Safer Spaces / Etiquette Policy
Good etiquette is paramount to making the event enjoyable for everyone. Our focus at Southern Balboa Classic is to provide world class dance education and an enjoyable dance experience to every participant by creating a welcome environment. However, we can’t do that alone and need the buy-in of our community members to create that successful, safe atmosphere. By participating in Southern Balboa Classic events, you agree to the following:
I accept that I am responsible for my enjoyment of the event and will contribute to making a community that is safe, open, honest, and enjoyable for all involved.
I recognize that the purpose of social partner dancing is to have fun while connecting with another person. I will make the best effort to be attentive to my dance partner and enjoy each dance with each person regardless of background, race, gender, beliefs, or skill level.
As with everything else in life, I understand that consent is paramount.
I will obtain consent before taking any action, whether grabbing someone to dance or anything more. I understand that the social dance floor is not the appropriate place to make advances on someone before receiving consent. If I think there is chemistry beyond the dance, I will wait for the dance to end before asking about it. I understand that consenting to a dance is not the same as consenting to anything else.
I am encouraged to actively participate in building the dance community.
To do so, I will seek out new people to dance with or talk to. I can also foster connections by introducing or reintroducing myself with each new dance.
I understand that every dance with another person is a privilege.
I understand that asking someone to dance is a request, not a demand, and that they do not owe me an explanation of their reasons. I will receive any acceptance or rejection with grace.
I will be mindful of myself, my dance partner, and my surroundings when I dance.
I will not attempt large moves, lifts, kicks, or other movements that may cause injury and/or discomfort to my dance partner, myself, or those around me. I will do my best not to bump or step on other dancers. I will be gracious if I do and still gracious if someone does it to me.
I will not teach on the social dance floor.
I will not offer unsolicited advice about someone’s dancing, and any practicing with my dance partner will be done off to the side or in another room to leave the dance floor open for social dancing.
I will take care of my hygiene.
I will bring towels, hygiene products, and spare changes of clothing to ensure I look, smell, and feel clean. I will check my sweat and body odor on a regular basis and clean myself up as necessary. I will avoid using overly fragrant / highly scented lotions or perfumes to protect our fellow dancers.
It is okay for me to tell my dance partner if something they do causes me discomfort.
I will make my best effort to inform them and give them an opportunity to change it. I understand that communication can clear up misunderstandings before they build. I recognize that people are sometimes unaware that their actions are uncomfortable until they are informed.
I will strictly respect the physical and personal boundaries of my fellow attendees on and off the dance floor.
If I receive feedback from my dance partner about something that causes them discomfort, I will take it graciously. I will respect all communication of boundaries, such as requests for space or to end engagement of any kind.
I will respect the stated identity of all attendees.
I will make every effort to use the names and pronouns given by the attendees. If I am informed that a term or phrase makes others feel unsafe, I will immediately stop using it.
I will bring inappropriate actions that I personally experience or observe to the attention of the organizers.
I will be respectful towards the teachers, staff members, DJs, and organizers.
I will make every effort to get to classes and workshops early. If I am unable to get to class on time, I will obtain permission before joining. I will respect and focus on the material that is being taught and not try to teach or redirect focus during someone else’s class. I will keep all outside conversations to a minimum while there is a lesson going on. I am free to inform the DJs, teachers, and organizers of any positive feedback. I am also free to provide constructive feedback, but I will do so either through surveys or in private after receiving consent.
Policy Violations
All SoBal participants: whether they be attendees, instructors, staff, and volunteers are expected to comply with the code of conduct and local, state, and federal laws. We reserve the right to take prompt action in response to violations which may include warnings, notification of denial of entry to the event, expulsion from the event without a refund, and involving local law enforcement.
Refunds and Transfers
If you have registered for Southern Balboa Classic 2025 but cannot attend, we are offering the following options:
You may request a full refund by September 30th, 2025.
You may choose to transfer your registration to SoBal 2026 or to another person at no cost.
Pass transfers will only be accepted through email, and only once we’ve confirmed with both parties through email to combat spam / phishing attempts on FB.
Any pass transfer conducted outside of this will not be honored, resulting in forfeiture of access to the event for 2025
To initiate an official pass transfer or cancellation, please email us: info@southernbal.com with the word “Transfer” or “Cancellation” in the subject line, and we’ll be in contact with you ASAP.
If you become sick with COVID-19 prior to or during the event, please contact us info@southernbal.com with “COVID-19” in the subject line and a member from our safety team will reach out to you with next steps.
Waiver of Liability
I understand and agree that participating in any dance lesson or class, workshop, or dance, there is a possibility of physical injury. I voluntarily agree, therefore, to assume all risks and responsibility for any such injury or accident, which might occur to me (or my accompanying minor) during any of Southern Balboa Classic’s classes, lessons, dances, or activities. I also exempt, release, and indemnify Southern Balboa Classic, its owners, agents, volunteers, assistants, employees, guest artists, faculty members, and/or students from any and all liability claims, demands, or causes of action whatsoever from any damage, loss, injury, or death to me, my children, or property which may arise out of or in connection with participation in any classes or activities conducted by Southern Bal. I further hereby voluntarily agree to waive my rights and that of my heirs and assigns to hold Southern Balboa Classic, its owners, agents, volunteers, assistants, employees, guest artists, faculty members, and/or students liable for such damage, loss, injury, or death. I understand that I should be aware of my physical limitations and agree not to exceed them. If I am signing this waiver for my children, I certify that I am the parent or legal guardian and have the right to waive these rights.
Waiver of Liability: COVID-19
By registering for and participating in Southern Balboa Classic 2025, as well as any subsequent events organized by Southern Balboa Classic, participants expressly agree to comply with the following COVID-19 policies. Failure to adhere to these policies may result in immediate removal from the event without refund.
Assumption of Risk
I acknowledge and accept that participation in Southern Balboa Classic 2025 involves inherent risks, including but not limited to potential exposure to COVID-19.
Vaccination and Masking
Participants are strongly encouraged to remain current with COVID-19 vaccinations in accordance with the guidance of their healthcare providers. At this time, Southern Balboa Classic 2025 will not impose mandatory vaccination requirements or designated masking zones.
Personal Responsibility and Conduct
Each attendee is responsible for assessing and managing their personal level of risk while engaging in event activities. All participants are expected to exercise due care and consideration in protecting their own health and the health of others.
Any attendee who tests positive for COVID-19 during the course of the event is required to cease participation immediately. Upon submission of proof of a positive COVID-19 test to event staff, the attendee will be granted a credit for Southern Balboa Classic 2026. Proof must be submitted via email to info@southernbal.com with “COVID Alert” in the subject line.
Harassment of participants who choose to engage in social distancing or other protective measures will not be tolerated. Such conduct constitutes a violation of the Safer Space Policy and may result in disciplinary action, including ejection from the event.
Policy Updates
Southern Balboa Classic reserves the right to amend or update these policies as circumstances require, including the possible implementation of mandatory masking. Any changes will be communicated to registered participants via email, the registration system, and official social media channels.
Photo Release
I agree that as a participant in the above activities, I may be photographed, filmed, or recorded by Southern Balboa Classic or its representative. We may record, use, edit, or distribute these materials for our promotional purposes. I agree that I will not be paid for this use of my image, and that I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photograph, video, or audio recording. For any potential Safer Space issues regarding photos, please email us at: info@southernbal.com.