safer spaces
Creating a respectful, safe, and joyful environment for all dancers in Cape Town.
First published: March 2017 • Last updated: December 2025
These texts were initially drafted with inspiration and support from other swing dance communities (especially Swing Dance Sydney in Australia). You are welcome to use the texts on this page for the benefit of your community.
If you have any questions or would like to contact us, please email saferspaces@capetownswing.co.za.
At Cape Town Swing, we are committed to creating safer spaces that embrace diversity and help ensure everyone feels comfortable and welcome, regardless of their identity or circumstances, such as age, gender identity, skin colour, sexual orientation, ability, etc. To achieve this, we actively promote a culture of inclusion, equity, kindness, generosity, and respect among our dancers.
Historical Context
Following significant incidents that were reported in 2015 and in 2017, the global swing scene was prompted to address safety issues. Despite being known as a "friendly, inclusive, non-sexual" dance, the lindy hop scene faced challenges that sparked discussions on safety and the need for preventive structures. In response, the Cape Town Swing team proactively developed processes to prevent and address safety incidents, which are outlined below.
Our Approach
Prevention of any form of abuse or harassment is a priority for us. We educate all our dancers about boundaries, respect, and the importance of consent through our classes and culture. Our multi-level approach emphasises support to, and empowerment of those affected, and where appropriate, de-escalation rather than punitive action. We consider multiple perspectives and prioritise both individual well-being and community safety.
Additionally, we maintain a comprehensive Code of Conduct, which all attendees implicitly agree to when participating in our events.
To further support a safe and consensual dance environment, we have dedicated Safer Spaces Representatives at our events and classes, identifiable by their orange heart badges, who can be approached directly with safety concerns about the dance scene.
Our Philosophy
At Cape Town Swing, we take a restorative approach to community safety. While we maintain clear boundaries and will take decisive action when necessary, we recognise that most people can learn, grow, and change their behaviour when given appropriate support and held accountable.
Our Safer Spaces team intentionally includes multiple perspectives and different genders, and takes time to better understand situations before responding. We aim to help mediate potential conflicts, support reconciliatory approaches where appropriate, and help all involved understand the impact of their actions and where changes in behaviour may be needed. This approach allows us to maintain a relaxed and welcoming community while still addressing harm seriously and working together to build community.
We are committed to transparency in our processes while respecting the confidentiality of those involved. While our actions may not always be visible to the wider community, every report is taken seriously and addressed thoughtfully.
Incident Report Form
Do you need to report an incident?
If you experience any discomfort or encounter any incidents that violate our Code of Conduct, we encourage you to report them to our Safer Spaces team. We have an anonymous reporting platform to protect your privacy and ensure your safety.
When you report an incident, whether verbally or in writing, our Safer Spaces team will work alongside you to determine the best course of action. We prioritise your autonomy and preferences whilst also balancing our responsibility to the broader community. Our goal is to address any concerns thoughtfully, support those affected, and, where appropriate, help create opportunities for accountability and growth for all concerned.
Incident Levels
Physical contact is integral to partnered dancing, but we recognise the potential for non-consensual, inappropriate, or abusive behaviour. While everyone has different boundaries and comfort zones, we have defined three "levels" of incidents to make reporting easier and guide us in appropriate actions.
Level 1: Uncomfortable
There is a wide range of behaviours that we include under Level 1, and this may differ from person to person, but the main criterion is: I feel uncomfortable. Any situation that causes discomfort, even if it does not involve physical contact, should be reported, and we strongly encourage people to submit reports. It helps prevent future occurrences and promotes a safer environment.
We often find that people are unaware of ways in which their behaviour may make others feel uncomfortable, and a supportive conversation with them can help them to understand impact and make positive changes. Our approach focuses on community education and accountability, and immediate exclusion from the community is unlikely, though we will always prioritise safety.
Level 1 concerns may be incidents that people are tempted to dismiss. These situations may seem minor, or you might worry you're overreacting. You might think it is only you, that you are being silly, or that it was probably nothing. We encourage reporting; however, as you may also be one of several people who have experienced the same thing. Reporting these incidents helps us to identify patterns early on and prevent escalation.
Some examples of behaviour that typically fit under Level 1:
- They held me too closely when we danced and didn't respect my space.
They repeatedly asked me to dance after I said no.
Their body odour/sweaty shirt/bad breath was really unpleasant.
They constantly stared at me.
Their hand brushed my breasts, my buttocks and/or between my legs when we danced, and they didn't apologise.
They made me feel uncomfortable or unwelcome based on my age/gender identity/race/sexual orientation/ability, etc., including joking about these issues.
We have an anonymous reporting platform for situations like this. You can fill out an incident report form (linked in the button above), and the report will be logged in a private database accessible only by our Safer Spaces team.
Our typical response to Level 1 reports: these reports help us track potential patterns. When we receive a Level 1 report, we review it carefully, and if we receive multiple reports about the same person, or if a single incident warrants it, one of our team will have a conversation with the person about appropriate behaviour and community expectations. This is usually an educational, supportive conversation aimed at helping people understand impact and make changes. If we see an issue being consistently raised, we will likely ask our teachers to raise it in a communal setting without singling out any particular individual.
