Boston Swing Central strives to provide an actively all-inclusive, supportive environment for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, nationality, political orientation, age, and/or cultural identity/race. Everyone is welcome and is to be treated as an equal, regardless of age, ability, physical appearance, lifestyle, dance experience or dance role.

To that end, BSC reserves the right to protect our dancers by taking action against any person who poses a risk to this environment of inclusiveness. Using our discretion, any dancer that we feel may threaten another dancer’s safety and comfort through any means (behavioral or verbal) may be banned for violating our policy of tolerance and inclusiveness. Such means include—but are not limited to—any of the following:

• Verbal insults, jokes, comments, or micro-aggressions* that leave another dancer feeling marginalized based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, nationality, age, and/or cultural identity/race.
  • *We are aware that we all have biases and prejudices, and may express them and/or act on them unconsciously. If you accidentally offend someone or cause them to feel marginalized, it is your responsibility to apologize immediately.

Sexually inappropriate, coercive, or manipulative behaviors that overtly or covertly circumvent the other person’s right to offer/deny consent. This includes unwanted sexual touching on the dance floor*, as well as coercive behaviors during a dance or dance event that result in sexual abuse following a dance.

*We are aware that accidents may happen. If you accidentally touch another dancer in their private areas during a dance, it is your responsibility to apologize immediately.

Any dancer who feels that their safety or comfort is being threatened, or has witnessed intimidating or inappropriate behavior is encouraged to contact a BSC staff member immediately—preferably a BSC Board member. Suggested points of contact are Natalie Eringros (natalie@bostonswingcentral.org) or Mike Hibarger (mike@bostonswingcentral.org). If you would prefer to talk in person, or would prefer to speak to another member of staff, you are welcome and encouraged to do so.

BSC staff will guarantee confidentiality if desired (although in the event of a police investigation, we cannot maintain this guarantee), and will work with you to determine what action to take to rectify the situation.

We understand that this policy will allow for a safer, happier, more welcoming experience for all of our dancers. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, we welcome any and all feedback. Please contact a member of the BSC Board at your discretion.