Code of Conduct

Building a safe, positive, and inclusive space for our dance community.

Code of Conduct

Thank you for taking 5 minutes of your time to read this. It means a lot. Swing Patrol is built on a love of dancing and a belief that everyone deserves to feel safe, welcome, and respected—whether you’ve been dancing for decades or you’re walking through our door for the very first time.

By attending any Swing Patrol class, social, or event, you agree to this Code of Conduct. It applies to everyone in the space—dancers, volunteers, DJs, teachers, and guests alike.

We have zero tolerance for behaviour that makes others feel unsafe or unwelcome. We have removed people from our community before, and we won’t hesitate to do so again.

That said, within the caveats of this Code of Conduct, do your thing and have fun.

Everyone is welcome here

Swing Patrol is an inclusive space for people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, backgrounds, abilities, body types, ethnicities, religions, and beliefs. We celebrate difference — it makes our community richer and our dance floor more fun.

Treat everyone with kindness, patience, and respect — on and off the dance floor.

Don’t make assumptions about someone’s ability, identity, or experience based on how they look.

Be especially mindful that new dancers may feel nervous. A little warmth goes a long way.

Consent and Personal Space

Partner dancing involves physical contact, which makes consent especially important. These aren’t just polite suggestions — they’re expectations for everyone at our events.

Always ask before dancing with someone or making physical contact — even if you’ve danced with them before, and even if you’re in the middle of a class rotation.

Anyone can say “no” or “stop” at any time, for any reason. Respect that decision immediately and without comment. You do not need to explain yourself when you say no.

Keep touch appropriate to dancing. There are no moves that involve touching private areas, rubbing, or squeezing of any kind. Ever.

Be aware of your personal space and those around you on the floor. Enthusiastic dancing is wonderful — just make sure your limbs aren’t a hazard to others.

If you accidentally bump or kick someone, stop and check they’re okay. Apologise, and if needed, help them safely off the floor and find a team member.

Behaviour we will not accept

The following are not acceptable at any Swing Patrol class or event, and may result in you being asked to leave immediately or being banned from future events.

Sexual harassment — this includes unwanted touching, comments about someone’s body or appearance, sexual jokes or innuendo, staring, following someone, or pressuring someone to dance or spend time with you.

Harassment, bullying, or intimidation of any kind — verbal, physical, emotional, or online.

Discriminatory language or behaviour — including racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, or ableism.

Repeated unwanted contact after someone has said no.

Taking photos or videos of people without their clear permission*.

Giving unsolicited advice or feedback to other dancers during class or on the social floor. (We know you mean well — but it’s almost always unwelcome.)

Decisions regarding removal or banning are made by Swing Patrol staff (including Swing Patrol teachers and event organisers) only. Please do not attempt to remove someone yourself — come and find us instead.

*Swing Patrol may occasionally photograph or film at classes and events for marketing purposes. If you’d prefer not to appear in any photos or footage, simply let a team member know and we will do our best to respect that.

When things go wrong

Sometimes people say or do the wrong thing without meaning to. How you respond matters.

If you’ve upset someone — intentionally or not — apologise straight away, take responsibility, and let a team member know. Being upfront helps us find the best way forward together.

If someone tells you that your behaviour has affected them, please listen openly. Try not to dismiss, argue, or make excuses — even if it wasn’t your intention to cause harm.

We understand that people are learning and growing. We approach these situations with fairness, but the safety of our community always comes first.

Speak up — We're listening

If you see, hear, or experience something that doesn’t feel right — no matter how small it seems, no matter when it happend — please tell us. Your voice matters, and we take every concern seriously.

At a class or event

Find any Swing Patrol staff member or volunteer and tell them what’s happened. We will listen, take it seriously, and act.

After a class or event

Get in touch with us directly. You’ll find our contact details on this website. You can also reach out on behalf of someone else.

All reports are treated with strict confidentiality. We will not share your details without your consent.

You will never face any negative consequences for raising a concern.

Your courage in coming forward helps protect everyone — and stops incidents from being repeated.

You can learn more about our steps and procedures via our Safe Spaces Policy page.

Swing Patrol is committed to our obligations under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), including the positive duty to proactively prevent sexual harassment and discrimination. This Code of Conduct is a key part of how we do that — not because we have to, but because we genuinely believe everyone deserves to dance in a safe place.

Helpful tips for dancers in our scene

You’re here to dance and have a good time — we all are. Here are a few things worth knowing that can help you feel more confident and comfortable — whether you’re brand new or a regular.

Be courteous when asking someone for a dance. Don’t just grab them by the arm and pull them onto the dance floor without their permission or consent. Sometimes we might not speak the same language and can only gesture, but being respectful and polite goes a long way.

It’s perfectly okay and normal to say no, and you don’t have to say yes to everyone who asks you for a dance. “No thanks” or “I’m sitting this one out” is a complete sentence. You don’t have to give a reason.

If someone says no to you, take it graciously. A simple “no worries” and moving on is the right move. You can ask someone else, grab a drink, or take a break for a moment. It’s not personal, and how you handle it says a lot about you.

Trust your instincts. If someone’s touch makes you uncomfortable and rings alarm bells, you’re allowed to end the dance right then and there. You don’t owe them a full song or a rotation in class. A simple excuse like “I need to sit this one out” is all you need — no explanation required.
Likewise, off the dance floor, the same applies. If they give you uncomfortable ‘vibes’ come have a chat with us.

Be conscious of where your hands and body are. Accidental contact happens — but if you touch someone in a way you shouldn’t have (breasts, groin… you know what we mean), apologise immediately and take care. There are no dance moves that involve rubbing or squeezing of any sort. Ever! Staying aware of your own body and your partners’ is part of being a good dancer.

You don’t have to share your personal contact or social media details with anyone. You are entitled to your own privacy. You can say something like “I don’t like sharing my personal details, thanks.” or “I’d prefer not to, but I might catch you at the next social dance thing?”. No reason needed.

If someone doesn’t want to share their details, respect that. Don’t push it, and don’t ask again. Be cool, let it go, and move on warmly. For whatever reason, they’ve made their choice, end of story, so be okay with that.

Friendships, dance partnerships, and yes — the occasional romance — do grow out of this community. That’s a part of socialising. It works best when everyone feels free to connect on their own terms, without pressure.

Remember if you see, hear or experience something, no matter how small — say something. Being proactive helps us build a fun, safer, inclusive community for everyone, and it can help us prevent things before they happen or go too far.
And remember, we’ve ALWAYS got your back.

The Swing Patrol team.

Need to talk to someone?

Don’t sweat it, we’re here to help!

You can email us at [email protected] or call us on 0412 309 311.

Code of conduct

Code of Conduct

Everyone is welcome here

Consent and Personal Space

Behaviour we will not accept

When things go wrong

Speak up — We're listening

Helpful tips for dancers in our scene

Need to talk to someone?

Subscribe to our newsletter

Follow us on the socials

Code of Conduct

Safe Spaces

© 2026 Swing Patrol. All rights reserved

classes resuming

3rd February 2026

Weekly classes resuming

Tuesday 19th August