Oxford
Swing Dance is dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable 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 organisers.
STEPS Code
of Conduct
(modified from
https://safetyinswingdance.com/)
STEPS Code – Safety, Trust, Engagement,
Prevention, Support
(Safety in Swing Dance and the ‘STEPS’
code take strides to be there for anyone in need!)
We believe that the swing dance world is
already welcoming, supportive (and fantastic!) 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 good people guidelines apply to
EVERYONE attending a STEPS Code event, including members of staff, volunteers
and visiting teachers:
1. 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 nor sexual orientation, nor race religion, nor nationality. We will treat everyone equally, regardless of age, ability, physical appearance, lifestyle, dance experience or dance role.
2. We will be INCLUSIVE and invite
others to dance, and we will be gracious if turned down. We will ask people of
all levels to dance because we can all learn from each other and thereby
improve the overall standard of dance in our community. We may say no when
asked to dance, but we will be polite when doing so and if we promise to dance
later on, we will honour that promise.
3. 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 advice
or instruction unless asked to do so, nor 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 and retire to
the bar.
4. 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 will
not wear anything that is potentially hazardous to ourselves or to others.
5. 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 or comments that some may find
offensive. We will not touch anyone inappropriately and we will apologise immediately if we touch a person in a way
that makes them feel uncomfortable. We will be
aware that someone’s perception of what may be offensive could be different to
our own.
6. We 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.
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.
Thankfully any such infringements are extremely
rare and that by adhering to the above principles we endeavour to ensure a safer, friendly
and enjoyable experience for all. We encourage anyone who has experienced or
witnessed intimidating or inappropriate behaviour to tell an organiser.
At Oxford Swing Dance your suggested points
of contact (Safety People) are: Pam (Mon & Wed), Jacqui (Mon
only), Tamsin
(Wed only).
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 time.
Safety People 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!
