Community expectations

Core Values

All attendees at Stegastomp have the right to be treated respectfully and addressed in the way they identify (names, titles, pronouns, etc.). Mistakes happen and can be fixed; an apology and self-correction is the easiest way forward in those cases. People found to be deliberately and repeatedly ignoring this community standard will be asked to leave. We expect all attendees at Stegastomp to actively discourage negative behaviour — kindly, when it's a mistake — in each other. If you are uncomfortable confronting an abusive attendee directly, please talk to an organiser as soon as it is safe to do so.

If you are a new dancer

• Don't be afraid to ask anyone to dance. Experienced dancers are usually happy to help new dancers learn.
• Trust the caller. They are trained to lead the dance and know what they are doing.
• If you need it, ask for another walk-through. The caller will be happy to go over the dance again.

If you are an experienced dancer

• Walk through the dance fully without flourishes and don’t talk over the caller.
• Only touch other dancers as the dance requires it. Pushing or pulling is never helpful. You can guide other dancers using your eyes or gestures.
• Variations and flourishes are welcome, but try to be in the right place at the right time.
• Ask if someone is okay with you doing a variation or flourish if you're not sure.

Asking people to dance

• Anyone can ask anyone to dance. If you see someone you would like to dance with, simply approach them and ask. Be polite and respectful, and be prepared to accept a no.

• If someone asks you to dance, you are free to accept or decline. There is no need to feel obligated to dance with someone just because they asked.

• Respect other dancers' boundaries.

• If you’re not sure what someone is comfortable with (e.g. swing holds), ask them.

Community guidelines

• We want everyone to feel comfortable and respected, regardless of their background or identity. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any time, please don't hesitate to speak up.
  • Tell the person who is making you uncomfortable.
  • Ask a venue manager for help. These people are here to support you.
• We want everyone to have a positive experience at Stegastomp. If you see something, say something. Together, we can create a safe and inclusive community for everyone.
• We reserve the right to ask any person causing others to feel uncomfortable or unsafe to leave.

Injuries and disabilities

• Be aware that other people may have injuries or physical limitations that you don't know about.

Dance with who's coming at you

• Anyone can dance either role at any time, and anyone can dance with anyone, regardless of gender or presentation.
• Trust people to be dancing the role they want to dance, regardless of their appearance, and that they’ll communicate if they’re confused or need reassurance about where they are meant to be.

Calling styles

• Calling will all be gender-free (larks/robins) or positional. The caller will make it clear how they are calling in each session