The Rhythm Lounge is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, welcoming space and experience for all attendees. We welcome all dancers and jazz enthusiasts redardless of age, gender / gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, religion, socioeconomic status, or beliefs.

We will not tolerate bullying, or harassment of any form.  If we feel your are being disruptive or making anyone feel uncomfortable, we my ask you to leave,  If your behavior warrants it, we may ban you from all future events or involve the police. If you do something egregious, we may involve police and law enforcement. Often inappropriate behavior occurring in one venue will be shared across the Central Pa venue with other organizers, team leaders, and venues in order to share information and keep all safe and comfortable and in order to continue to foster awareness. What this means is that if you do something egregious, you risk losing a space and invitation on multiple dance floors across the region.

• We want to remind everyone attending that we are meeting to DANCE first and foremost. We have a team that is familiar with unacceptable behavior and they are on the lookout for it and will intervene and escort you out of the venue. We are serious about this. Do not come to our dances unless you are attending for the DANCE and MUSIC.

• Dancing is not gender related and therefore, anyone can lead and anyone can follow in both classes and on the social dance floor. Please ask politely, “Would you like to lead” or “Would you like to follow?” Do not assume that someone does one role or the other and many individuals both lead and follow these days and may prefer one over the other at different times during an outing, so it is always good to clarify. We welcome people to learn any and all the roles in dance.

• When you are in dance class and on the social dance floor, please do not “teach your partners” unless they ask for clarification specifically. We ask that you respect the instructors and your peers and refrain from offering feedback and assistance unless asked specifically for this. In addition, please do not talk over your instructors as it is impolite disruptive to the class.

• Do not manipulate someone’s body with your hands in order to help “correct” them or show them something. This is different from the art of lead and follow. We do not recommend that people try to show someone something in a different way by moving their body for them. Stop.

• Please always ask before hugging, dipping, and other closer embrace dance movements - consent is our priority always. Do not assume a hug.

• Dance training should be done in a safe space with people / person(s) you know and not in isolated locations unless you really know the person(s) and trust has been built up. Make good choices and talk about them before hand with your trusted circle. Always let people know where you are going and when and when you expect to return. We recommend practicing at studios with others around to keep things positive and comfortable for all involved.

• **Please say STOP or NO if you are ever uncomfortable.  You never need to explain it. No is enough and a complete thought. If someone is bugging you about why you said “no,” this is unacceptable. Come find an organizer to help assist you immediately.

• If you receive a “no” from someone at a dance, it is best practice to refrain from asking that person again at this dance outing. The ball is in their court and it is now up to them to do the asking on this occasion as you have already indicated a willingness to dance.

• If you are uncomfortable, walking away is also okay. Please come find us if someone did not stop when you asked them to stop.

• If you see something, say something and do it immediately. Please do not think it is nothing and do not walk away thinking it is not “your problem.”

• We at Lindy Central offer a safe, welcoming space for people to learn to dance and share dance. It does take a community working together to create a safe, welcoming dance community.

• You are always allowed to decline any dance partner. It is okay to say "No!" No explanations needed.

• If you receive a "no" response, please politely move on to the next partner with something simple like, "okay, maybe another time!"  

General guidelines to maximize your fun:

• That being said, we do encourage people to remember that this is a social dance and we do gain a lot by asking new people to dance and by asking dancers of all levels to dance. It is good for us personally and great for the dance scene as well. Everyone started as a beginner. Let's try to be friendly, courteous, welcoming, and still respectful of all boundaries. An enthusiastic, genuine, "Yes" is always a great thing to hear as well.  

• If you bump into someone on the dance floor, a quick apology is much appreciated. 

• More discussion “on the topic of hugs etc.”
  We admit, this can be tricky at times. So we suggest always asking and making sure it is appropriate and 100% agreed upon. Please do not assume a hug. No one owes a hug or any type of physical touch. Consent is extremely important. If you are not sure if your actions were okay, feel free to ask. If you are still unsure, there are a lot of resources published these days on how to connect with people and respect their boundaries and your own. Amazon has some great books. We are here to help where we can.
  If you feel someone is not respecting your boundary in any way, please do not hesitate to come talk to the staff and or send an email to carlaheiney@gmail.com.
  It is okay to step back from a hug or any type of touch that is not wanted. It is okay to also change your mind. Saying “NO” is always acceptable and a complete thought. You do not need to give any type of reason at all. If you need help and feel the staff at our events can be of service, please do not hesitate to speak with us.

• Tricky moves including dips, lifts, aerials, ducks, florials, and similar moves should be for your regular practice partner (if they are willing) and not on the crowded social dance floor unless you ask in advance and everyone is in agreement. We adore good partnering techniques including good rhythm, connection, timing, and respect. Please no aerials on our social dance floors!!

•  If you are sick, please spend your time and return when feeling 100% to keep our dance community healthy, vibrant, and thriving.
   

• If you just consumed mass quantities of onion and garlic soup, please help yourself to a mint or mouthwash if you don't have access to a toothbrush.  (*this goes for any offensive smell - coffee, too)
   

• If you sweat a lot, and a lot of us do, please just bring an extra shirt or two and maybe a towel. No big deal.
   

• Don't be afraid to apologize if something goes awry or if someone's body language tells you something is a bit uncomfortable.
   

• Not everyone wants to be in a long, close embrace. Please respect your partners. If you are just dancing with someone for the first time, we ask that you spend time getting to know them in a more "open position." If someone wants to dance in a position such as a close embrace and you are uncomfortable, we urge you to speak up. Saying something like, "I am not totally comfortable in close position" this should be enough and that person should stop immediately.  We hope that if you are receiving this advice, please do not take it personally.  We all have different comfort levels. Learning how to interpret body language is quite important. If someone seems to back away from a dance move or tense up, please refrain from trying again.

• It is normal to ask many different people to dance in at a venue, but many people have different skill sets, so we recommend taking your time when building a dance with each new person.

• Please do not monopolize one person’s dance card unless they explicitly agree to that with you.
   

• **Please say STOP or NO if you are ever uncomfortable.  
   

• If you are uncomfortable, walking away is also okay. Please come find us if someone did not stop when you asked them to stop.

• The social dance floor is not the time for aerials, tricks, or lifts. Please save those for jams and contests that allow them. 

• Please do not offer unsolicited advice - even if you think it would be ever so helpful. Classes are for instruction and corrections.
   

• Moves like "the pretzel" are often not fun for follows.  It can be a lot of twisting and bending and an action done to the follower and often not a "shared" movement.  Please be mindful of your partner and try to read some body language and facial expressions.  Also, please know that any move where you need to "call" it on the social dance floor is probably not rooted much in "lead and follow" technique.

Let's keep it friendly, welcoming, and encouraging for all. Let’s foster a sense of respect and fun so we can all thrive.