TANGO ON THE EDGE
TotE Code of Conduct
Welcome to Tango on the Edge,TotE, our Argentine Tango Social Club! We are committed to
creating a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members. Our code of
conduct outlines the principles and guidelines that govern our community. By participating in
our events and activities, members agree to adhere to these standards.
Principles
1. Respect and Inclusivity
◦ Treat all members with respect, regardless of their dance level, background, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, or abilities.
◦ Be inclusive and welcoming to new dancers and guests.
◦ Avoid making assumptions about others’ abilities or preferences.
2. Consent and Boundaries
◦ Always seek verbal consent before initiating a dance or physical contact.
◦ Respect the right to decline a dance or set personal boundaries without pressure or judgment.
◦ Understand that a ‘no’; to a dance is not personal but a matter of comfort and preference.
3. Communication and Feedback
◦ Provide constructive feedback only if solicited and in a positive, encouraging manner.
◦ Be open to receiving feedback graciously.
◦ Use clear and polite communication to express needs and preferences on the dance floor.
4. Etiquette on the Dance Floor
◦ Follow traditional Argentine Tango floorcraft and navigation, moving counterclockwise around the dance floor.
◦ Respect the space of other dancers and avoid disruptive behaviors, movements.
◦ Maintain good personal hygiene to ensure a pleasant experience for your dance partners.
5. Safety and Well-being
◦ Prioritize safety by being mindful of your movements and avoiding risky or aggressive steps.
◦ Refrain from dancing if you are feeling unwell or if your actions might endanger others.
◦ Report any concerns about safety or well-being to club organizers promptly.
6. Community and Support
◦ Support fellow members by attending events, participating in activities, and fostering a sense of community.
◦ Offer help to those in need, whether they are new dancers seeking guidance or long-time members requiring assistance.
◦ Promote a positive atmosphere by celebrating each other’s progress and achievements.
Grievance Procedure
1. Reporting Issues
◦ If you experience or witness behavior that violates this code of conduct, report it to a club organizer or designated committee member.
◦ All reports will be handled confidentially and with sensitivity.
2. Investigation and Action
◦ The club will investigate reported issues promptly and fairly.
◦ Actions may include mediation, warnings, temporary suspension, or permanent expulsion from the club, depending on the severity of the misconduct.
TotE thrives on mutual respect, passion for dance, and a commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and joyous community. By adhering to this code of conduct, we ensure that everyone can enjoy the beauty of Argentine Tango in a supportive and harmonious environment.
Thank you for being a part of our community and upholding these values.
Appendix I – (examples)
Respect and Inclusivity
Respect: During a milonga, dancers show respect by following the line of dance and being mindful of the space and other couples on the floor. If a collision occurs, they acknowledge it with a polite nod or verbal apology to maintain a courteous atmosphere.
Inclusivity: A tango community promotes inclusivity by encouraging dancers of all skill levels, backgrounds, and roles (leader or follower) to participate. For instance, an experienced dancer might invite a beginner to dance, helping them feel included and supported.
Additionally, events might feature role-switching practices, where dancers are encouraged to try both leading and following, fostering a more inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome to explore different aspects of the dance.
Consent and Boundaries
Consent: Before starting a dance, one partner asks the other, ‘Would you like to dance this tanda with me?’; The other person has the freedom to accept or decline the invitation without feeling pressured. This establishes mutual agreement to engage in the dance.
Boundaries: During the dance, if one partner feels uncomfortable with a certain move or the closeness of the embrace, they can gently communicate this to their partner. For instance, they might say, ‘Could we try a more open embrace?’; or adjust their position slightly to maintain a comfortable distance. The other partner should respect this boundary and adapt accordingly, ensuring that both dancers feel safe and comfortable throughout the dance.
Communication and Feedback
Communication: During the dance, partners communicate non-verbally through the embrace, subtle movements, and body language. For instance, a leader might use gentle pressure from their hand or torso to indicate a change in direction, while the follower responds by adjusting their steps accordingly. This ongoing, silent dialogue helps maintain harmony and connection throughout the dance.
Feedback: After the dance, partners can offer constructive feedback to help each other improve. For example, one dancer might say, ‘I really enjoyed how smoothly you led that turn. It felt very natural. One thing I noticed was that I sometimes struggled to understand the signal for the ochos. Maybe we could practice that move together later?’; This kind of feedback is specific, balanced with positive comments, and invites collaborative improvement.
Etiquitte on the Dance Floor
Cabeceo: In a milonga, the traditional way to invite someone to dance is through the cabeceo (a nod). This helps avoid public rejections and ensures that both parties are willing to dance. For instance, a leader catches the eye of a follower across the room and nods slightly. If the follower wishes to dance, they return the nod, and the leader approaches to escort them onto the dance floor. If the nod is not returned, the leader understands this polite decline and can seek another partner.
Navigating the Dance Floor: Once on the floor, dancers respect the line of dance, which flows counterclockwise around the room. They maintain their lane and avoid overtaking other couples unless there is ample space to do so without causing disruption. If a couple needs to stop to adjust their position or discuss a move, they move to the outer edge of the dance floor to avoid blocking the flow of other dancers. This consideration for others ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Safety and Well-Being
Safety: During a dance, both partners are mindful of their movements to avoid injury. For instance, a leader ensures that the space is clear before executing a large or complex move, such as a boleo or gancho, which involves high or sweeping leg movements. The follower, on their part, maintains awareness of their surroundings to avoid stepping on or colliding with other dancers. If the dance floor becomes too crowded, both partners opt for smaller, more controlled movements to maintain a safe distance from others.
Well-being: If a dancer feels discomfort or pain at any point during the dance, they communicate this immediately to their partner. For example, if a follower feels a strain in their ankle, they might say, ‘I’m feeling a bit of discomfort in my ankle. Can we take it easy on the turns?’; The leader then adapts the dance to avoid exacerbating the follower’s discomfort, perhaps by choosing simpler steps that require less strain. This open communication helps ensure that both partners feel safe and cared for, prioritizing their well-being over the dance itself.
Community and Support
Community: In a tango community, more experienced dancers often take the time to welcome newcomers. For instance, at a milonga, a seasoned dancer might introduce a beginner to other dancers, helping them feel included and part of the community. They might say, ‘Hi, I’m Maria. Let me introduce you to some friends. This is Carlos, who is also new, and Sofia, who teaches the beginner class.’
Support: Tango communities often organize practicas (practice sessions) where dancers can work on their skills in a supportive setting. During these sessions, it’s common for more experienced dancers to offer guidance and encouragement to less experienced ones. For example, if a beginner is struggling with a particular step, a more experienced dancer might offer constructive advice: ‘Try shifting your weight a bit more before taking that step. It helps with balance.’; This kind of support not only aids in skill development but also reinforces the sense of community and shared learning.