The Shake That Lake team does its best to offer a safe social dance experience, free of discrimination and harassment for everyone, regardless of dance ability, skills, style, gender, sexual identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, physical ability, appearance, size, race, age, religion (or lack thereof), social background, or any other trait. We do not tolerate discrimination, violence, and harassment in any form. This includes, but is not limited to, homophobic, racist, misogynistic, ableist, and transphobic behavior, unwanted sexual attention, inappropriate touching, and inappropriate comments, including those about physical appearance.

The Care Team

If you have a concern related to this charter, do not hesitate to contact the Care Team in person during the festival or email us at shakethatlakecareteam@gmail.com. We will handle these matters confidentially.

We Dance Together

Anyone can ask someone else to dance, regardless of their dance experience. Everyone is welcome to join the jams!

It’s Okay to Say No

Everyone has the right to say “no” without explanation or pressure, whether it’s for a dance invitation, a movement in class, or social dancing. Additionally, a “yes” to a dance is only a “yes” to one dance and implies nothing more.

Dance Roles Do Not Necessarily Correspond to Gender Roles

Keep in mind that in a social dance context, we do not assume someone’s dance role based on their gender. You are encouraged to clearly express the role you want to dance when asking someone to dance.

Feedback Upon Request

We encourage feedback when it is requested and given kindly, preferably during class rather than during the evening.

Hygiene and Comfort: So Everyone Feels Good

A change of shirt, deodorant, breath mints, and any other habits that help you and others feel comfortable are welcome!

Everyone on the Dance Floor

The dance floor does not always allow for taking up as much space as you’d like. Look around and adjust your dancing according to the available space. Acrobatic figures (or aerials) should be reserved for practice rooms in a safe environment.

This document is inspired by the code of conduct from Vienna Sugar Blues, the Cats Corner school, and Winter Swingtime Lausanne.