Conduct Guidelines

1. Respect & Consent

  • Always treat others with courtesy and respect.

  • Consent is required for all physical closeness, advances (romantic, sexual, or otherwise), and invitations.

  • A “no” to a dance — spoken or through body language — must be respected without question.

  • Be aware of non-verbal cues (pulling away, tense posture, avoiding eye contact). Respect them as you would words.

  • Respect personal pronouns. If corrected, adjust without debate.

2. Harassment & Discrimination

Harassment and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. Harassment and discrimination will be addressed immediately and the offender will be asked to leave the premises. Harassment and discriminatory behavior creates an unsafe environment and includes, but is not limited to:

  • Verbal abuse, insults, or humiliating comments.

  • Offensive jokes, slurs, or microaggressions related to age, ethnicity, religion, nationality, profession, gender, sexual orientation, disability, body size, or dance skill.

  • Racist, homophobic, transphobic, misogynistic, or ableist language or behavior 

  • Unwanted sexual attention, touching, or advances.

  • Stalking, intimidation, heckling, or deliberately disrupting a class or event.

  • Taking photos/video without consent/ granted permission for marketing/ learning/ memories.

3. Dance Floor Safety

  • Follow floor etiquette: travel counterclockwise, respect lanes

  • Avoid large, aggressive, or dangerous movements (lifts, aerials, kicks) on the social floor.

  • No dancing while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

  • If you bump into someone, apologize, regardless of fault.

  • Any intentional harm or reckless behavior will not be tolerated.

4. Feedback & Teaching Etiquette

  • Do not give unsolicited feedback unless you are the instructor during class.

  • Practice sessions and practicas are the right place for shared learning — but only offer advice if your partner asks.

  • At social dances, do not teach on the floor; it interrupts others and disrupts the music.
    Exception: Always speak up if something your partner is doing causes you physical pain.

5. Inclusivity & Accessibility

  • We welcome newcomers of all ages and backgrounds.

  • Dancers under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

  • Avoid unnecessary political or religious debates.

  • Please avoid wearing strong fragrances to keep our space accessible for those with sensitivities.

Reporting Concerns

Your safety matters. If you experience or witness behavior that threatens your safety — emotional or physical — please reach out to us:

  • Report immediately to a staff member in person at the event.

  • If you feel unable to report in the moment, contact us later by phone or email:

    • Rachel Lidskog-Lim & Jack Lim

    • 📧 support@dancewithjoystudios.com
      📞 (503) 704-5617

All reports will be taken seriously and handled confidentially.

Addressing Violations

If a participant engages in harmful behavior, staff may take action, including:

  • A private conversation or educational reminder.

  • A formal warning.

  • Removal from the event without refund.

  • Temporary or permanent ban from future events.

  • Law enforcement if necessary.

Staff will always prioritize the safety of those harmed. We can provide support, such as escorting someone to their car or contacting local authorities if requested.

Commitment

Safety matters. We care deeply about your safety and the safety of others. 

By entering Dance with Joy Studios, all staff, students, and guests agree to uphold this Code of Conduct and contribute to a safe, joyful, and welcoming dance community.

All complaints will be treated seriously and responded to promptly. Confidentiality will be maintained unless disclosure is legally required.

With gratitude,
Rachel Lidskog-Lim & Jack Lim
 Dance with Joy Studios, LLC

Guidelines for a Respectful and Safe Dance Community ~ Intending to foster a positive dance environment, we encourage venues to share and uphold the
following suggested community standards:
1. Respect All Dancers – Every dancer should be treated with dignity, regardless of their sex,
gender expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, nationality, age, ability, profession, or skill level.
2. Lead & Follow Without Assumptions – Anyone may choose to lead or follow. Do not assume a
dancer's role based on perceived gender expression.
3. Consent is Essential – Always ask before initiating a dance. Never pull someone onto the floor
without their agreement.
4. Boundaries Must Be Respected – Anyone has the right to decline a dance at any time, for any
reason, without pressure or guilt. If someone declines, accept their response and move on.
5. Safety Comes First – If a dancer feels uncomfortable or unsafe, they have the right to leave a
dance or conversation at any time, without explanation.
6. Be Mindful of Physical Contact – Dancing involves physical connection, but no one should feel
forced into movements or holds that make them uncomfortable. Aggressive or non-consensual
physical manipulation is unacceptable. Always ask before leading dips or sensual movements.
Leads invite follows to engage in movement and follows have a choice in whether or not they
engage.
7. Harassment Will Not Be Tolerated – This includes persistent unwanted advances, ignoring
boundaries, derogatory comments, or any behavior that creates an unsafe atmosphere.
8. Social Dancing is Not a Dating Service – Agreeing to dance does not imply romantic interest,
nor does it invite physical contact beyond the dance itself. Following someone off the dance floor or
making unwanted advances is inappropriate.
9. Teach Consent & Social Dance Best Practices– Dance instructors and venue organizers
should actively educate students on consent, boundaries, and the importance of non-forceful
leading. Teaching proper lead-follow techniques includes emphasizing that follows have autonomy in
movement, and that no dancer should feel physically manipulated or pressured.
By implementing and supporting these guidelines, we can ensure that our dance spaces remain
inclusive, welcoming, and safe for all.