By Caroline Haugsted @carolineinflow
& Hara Zi @hara_zi

Let’s Dance Together: Cultivating Inclusivity in Our Communities

Inclusivity isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential to building a thriving, welcoming dance community. In social dance, inclusivity means creating an environment where every dancer—regardless of background, physical appearance, culture, age, skill level, experience, or other factors—feels welcome, respected, seen, and encouraged to grow. When every dancer feels welcomed, valued, and celebrated, the entire community thrives. When inclusivity becomes a priority, our dance communities flourish.

Inclusivity Across Experience and Skill Levels

We all remember our first social dance—that mix of excitement and nerves, standing on the sidelines, hoping someone would invite us in. That feeling sticks with you. Over the years, witnessing countless newcomers experience the same emotions has deepened my passion for inclusivity. It’s why I care so deeply about creating spaces where every dancer, no matter their experience or skill level, feels supported and seen and knows they belong in this community.

Through my travels and experiences, I’ve observed some common challenges. Newer followers often gravitate toward more experienced leaders, enjoying the stability and confidence they provide. Experienced followers may be less likely to accept dances from beginner leaders. Newer leaders sometimes hesitate to ask more experienced followers to dance. These preferences, while natural, can sometimes create unintended imbalances. Beginner leads may feel discouraged when followers seek out more experienced partners, making it harder for them to grow. Additionally, followers who frequently dance with experienced partners might develop a skewed perception of their own skill level, which can hinder their progress. Since many dance communities naturally have more followers than leads, these dynamics can further complicate inclusivity.

Supporting Growth at Every Level

Many communities have implemented thoughtful initiatives to create more inclusive spaces, and I’m eager to learn about these and keep exploring different ways to foster inclusivity in our dance scene. How can we, as teachers, community leaders, organizers, and participants, ensure that everyone feels welcome and valued?

Every dance community faces the beautiful challenge of supporting both newcomers and experienced dancers alike. How can we create an environment where beginners feel encouraged while experienced dancers continue to refine their skills and inspire others?

Your Voice Matters

Together, I know we can shape dance communities that feel like home for everyone. We’d love to hear about the successes and challenges in your local scene. Help us by filling out the survey below, so we can learn, grow, and dance better together. We’ll also share the results widely to help spread even more joy on the dance floor.

Take the Inclusivity Survey:
https://forms.gle/mBZeb67CAu8foz7XA