Community Norms

Creating a community where everyone is safe, feels respected, and is well-cared for is a foremost objective of the Collective. Below are some of the norms and standards of conduct to follow in all our events. By upholding these norms, we maximize the joy and beauty of tango dancing for all and help fulfill our central values: Come as you are! Dance as you wish!

There are multiple things we can do to create a safer space for members of our community, especially those who are queer or marginalized in other ways. Those of us who carry privilege, such as being cisgender or straight, have a special responsibility in this regard. 

• Share your pronouns when introducing yourself. Normalizing the sharing of pronouns is vital to being an ally to trans and nonbinary people. 

• Note others’ pronouns and strive to use them. It is common to make mistakes. Be willing to be corrected if you misgender someone. 

• Do not use gendered language to refer to roles in the dance—for example, by referring to followers as “women” and leaders as “men.” Any person, regardless of gender, can dance in whatever role they wish. 

• Expect to dance with, and be asked to dance by, people of different genders. Expect to be invited to dance different roles, though it is also perfectly acceptable to focus on one particular role. 

• Prioritize listening to and learning from queer voices and perspectives, as well as those of other marginalized communities. Be aware of how much space your voice is taking. If you are someone who tends to speak a lot, make a habit of stepping back so that other perspectives can be heard. If you are someone who tends to be more reticent to share, know that our community will benefit from your perspective and your contribution will be valued. 

• It is our hope that all in the Collective can experience the joy of tango in a safe and supportive community. To that end, work to include anyone who may be feeling left out, such as helping them be oriented in the space or asking them to dance.