Values
Who to talk to
Protocol of intervention
The swing dancing community is a friendly and fun space and group of people. However, like in the rest of society, inappropriate and abusive behaviours can occur. We are not immune to it, but we can do something about it!
As with any social situation among adults, we cannot monitor every person's actions, nor can we promise that every person will behave appropriately at all times. However, our organisation is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable event experience for everyone, and this is only possible when we have your help and cooperation.
If you participate in our events, we ask you to respect the values below. Event participants, volunteers, staff, DJs, musicians, judges, teachers, and organizers etc. violating these values may be warned, sanctioned or expelled from the event without a refund, or banned from future events, at our discretion. If you have any questions or concerns leading up to the event, please contact safetyots@gmail.com.
If you would like to file an anonymous incident report, click here.
A note about partnered competitions
If you’d like to compete in a partnered division(s) but do not want to risk being randomly paired with someone who has caused you injury, made you feel unsafe or caused you trauma, please contact us at safetyots@gmail.com and we will put you and this person in different heats. You do not have to cite a reason, but you can if you want. Please do not abuse this system: it is explicitly not meant to be used to avoid being paired with a partner whose dancing you simply don't like. If you have thoughts on this change or ideas on how to improve it, please let us know!
Values
Have fun
Ask as many people as you’d like to dance! If they refuse, be gracious; it is their right to say no, and yours too!
Dancing can be a sensual activity, and flirtation can occur, on and off the dance floor. However, do not use our event as a pickup joint and be attentive to the reaction to your flirtation. Flirtation is a mutual, not one-sided activity. It’s your responsibility to not make others feel uncomfortable. Ask for and respect consent, always.
Take care of each other
We are dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable event experience for everyone regardless of their gender, age, sexual orientation, dis/ability, body size, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), nationality, dance skill level or dance role. We expect you to help.
We are specifically dedicated to fostering a community free from oppression, harassment, abuse, and violence. See the Protocol of intervention for concrete examples and definitions of problematic behaviour that go against our values.
Be attentive to your dance partner and their comfort, boundaries and safety. If you are not sure, ask them if they are ok. Apologise if you accidentally touch an area of the body that is private, sexual, or just totally out of the realm of legitimate holds or moves of the dance.
If someone tells you that you have hurt them, made them feel uncomfortable or that they are worried that something you are doing might hurt them or others, don’t take it badly. They are telling you something about their comfort level, which is different for everyone; they are not criticizing you as a person. They are telling you because they want you to fix it so they can keep dancing with you. So listen to them, apologize, thank them for letting you know and don’t do it again.
Be inclusive
Some people follow, some people lead and some people do both; keep that in mind and respect their choice.
Be aware that some people use gender neutral pronouns. If someone asks you to refer to them with specific pronouns, respect that and use those.
Be mindful of the language you use - at our events and on our online media - and how it might affect others. Everyone has different experiences that shape their relationship and reactions to language.
Be safe
Scented products can cause serious allergic reactions and respiratory distress. Please do not wear or use any scented products at our event.
Be attentive to people around you. Be mindful of how much space you have, if someone is behind you as you kick or rock-step, and where you are sending your dance partner. Apologise if you bump another person or step on someone’s foot on the dance floor. This is called floorcraft.
Never do aerials/acrobatics on the social dance floor. You can do them in jam circles if there is enough space, if you have the consent of your dance partner and if you have mastered them with a lot of practice with spotters beforehand.
Know yourself and your limits. You may not bring alcohol or drugs to our event. If you consume before coming to our dances, make sure you are not too intoxicated to dance in a way that is comfortable and safe for others. Providing alcohol to a minor is illegal (and often a form of harassment).
Reflect on yourself
Reflect on your behaviour, how it might affect others, and how you could improve in order to make the scene (and beyond) a safer place. Be open and receptive when someone tells you that they feel uncomfortable despite your best efforts. Everyone has a different level of comfort: listen to your dance partners and your fellow community members and respect their boundaries, identities and choices. Be the best person you can be.
Who to talk to
In order to foster a real culture change in our swing community (and beyond), the mutual commitment of all participants to introspection and solidarity in the face of problematic behaviour is essential. The SCI volunteers and committee are here to help.
Protocol of intervention
The SCI volunteers and committee will be using this Protocol of intervention to respond to any complaints we receive. We will treat these issues with the strictest confidentiality. We hope to create an event, community and culture in which everyone will feel safe enough to come forward, so we can keep incidents from being repeated and, eventually, from happening in the first place.
SCI people are available for discussion and reassurance, not just formal reports.
Don’t wonder if something is “serious enough” to come talk to us - if you are uncomfortable, please let us know. We’re here for you!