Safe Space Principles

At Flama, we aim to provide all participants with a safe and inclusive dance experience. We do not tolerate inappropriate behavior, harassment, or bullying.

We all play a part in creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. If you experience or witness any inappropriate behavior, please contact the Flama staff immediately.

Flama is an inclusive and open space where everyone is welcome as they are. Do not make assumptions about anyone’s sexuality, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, values, socioeconomic background, health, or functional ability.

Treat others with respect and kindness. Do not mock, ridicule, belittle, exclude, or humiliate anyone through your words, behavior, or actions. Refrain from commenting on appearances, gossiping, and reinforcing stereotypes. Aggressive behavior is not acceptable. Respect the privacy of other dancers.

At Flama, we respect body autonomy: all bodies are welcome, and no one’s body is to be judged or commented on. Please also refrain from making negative comments about your own body or talking about dieting during classes. We do not make assumptions about anyone’s gender or nationality based on appearance, nor do we use gendered language in our classes. For example, in couple dance classes anyone is free to dance in either the lead or follow role, and these roles are not assigned based on presumed gender.

At our social salsa events, we encourage everyone to dance with a variety of partners, regardless of skill level or any other factors. Do your part to ensure that all dancers, including newcomers, feel welcome.

Respect others’ physical and emotional space as well as their right to self-determination. Remember that you cannot know someone’s boundaries without asking. In couple dancing, it is especially important to stay attentive to your partner’s body language and communication.
Ask for consent verbally or with a clear gesture before initiating physical contact with a dance partner. Anyone may decline an invitation to dance or stop a dance if it feels uncomfortable at that moment or with that particular partner. There is no obligation to explain a refusal, and you should neither demand an explanation nor take it personally. However, when declining, try to be considerate, as no one enjoys feeling rejected. When dancing in close proximity, make sure your partner feels comfortable. Do not assume that physical touch outside the dance floor is acceptable for everyone. Give and request space when needed.

Try to use gender-neutral terms when referring to partner dance roles, such as lead and follow. Partner dance roles are not tied to gender.

Please do not offer unsolicited teaching, advice, or negative feedback on the dance floor or during classes. Let the teaching be handled by the instructors, unless another participant (such as your partner in a partner dance class) specifically asks for advice.

Keep couple dancing physically safe. Both the lead and the follow are responsible for being aware of their surroundings and avoiding collisions with others. For example, follows should be mindful not to accidentally hit others with styling movements or step on someone’s feet with heels. Leads carry significant responsibility for the follow’s physical safety. Try to take your partner’s skill level into account. With a new partner, it’s best to start with simple movements to get a sense of their level. Aim for clear yet gentle leading. Do not pull, twist, or force movements. Avoid risky figures, such as lifts or demanding dips, unless you are certain of your partner’s skill level. As a follow, remember to give the lead space to lead.

Sexual harassment is strictly prohibited at all Flama classes and events. Inappropriate comments, insinuations, gestures, or touching of intimate areas while dancing have no place in dance.

If you experience or witness inappropriate behavior such as bullying, racism, other forms of discrimination, or sexual harassment, please address it and report it to the Flama staff. If you do not feel safe intervening yourself, reach out to a Flama staff member.

These guidelines are based on the UN Association’s safer space principles as well as the guidelines of various dance organizations and associations.