IG HOP’s Code of Conduct

Dancing together involves a lot of verbal and non-verbal communication. In our classes, we aim to show what’s needed for this dialogue. But just to be sure, here are some extra things which make or break a good dance-relationship. Note that some things may seem unnecessary to even point out, but everything we write here is based on the experience that it is necessary to point it out*.

This is how we play

At IG HOP we want to offer an open and tolerant environment in class and at our events. Willful carelessness is not cool – respecting the dance and those around you is. People who don’t respect (the boundaries of) others will be asked to leave the course or event.

So you think we can dance?

Everybody can ask everybody to dance. We are happy about the progress we made in challenging stereotypes. Today it’s a good idea to check if somebody dances as a leader, follower or switch. Know your options – and your partner’s!

Social dancing isn’t a training session

… at least not for everyone. Please don’t give tipps your dance partners on the social floor unless they ask you to. While it’s great to give constructive feedback when you learn together, not everybody appreciates getting improvement ideas when they go out social dancing (or giving them; often trainers are happy to simply enjoy social dancing, too.)

Floorcraft – The art of using dance-space

In class, we try to make sure that people have enough space to train. Turns out it can sometimes be difficult to translate the dancing to a crowded dancefloor. So regardless of whether you lead or follow: Looking out for the other dancers on the floor is part of the dance. If somebody continues dancing in a harmful and ignorant way even after they’ve been made aware of it by the people around them, don’t hesitate to contact us at the event or course.

*Saying sorry – People think they will. But then they don’t.

In the heat of the dance, people sometimes forget that it is really appropriate to apologize if they step on, hit, run into or otherwise hurt another person on the dancefloor. This is not about whose fault it is. This is about acknowledging that you had an unpleasant collision with somebody. Use the chance to shine with your social skill.

All the other things

Come Clean. Really. And if you want to dance a lot – bring some extra shirts. If you’re dry, you feel more comfortable and others feel more comfortable with you too. And on that note, here’s a last thing: check your breath. Take steps to improve it if your dance partners seem to get unwell when you start talking.

We look forward to having you in our community and enjoy dancing together <3.