If the behaviour persists despite these conversations, we may need to take further action, which may include temporary or permanent bans from our events or classes.
Level 2: Harassment
If you feel uncomfortable and unsafe (where you believe there is a threat of danger), please report the incident immediately. The main criterion for Level 2 is that you are feeling uncomfortable AND that you (or someone else) might be unsafe, feel at risk, or be in danger. Harassment incidents are taken seriously and may lead to bans from our events.
Our response to Level 2 incidents is guided by what the person affected needs to feel safe, while also considering our wider responsibility to protect the community. We work collaboratively to find solutions that may include supported conflict resolution, clear boundary-setting, or other interventions as appropriate. Bans are not our first response, though they remain an option when deemed necessary for community safety.
Some examples:
- They followed me to my car.
- They sent me inappropriate texts or made inappropriate sexual comments..
- They propositioned me.
- They cornered me.
- They wouldn't let me leave.
- They threatened me.
- They pressured me into drinking too much.
- They repeatedly touched me.
- They didn't stop when I asked them to.
- They used a racial/gender-based/sexual orientation-based slur against me.
These are only some examples, but all legally qualify as harassment. A single report such as this can trigger a response from our team. The best channel for reporting this would be by phone call, text, email, or in person with one of our Safe Spaces Reps to hasten a response.
Our response will depend on what you need to feel safe, while balancing our responsibility to the wider community. We may need to take action, which could include: a conversation with the individual about their behaviour, supported conflict resolution if you're comfortable with that, temporary restrictions on their participation, or, in more serious cases, a ban from our events. Any decisions will be made collaboratively with you, and we will support you to feel safe in our community again.
We would like to stress that anyone who comes forward with this sort of complaint will be taken seriously. In some instances, we may recommend that the issue be taken up with the relevant authorities, who can offer more substantial protection.
Level 3: Violation
Although it is our strongest hope that this sort of event never happens, we have to be realistic and prepare for a worst-case scenario. Level 3 includes any incident that goes beyond fear to physical harm – but may also include attempted harm and other severe situations.
Some examples:
- They assaulted me.
- They raped me.
- They tried to hurt, touch and/or rape me.
- They forced me to touch them.
- They hurt me.
In the case of a Level 3 report, we will:
- Support and comfort you.
- With your consent, take immediate action (such as removing the individual from our events) to protect you and our community from the person, while respecting your anonymity and protecting your name.
- Support you in a legal or restorative process based on your preferences.
Safer Spaces Team
Our Safer Spaces initiative is managed by a small team of individuals: Muriel, Selina, Kim and Alex. Any incident report form submissions are reviewed by this team, respecting the privacy of those involved. They are also designated as visible Safer Spaces Reps (see below) and can be approached with any concerns.
Selina Palm
Alex Pennington
Kim Snyders
Muriel Gravenor
Safer Spaces Representatives
Our Safer Spaces Representatives are community volunteers who are well-versed and trained in our Safer Spaces texts. We have numerous Reps in the scene, identifiable by their orange heart badges, so that there can be a visible presence at all CTS events and classes. Their role will be to look out for people on the dance floor, be a point person for others to go to for support or to report an incident, and be able to recognise uncomfortable or unconsensual interactions, reach out to people who might need support, and know who to refer them to if necessary.
Anna James
Derrick Lanor
Jasmine Hawkins
Zachari Bakker
Josie Laurie
Would you like to support the Cape Town Swing community as a Safer Spaces Representative? Or, do you know someone who would be perfect for this role? Nominate yourself or someone else by completing this form.
Please note that every nominee is required to provide at least one reference, i.e. the name of someone else in the scene who thinks they'll be a great Safer Spaces Rep.
Code of Conduct
At Cape Town Swing, we embrace the joyful and inclusive nature of Lindy Hop that thrived in the Savoy Ballroom, the first racially integrated ballroom in the United States. As such, we welcome everyone to our classes and events, regardless of their background. We expect all attendees to respect each other and maintain a safe, welcoming environment.
To that aim, we have a set of guidelines for behaviour at our classes and events.
General Agreement
- This space is for everyone: we welcome you, and expect you to do the same for everyone else.
- We will not tolerate harassment of any kind. Please help us to maintain the safety of this space by reporting any harassment you experience or observe. We will honour your bravery in doing this by respecting your confidentiality. Please read our full policy on harassment.
- We will not tolerate prejudice of any kind. In line with this, do not use language that is racist, misogynist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist or otherwise alienating.
Anyone who does not abide by these rules will be asked to leave and may be permanently banned from our space.
Dance Floor Etiquette
In order to ensure that everyone can have a good time on our dance floors, please respect the following:
- Feel free to ask everyone to dance, especially new dancers and visitors – this is how we help make everyone feel welcome.
