The American Lambada Organization Code of Ethics

1. I will endeavor to be respectful and accepting of all students, teachers and peers – regardless of color, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, size, shape, age, physical or mental health, or dance ability.

2. I will endeavor to behave professionally, respectfully and humbly in class, at events, congresses, trips or festivals, at social dance parties, during communications on social media, and at all times.

3. I will be respectful towards dancers of all styles and dance forms.

4. I will avoid engaging in mean-spirited conversations, gossip and put-downs that undermine the positivity and grace of our field.

5. In my teaching style I will not be Authoritarian (‘my way or the highway’) or Liberal (‘anything goes’) but will instead use the Authoritative style (confidently imparting knowledge but allowing for questions and even challenges from students – and answering clearly, kindly and non-defensively).

6. I will endeavor to keep my ego in check. My goals for teaching must be a) to share my knowledge, skill and love of the dance b) for personal satisfaction – to do a good job and be fairly compensated for it c) to create a community of dancers and attract more new students to the field d) to create and nurture more teachers whom I will guide and mentor.

7. I will listen to the concerns of my students and will do my best to create a relaxed and safe learning environment for them.

8. I will never make inappropriate advances – sexual or otherwise- towards my students, peers or fellow teachers, and I will not allow my students to behave inappropriately towards others or make them feel uncomfortable in any way.

9. I will endeavor to help students be comfortable with the proximity of our dance (but to be more distant if they wish) and to understand that the close partner connection is not a sign of sexual willingness, but rather, sensual expression within the dance itself. 

10. I will educate students about dance floor etiquette – especially about safety, about respecting their dance partners, respecting the space, and about the need to prepare one’s body, breath and clothing for dancing closely with others. 

11. I will pay attention to the differences in learning styles among my students.

12. I will do my best to help students with disabilities.

13. I will do my best to balance the social needs of students (e.g. friendships, community, being part of a tribe or family) with the creation of sacred space for learning and practicing. 

14. I will carefully prepare my lessons ahead of time.

15. I will clearly establish my Course and class costs at the outset and will maintain clear communication and transparency in all fee-setting.

16. In my professional business dealings I will behave respectfully and fairly. If I feel I must compete for students, I will never behave in a manner that is counterproductive to the growth of the entire field or undermines the spirit of fair competition.  I will put my energy into attracting entirely new students; rather than competing with others for an existing pool of students – as this way everybody wins.

17. I recognize that teaching brings many challenges. If at any time I am struggling with any element of this Code of Ethics, or with any other issue – I will reach out to a trusted mentor for guidance and support.