Information and Introduction to Technical Safety on the floor, and Community Safety off the floor. Regionally and culturally specific to the Austin 2Step Scene
- TAKE LESSONS – vary the venues and instructors
- COMMUNICATE – talk to your partners about your comfort, boundaries & ask theirs
- Join the WhatsApp, follow austin2step.com, build rapport with the community
- Read the 2025 Dance Safety Survey Results
- Plan&Travel in Groups
- “If the Vibe is Off, So Am I”
- Say, “no thank you” for any reason
- recruit other dancers, instructors when you need support (no cancel culture)
Click the link below to view the ATX 2Step 2026 Community Safety Survey Results!
Dancing Etiquette and Safety
In our community, we support safety and communication first, joy and fun as a byproduct of a safe and equitable environment. Because this is a free environment, it requires every individual to take their safety and wellbeing in their own hands, and for community member sot watch out and support each other where we can.
Safety on the Floor
The safest dance is an Aware and Present Dance. Awareness, Attunement and Communication with your partner, navigation of other’s space and movements, and sticking to movements you feel comfortable with, is always the safest and most joyful experience for everyone.
COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR PARTNER. Communication comes in both verbal and nonverbal cues. When in doubt: Use Verbal direction with your partner. Providing clarity and setting boundaries is the perfect way to know if your partner with Attune to and Respect you. If you’re shy, practice Verbal Clarity with dance partners and friends you Trust until you’re more comfortable asserting boundaries and preferences with acquaintances, strangers and established dancers or instructors. Approaching your night with a goal of Safety, Respect and Fun will set you up for success and naturally push predatory behavior to the fridge of your experience.
Looking like a deer in headlights, with no intention or instinct at your disposal, may be setting you up for SOMEONE ELSE to dictate the tone, energy and direction of both your dance and your night out.
You NEVER OWE ANYONE a completed dance, a drink, your time, attention or politeness.
A Respectful Person who crosses your boundary will self-reflect or give you space: a predator or abuser will BLAME YOU and attempt to navigate beyond your Boundary, or Villainize you amongst your peers. Pay Attention, and REMOVE yourself from situations or people that make you feel unsafe, or question your boundaries.
Safety Off the Dance Floor
Watch out for people who push and press you on any subject: predatory behavior exists inside ALL OF US. Instructors have also been accused in our scene. Status and social clout places someone at an ADVANTAGE to abuse others; status and social clout ARE NOT an indication of personal values that match your own. Develop and use your Discernment.
In his book, The Gift of Fear, Gavin DeBecker reminds us that the eyes are a great indicator of a person’s intentions. Even a skillful predator will eventually tip their hand and show signs of their agenda. Watch their eyes, their words and their behaviors. Practice the art of saying “no,” and establishing clear boundaries. How a person responds to our boundaries tells us everything we need to know about what they think of us, our autonomy, and their own agendas.
When in doubt, stick to venues, peers and communications that feel safe, joyful and inspiring until you build Confidence. Always Trust Your Instincts and Walk Away if you feel unsure.
Dismissing your own inner doubt and uncertainty is a fast track to becoming or believing yourself to be, a Victim.
For more, see the page on Power and Control: The Root of Violence