- Avoid making assumptions about dance roles – just ask: “Would you like to lead/follow?”
- Say yes. There is nothing better than an enthusiastic agreement to a dance.
- Say no (thank you). This is your right and requires no explanation or apology.
- If someone declines a dance, that’s okay! Don’t take it personally – just say, “Sure, maybe next time!”
- Say STOP. If anyone touches you inappropriately or makes you uncomfortable IN ANY WAY, tell them to stop and inform one of the staff or Safer Spaces Reps if they do not.
- No aerials, lifts or drops on the social floor. Keep these for jam circles and competitions – and only if you have verbal consent. Don’t lead a follower in something that they don’t have consent in.
- Dancing is sweaty - bring extra clothes to change into.
- If you do not wish to be photographed/filmed, please inform the staff on arrival. Do not use flash photography. Do not film classes without the teachers’ consent.
- Be careful and respectful of other dancers on the floor. If you knock/bump/step on/kick someone accidentally, immediately stop dancing, check that they are ok and apologise.
- Be conscious of nonverbal signals and respect your partner’s personal boundaries. Seek consent within the dance, e.g. not everyone feels comfortable in a closed embrace.
- Do not give unsolicited advice. In fact, leave advice off the social floor entirely. If someone wants your input, they will ask for it.
Sexual Harassment Policy
We actively prevent sexual harassment within our community. If you experience or witness any inappropriate behaviour, you can report it anonymously. In cases of criminal behaviour, such as harassment or assault, we encourage involving the police, and we will support you throughout the process.
According to South African Law*, sexual harassment is defined as:
- Unwelcome sexual attention.
- Unwelcome explicit or implicit behaviour, suggestions, messages or remarks of a sexual nature that have the effect of offending, intimidating or humiliating.
- Implied or expressed promise of reward for complying with a sexually oriented request.
- Implied or expressed threat of reprisal (or actual reprisal) for refusal to comply with a sexually oriented request.
With the above in mind, the following behaviour counts as sexual harassment:
- Staring or leering.
- Unnecessary familiarity or unwelcome touching.
- Suggestive comments or jokes.
- Insults or taunts of a sexual nature.
- Intrusive questions or statements about your private life.
- Sending sexually explicit emails or text messages.
- Inappropriate advances on social networking sites.
- Requests for sex or repeated unwanted requests to go out on dates.
- Behaviour that may be considered an offence under criminal law, such as physical assault, indecent exposure, sexual assault, stalking, or obscene communications.
How does this relate to a dance environment?
- Sexual harassment is not interaction, flirtation, or friendship which is mutual or consensual.
- Happy, consensual dances (no matter how close the position) are totally fine.
- Hooking up at a dance event with a consenting adult is also totally acceptable.
Sexual harassment is a type of sexual discrimination, which is illegal in South African workplaces.
- This means that it’s illegal to sexually harass your host or hostee, your dance partner, teacher or student, your DJ or sound engineer, volunteer or musician, event manager, MC, or performer.
- It also means that it is illegal to hold a dance partner very close if they don’t want to be held.
Sexual harassment can be obvious or indirect, physical or verbal, repeated or one-off, and perpetrated by males or females against people of any sex.
- If you aren’t sure; if you think it’s creepy or it makes you feel uncomfortable and you want a second opinion; if you see something and you’ve got a hunch: ask for advice.
- If someone says they don’t want to dance and you insist, touching them and pulling them, that is harassment.
- Accidental ‘boob swipes’, touching a partner’s rear, groin, or upper legs warrant an immediate apology and a change of dancing to avoid it happening again.
* Paraphrased from the Protection from Harassment Act 17 of 2011
What do you do if you need help?
- Report any behaviour that you deem to be inappropriate.
- You have the right to remain anonymous, and we will respect that.
- When it comes to criminal behaviour (sexual harassment or sexual assault), we urge you to take it to the police, and we will support you in this.
- We will do everything in our power to protect our dancers and will tolerate no harassment whatsoever.
- We reserve the right to remove anyone from our classes and events.
- Minor offences will result in a single warning.
- Repeat offences or major offences will result in expulsion and banning from all future Cape Town Swing events, and, where appropriate, will be referred to the police.
Our Commitment
We are committed to protecting our dancers and will not tolerate harassment in any form. Our responses are calibrated to the severity and context of each situation. We believe in giving people opportunities to understand their impact and change their behaviour, while also maintaining clear consequences for those who cannot or will not respect our community standards. Repeat or severe offences may result in temporary or permanent bans from our events and, where appropriate, involvement of the police.
Together, we create a safe and joyful space for all dancers, fostering respect, celebrating diversity, and supporting accountability and growth.
Process Flowchart for SSRs
This flowchart offers a clear, step-by-step guide to the processes followed by the CTS Safer Spaces Representatives (SSRs) when addressing concerns and incidents within our community.
While originally conceived as an internal guide for SSRs, this graphic is now shared to enhance understanding of our Safer Spaces processes for both our dedicated representatives and the wider community
