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CALDAC celebrates dance, music, and culture by fostering an environment where everyone feels safe, welcomed, and respected. This Code applies to all participants, dancers, instructors, performers, volunteers, staff, DJs, organizers, vendors, and spectators.

By attending, you agree to uphold these community standards. Failure to abide by this Code of Conduct may result in consequences, up to and including immediate removal and prohibition from future CALDAC events.

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1. Our Community Values

Dance, music, and cultural celebration must be built on connection, respect, and care. The primary purpose is to have fun in a safe, inclusive environment.

• Treat everyone with kindness, dignity, and respect regardless of cultural background, gender identity, sexual orientation, pronouns, and ability.

• Respect and use people’s stated pronouns and names. Misgendering, deadnaming, or mocking gender identity or expression is not tolerated.

• Support collective responsibility. We all share the work of creating and maintaining safe spaces within our community.

 

 

2. Boundaries and Consent

• You may accept, refuse, or end a dance at any time, without explanation.

• Always accept “no” gracefully. Persisting after refusal is unacceptable.

• Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues (pulling away, tensing, avoiding eye contact). Respect them immediately.

• Everyone has the right to change their boundaries at any time.

 

 

3. Harassment-Free Environment

Sexual harassment, discrimination, or misconduct of any kind will not be tolerated. This includes:

• Unwanted touching or prolonged contact.

• Sexual jokes, comments, or suggestive gestures.

• Persistent or coercive attention.

• Misgendering, deadnaming, or outing someone’s identity.

• Homophobic, transphobic, or discriminatory remarks or actions.

• Recording or photographing individuals without consent.

Drug or alcohol use does not excuse misconduct. Accountability means taking responsibility for your actions and their impact.

Click this link https://www.caldacon.org/harassment-policy to read our Anti-Harassment Policy for more details.

 

 

4. Respectful Interaction

• Unsolicited feedback, corrections, criticisms are not welcome during social dancing. Feedback belongs in classes and only when requested.

• Requests for safety adjustments are welcome (e.g., “Can we change hand placement?”).

• Requests for manner of dance must be respected (e.g., “I don’t want to do body rolls”).

• Respect everyone’s identity and expression. Do not mock, ridicule, or demean others based on skill, appearance, background, pronouns, or identity.

• Discriminatory, threatening, or harassing behavior, materials, or speech will not be tolerated.

 

 

5. Safety and Hygiene on the Dance Floor

• Lifts, drops, flips and aerials are not for the social floor.

• Be aware of your surroundings and be mindful to try to avoid collisions.

• Acknowledge accidental injuries, apologize, and seek staff assistance if needed.

• Respect venue rules at all times; failure to do so can result in immediate removal.

• Maintain proper hygiene and respect accessibility (unscented products are encouraged).

 

 

6. Reporting and Accountability

If you experience or witness unsafe behavior at any CALDAC events, please report it. Reports can be made:

• Directly to CALDAC staff or volunteers during events.

• Through our Anonymous Reporting Form.

• By calling Latina Safe House: 720-780-8748 x102.

All reports will be handled confidentially, respectfully, and fairly. Retaliation will not be tolerated.

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Organizers are responsible for documenting reports and taking action, which may include:

• Warnings

• Removal from the event

• Temporary or permanent bans

• Referral to law enforcement when necessary

The CALDAC Safety Team considers all relevant information when making decisions, including:

• Prior reports, patterns of behavior, or repeated concerns.

• Legal judgments, restraining orders, or other court-issued protections.

• Any history of violence, harassment, or misconduct within or outside CALDAC spaces.

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This ensures accountability, fairness, and protection for the community. CALDAC reserves the right to deny entry or participation to anyone if credible concerns about safety arise.

 

 

7. Collective Responsibility

This Code of Conduct is not just for CALDAC organizers. It belongs to the community. Every dancer, DJ, instructor, vendor, and volunteer plays a role in keeping our spaces safe. If you see something that contradicts this Code, speak up and let’s support one another.

 

 

Closing Statement

At CALDAC, dance is a space for joy, connection, and cultural expression. We affirm the dignity of LGBTQ+ community members, the importance of respecting pronouns, and the need for safety for all.

We take these standards seriously because they protect the heart of our community. Thank you for helping us make CALDAC safe, respectful, and welcoming for everyone.

 

 

Acknowledgments

The CALDAC Code of Conduct was created through the care and commitment of many individuals and organizations who share our vision of safe, respectful, and joyful dance spaces.

We extend our gratitude to:

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• Denver Zouk (Devon Near-Hill & Rachel Farley) – for modeling community-centered safety standards.

• Denver Safe Spaces – for suggestions and frameworks that strengthen accountability.

• CALDAC Safety & Anti-Harassment Team – for their dedication to reviewing, refining, and ensuring the robustness, width, & depth of this code of conduct.

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Their contributions have been invaluable in helping CALDAC create a document that reflects our shared values of inclusivity, respect, and collective responsibility.