Code of Conduct
We want everybody to feel safe and comfortable at TAMBDA events, lessons and workshops. Social dancing involves close contact with another person. Mistakes happen, but we want to create a learning environment that everyone can feel comfortable in.
General Lesson and Social Dance Conduct
Do:
Apologize if you accidentally bump into somebody and make adjustments to make sure it does not happen in the future.
Stop whatever you are doing if your partner tells you (verbally or non-verbally) that they are in pain.
Listen to instructors and officers give to prevent injuries.
Be respectful of other people's boundaries. Some people are completely comfortable dancing in closed competition frame with "5-point" connection at the hips or ribs. Some people find standing an arm's width from their partner more comfortable. Listen to them.
Ask somebody if they would like to dance and take "no" for an answer.
Decline offers to dance politely. You do not "owe" anybody a dance if you don't want to.
Do Not:
Intentionally bump into someone.
Ignore your partner if they say something is painful or uncomfortable.
Ignore advice from officers to help prevent injuries
Move sharply or unexpectedly in a way that can hurt your partner.
Ignore other people's boundaries and personal bubble.
Force somebody onto the dance floor despite their refusal.
Do not use close dancing as an excuse to touch others inappropriately.
TAMBDA has a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate touching, stalking, and sexual harassment. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, our officer line will take appropriate action if needed.
Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
Inappropriate physical contact
Offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexuality, appearance, race, religion, or dance ability.
Repeated and unwelcome sexual advances
Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
Stalking may constitute:
Threats to harm self or others
Non-consensual communication by any means
Pursuing and following a member of TAMBDA
Unwanted gifts
Tresspassing
Cyber-stalking
Repeated efforts to "ambush" any TAMBDA member before, during, or after any official or unofficial TAMBDA event or practice.
Our officers take these issues seriously. Members who are asked to stop these behaviors are expected to do so immediately. Members expelled or suspended from club activities will not be refunded club or activity fees.
Aggie Westies is our sister club. As a result, anybody expelled from TAMBDA will be expelled from Aggie Westies in order to make both clubs a safe environment for all.
This code has been adapted from the Aggie Westies Code of Conduct and the TAMU Title IX Glossary of Terms.