Dancer info

Basestep Modern Jive Code of Conduct

At Basestep, we’re here for great music, good laughs, and partner dancing that feels safe and welcoming for everyone. Our instructors and crew are committed to creating a friendly, inclusive environment where people can learn, connect, and enjoy themselves regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, nationality, ability, appearance, body size, or religion.

We don’t tolerate harassment, bullying, intimidation, unwanted advances, or abusive behaviour (verbal, physical, or online). Social partner dancing is usually a supportive space and we all share the responsibility of keeping it that way.

The environment we’re protecting

Safe. Respectful. Inclusive. Fun.
If you’re not sure whether something is okay, a good rule is: if it could make someone feel pressured, unsafe, singled out, or uncomfortable, don’t do it.

Dance floor etiquette

1) Hygiene & presentation (because we’re close-range humans)

  • Please arrive clean and fresh. Deodorant is your mate.
  • If you sweat a lot, bring a spare shirt.
  • Go easy on perfumes/colognes.
  • Breath mints are always a win.

2) Asking for a dance

  • Ask clearly: “Would you like to dance?”
  • “No thanks” is a complete answer; accept it gracefully and move on.
  • Never grab, pull, or pressure someone to dance.
  • When the dance ends, thank your partner. If it suits the moment, walk them back to the edge of the floor.

3) Consent & boundaries

  • Consent matters at every point. Either person can stop a dance at any time.
  • No tricks, dips, leans, lifts, or risky moves without clear agreement first.
  • If your partner looks uncomfortable or says stop, stop immediately, no debate.

4) Safety & floorcraft

  • Keep awareness of other couples to avoid collisions.
  • If you bump someone, apologise straight away.
  • Save big travelling patterns or advanced moves for quieter areas, and only if your partner is comfortable.

5) During the dance

  • Be present with your partner; this isn’t a performance.
  • Match your dancing to your partner’s skill level and comfort.
  • Avoid painful force: no yanking arms, cranking hands, pushing shoulders, or heavy pressure.

Extra safety notes (injury prevention):

  • Don’t rest your thumb on your partner’s hand in a way that twists joints.
  • Don’t pull hard on arms or drop someone’s arm during turns.
  • Be especially mindful of height differences, limited mobility, or recovering injuries.

6) No teaching on the social floor

  • Social dancing is for fun, not feedback.
  • Don’t “coach”, correct, or explain patterns mid-dance (unless someone specifically asks).
  • If you want tips, ask an instructor or crew member, and use revision time when available.

7) Inclusion: dance with the room

  • Where possible, aim to dance with everyone once before repeat dances.
  • Don’t assume you’re entitled to second or third dances, always ask.
  • Everyone is welcome to choose the role they prefer (lead or follow). If you’re brand new, it can help to stick with one role for the first few months while you build confidence.
  • We expect dancers to be inclusive and respectful with partners of any gender.

8) Style choices on the social floor

  • Basestep nights focus on Modern Jive partner dancing.
  • If you’d like to mix in a different style, ask your partner first.
  • Teaching moves from another style on the social floor is not okay.

9) Be civil

  • You don’t have to dance with everyone, but you do need to be polite.
  • If you prefer not to interact with someone, keep it respectful and drama-free.

Behaviours that are not okay

These can make others feel unsafe or uncomfortable, and may lead to removal from class/events:

  • Unnecessary or inappropriate physical contact
  • Sexual comments, jokes, or suggestive behaviour
  • Comments that target someone’s body, clothing, age, gender, culture, religion, or ability
  • Repeatedly pursuing someone for dances, especially after they’ve declined
  • Dangerous or overly familiar leads (e.g., neck/head leads)
  • Unwanted social media contact, persistent messaging, or explicit advances
  • Any harassment, intimidation, or abuse

Mistakes happen! If you accidentally invade someone’s space, apologise and give them room.

What to do if you have a concern

If something feels off, whether it’s happening to you or you’re witnessing it. Please speak up. You don’t need to “prove” it or meet a specific threshold. We’d rather know early.

Report it in any of these ways

  • Talk to the Studio Manager or a crew member (whoever you feel most comfortable with)
  • Message Basestep via Facebook
  • Email: admin@basestep.co.nz

Reports can be made in strict confidence.

Further support

If you’d prefer independent, professional support:

Need to Talk – free, confidential counselling or peer support, 24/7
📞 or text 1737

Safe to Talk – harassment/sexual harm support, 24/7
📞 0800 004 334 | text 4334