STEPS – SAFETY, TRUST, ENGAGEMENT, PREVENTION, SUPPORT
We believe that the swing dance world is already welcoming, supportive (and awesome!) and that instances of inappropriate behaviour are rare. Our Code of Conduct is designed to acknowledge that we all have a responsibility to build safety into events, and to contribute to the well being of the whole community. We love to dance, and we want you to love it too.
Guidelines for Being Good People
The following guidelines apply to EVERYONE attending a Queen’s Swing Dance Club (QSDC) event, including members of staff, volunteers and visiting teachers:
- We will be NICE to everyone and treat all people with respect. We will not harass anyone. We will not discriminate according to sex, gender expression or sexual orientation, nor race, religion, or nationality. We will treat everyone equally, regardless of age, ability, physical appearance, lifestyle, dance experience, or dance role.
- We will be INCLUSIVE and invite others to dance, and we will be gracious if turned down. We may say no without giving a reason, but we will be polite when doing so.
- We will be RESPONSIBLE for our own physical safety and that of others nearby. We will practice safe floor-craft and say sorry if we accidentally bump another person. We will not offer unsolicited advice or instruction, nor will we perform aerials on the social floor. If we consume alcohol we will do so responsibly, and if we are drunk enough to pose a risk to ourselves or others, we will leave the dance floor. If we show up inebriated, we understand that we may be turned away.
- We will take CARE of our own personal hygiene, and bring towels, spare clothing and extra deodorant if necessary. We will be considerate when choosing our clothing, footwear, and accessories and not we will not wear anything that is potentially hazardous to ourselves or to others. We will care for our own health and the health of others by not attending a dance class and social while sick or experiencing symptoms. The QSDC will refund any missed classes for reasons related to illness.
- We will be RESPECTFUL and acknowledge that the personal boundaries of others may not be the same as our own. We will be mindful of the appropriateness of language that some may find offensive. We will not touch anyone without consent and we will apologise immediately if we unintentionally touch a person’s private areas. We will be respectful of a person’s choice to wear a mask.
- We will UNDERSTAND that following the above guidelines ensures a better experience for everyone and that participating in any kind of verbal, physical or sexual abuse will have consequences. This may include, but is not limited to, being asked to leave without refund and exclusion from future events and lessons.
7. We, the organisers, PROMISE to treat any reports made, from dancers in our home scenes or elsewhere, with sensitivity and to keep all details as confidential as is possible (however, in the event of a police investigation, all information will become disclosable).
*We encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed intimidating or inappropriate behaviour to tell a member of the executive team, or Swing Ambassador.
At Queen’s Swing Dance Club your suggested points of contact are:
| Allyson Smith | Amy Parks | Greg Hicks |
If you prefer to talk in person, or would prefer to speak to another member of staff, you are welcome to do so at any event throughout the year.
The organizers of Queens Swing can be contacted at queenssdc@clubs.queensu.ca if you prefer not to speak in person. You can have someone speak to or contact us on your behalf.
If you’d rather speak to someone outside of our immediate group, all of the people listed here are ready to listen. Swing Ambassadors and the executive team are available for discussion and reassurance, not just formal reports – please do tell us about your concerns, even small ones – we’re here for you!
Queen’s Swing Dance will happily provide support to anyone experiencing problematic behaviours in the Swing dance scene, not just our own dancers and students.
Event Guidelines
If you are attending an event, be sure to read our Event Guidelines.