About

Code of Conduct adapted from Sundown Blues

Effective date: July 20, 2018

Dance the Blues is dedicated to providing a harassment-free and safe social dance experience for everyone regardless of dance ability, dance background, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion or any other characteristic or trait. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Individuals violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the venue at the discretion of the host(s).

Dance the Blues supports the idea that dance roles (lead and follow) are not tied to gender. We encourage all dancers to dance their preferred role. We encourage all dancers to avoid assumptions regarding dance roles and to check in with their partners about their preferred role.

Harassment includes verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination related to any of the above listed characteristics or traits, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. When asked to stop any harassing behavior participants are expected to comply immediately.

While there is always some risk associated with any physical activity, we are committed to preventing injuries before they happen. Unsafe dancing is any movement that puts anyone at an increased risk of physical injury. This includes, but is not limited to, yanking or jerking your partner around or unnecessarily forceful movement when leading or following (risk of shoulder, arm, and upper-back injuries), bending over your partner during a dip when leading (risk of lower back injuries), sudden weight sharing when following (don’t dip yourself), or any lift where both of your partner’s feet go above your knees. If you are unsure what constitutes unsafe dancing, please ask the host or any instructor.

If a participant engages in harassing or unsafe behavior, the event host(s) may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the event with no refund. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact the host(s) immediately. Contact the front desk volunteer or any of the instructors or DJs if you need assistance locating the host(s).

Event host(s) will be happy to help participants resolve the situation, provide escorts, contact local law enforcement or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event.

What is a Complaint/ Situation?
Complaints are any problems which cannot be resolved by communicating directly with the people involved by setting firm boundaries both verbally or physically where necessary and adhering to accepted social dance etiquette (as outlined in our code of conduct). If you feel unable to address the situation directly in this way, please talk to an event organiser. We recommend you talk to an event organiser as soon as possible and to give as much detail as possible when making your complaint. If you are unable to speak to an organiser during the event, please contact the Dance the Blues team (info@dancetheblues.com.au)

How does Dance the Blues handle complaints:
Complaints are handled using an escalation policy. There are three stages:

First Offence

Discussing the problem with the accused, making sure that he or she understands what behaviour is unacceptable. Inform the accused that he or she is on probation and any further complaints or repeat offence will result in suspension

Second Offence

Ejection from Dance the Blues events for the day after a detailed discussion of the issues with the accused and signing a statement acknowledging disciplinary action.

Third Offense

Ejection from Dance the Blues events and offender will no longer be welcome to attend any Dance the Blues events and signing a statement acknowledging disciplinary action.

What is a Serious Offence:
We at Dance the Blues, encourage a safe, respectful and supportive community, and although Serious Offences are rare, we believe it is important to have a policy in place to address serious incidents. Serious Offences include, but are not limited to:

Sexually Predatory Behaviour

Intentional aggression inappropriate sexual touching outside the normal bounds of mutual flirtation or other interaction socially accepted by the community.

Physically Harmful Behaviour

Intentionally harmful actions, or actions done with reckless disregard for the safety of others, resulting in bodily harm.

How does Dance the Blues handle serious offences?
If A serious offence occurs, you must file a formal complaint either verbally or in writing with a Dance the Blues organiser or the Police. You should bring any serious offences to our attention immediately. The earlier that you give us information, the more details and accurate it will be. The more information that you can give us, the more swiftly and clearly we will be able to act. An organiser will help you fill out a complaint form with as much details as possible to that the appropriate actions can be taken to address the issue. Serious offences may result in immediate ejection from the event and all future Dance the Blues activities without further notice or refund.

We appreciate your assistance in keeping our events and venues safe for everyone. Please report any concerns or violations of this code of conduct to Brian Stewart (info@dancetheblues.com.au), any other Dance the Blues Instructor or anonymously through the feedback form http://goo.gl/forms/CJRqlgVsBo.