Our dance community should be a safe, friendly place, where everyone can enjoy learning, dancing
and have a great time. This code of conduct is meant to outline some ways we can work together
for everyone’s inclusivity. It also helps explain what is and isn’t acceptable behavior. It talks about
things any of us can do when someone’s behavior is unacceptable or not safe for those around
them, and some things we as organizers might do to support a safe environment for everyone.

 

How to be respectful and safe at events:

• Be respectful of those around you on the dance floor. If you bump into someone, apologize. If you hurt someone, apologize, and also try to figure out how you can keep it from happening again. This might mean not dancing with them again, or talking to your instructor.

• Respect other people’s boundaries. We can do some crazy things around here, but just because you see someone do something with someone else doesn’t mean they will want to do it with you! This applies to everything from close dance holds to moves like dips, flirty conversations or just agreeing to dance. If you aren’t sure of someone’s boundaries, or can’t tell from their nonverbal cues, then ask them. If you misjudge, and they ask you to stop, either verbally or nonverbally (such as with a facial expression or a body language cue), then stop.

• Ask, and respond, respectfully. People are usually happy to accept an invitation to dance, but it is also okay to say “no.” If you are turned down for a dance, please respect that decision and find someone else to dance with instead. If at any point in a dance you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, you can tell your partner that you are uncomfortable, ask for any adjustments you need, or stop the dance before the song ends without explanation. Requests for your own safety and comfort are respectful of your partner as your ally in creating fun for everyone, and are not the same as offering someone unsolicited feedback on their dance skills (which is generally considered rude). If you are often uncomfortable in dances or often the recipient of these kinds of requests for adjustments, you should consider reaching out to a teacher or trusted ally for help.

• Remember that alcohol and other substances can make it harder to judge boundaries accurately; please be mindful of your limits so that you can be mindful of others.

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This environment is for everyone regardless of race, age, level of dance, sexual orientation,
gender/gender identity, disability, physical appearance, religion, or anything else. We do not
tolerate harassment or threats of any kind. Any situation which makes another person feel unsafe
or uncomfortable to the point of being unable to enjoy the event is unacceptable and can be
considered harassment. If you harass or threaten someone, you may be asked to leave.

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What to do if you witness or are subjected to unacceptable or harassing behavior:
Please watch out for each other and help us to take care of you. If you aren’t sure if someone else
is okay, please take a closer look: ask them for a dance to draw them away from the situation, or
ask, in a friendly way, if they need help. If you are subjected to harassing behavior, notice that
someone else is being subjected to unsafe or unacceptable behavior, or have other concerns along
these lines, you can seek out any staff member for help. You can find staff on duty at the event
registration desk, or at the DJ booth when registration is closed, or you may also ask the hotel or
venue staff to find us. We promise to listen and to treat you with respect and confidentiality.

Consequences of unacceptable behavior:
Anyone asked to stop unacceptable or harassing behavior is expected to do so immediately.
Actions that compromise the safe and respectful environment of this event are not acceptable from
any member of our community: attendees, teachers, judges, volunteers, organizers, or staff.
Depending on the severity, event organizers’ interventions in response to a problem may range
from talking to the offending person and asking them to do or not do something, to asking them to
leave the venue immediately without warning, compensation or refund. Those conversations or
actions may take place in private if that seems appropriate to the situation. If you see additional
problems after you or someone else spoke with us initially, we’d like to hear about them too. We
want this to be a place everyone can enjoy. We are grateful for your help and commitment to
making our shared environment safe for everyone.

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This document is adapted from the stellar work of Kay Newhouse and Dave Moldover for Dance Jam Productions.

We thank them for their generosity.