SAFETY & RESPECT
PLEASE READ AND ABIDE BY THIS POLICY.
LAST REVISED: 05-28-2024
GPSDC July 4th Convention Code of Conduct
The Greater Phoenix Swing Dance Club (GPSDC) is proud to sponsor the July 4th Swing Dance Convention, and share our love of swing dancing with dancers of all races, ethnicities, religions, sexual preferences/orientation/gender identities, disabilities/abilities and ages. We welcome the wonderful diversity of our swing dance community and desire everyone to be included and to feel welcome at the event.
Any type of verbal or physical harassment or assault, discrimination, gross un‐sportsmanship or discourteous behavior will not be tolerated. Harassment includes, but is not limited to: offensive verbal comments or physical actions related to gender, sexual orientation, ability, age, ability, physical
appearance, body size, race, religion; intimidation, stalking, following, disruption of dance or social settings; and / or any unwanted sexual attention or physical contact.
All attendees are required to be respectful of others, both socially and on the dance floor. Apologize for minor mishaps on the dance floor. Do not do dance moves that could result in injury to your partner or to others. Causing physical harm to a dance partner is not acceptable. Remember that someone maybe
have injuries (or recovering) injuries or disabilities/limitations that may not be seen or known that may limit their movements or ability to do certain moves. Do not critique / criticize or try to teach someone on the social dance floor, unless they have asked for your advice.
All attendees must respect others’ boundaries. Do not invade someone’s personal space (on the floor or off the floor), do not incorporate overly ‘flirty’ or moves/movements that could be interpreted as sexually aggressive moves or sexual touching in your dancing.
Be gracious in accepting a ‘No, thank you’ replies to your offer to dance or if someone withdraws from you in a social setting. Everyone has the right to dance or not dance (for whatever reason) with everyone else at any time. Remember, “No” means “No”; no exceptions are tolerable.
Respecting others and creating a comfortable environment extends beyond the dance floor to all social settings and social media; before, during and after the event.
If anyone witnesses, or is a victim of, any such activities or behavior, please contact Jim Tigges Chief Judge and Compliance Officer, or contact the GPSDC Event Directors. Ideally, complaints should be documented in a written report. Any issues will be investigated and a variety of resolutions may be made. If a report is requested to be confidential, the offending party will not be contacted and there would be no resolution. Violators are subject to removal from the event and to being denied entry at future events. Violators maybe reported to other Events. Legal authorities may be contacted if a situation warrants such an extreme measure.
Everyone can dance their best when they feel comfortable, safe and respected. We appreciate your support and efforts in making the Event a safe, relaxing and fun experience for all attendees!
Greater Phoenix Swing Dance Club, Organizer. Contact Us
The Greater Phoenix Swing Dance Club (GPSDC) is proud to sponsor the July 4th Swing Dance Convention, and share our love of swing dancing with dancers of all races, ethnicities, religions, sexual preferences/orientation and ages. We welcome the diversity of our swing dance community and desire everyone to be included and to feel welcome at the event.
Any type of verbal or physical harassment or assault, discrimination, gross un-sportsmanship or discourteous behavior will not be tolerated. If anyone witnesses, or is a victim of, any such activities or behavior, please contact Jim Tigges Chief Judge and Conduct Compliance Officer, or contact a staff member.
We wish everyone a fun and enjoyable weekend!
This code of conduct describes:
• How we can share the responsibility to make the event fun while also keeping all of us safe.
• What behaviors are considered okay and what behaviors are not.
• What options are available for dancers if someone’s behavior is unacceptable or not safe for those around them.
• What the organizer will do to support a safe environment for attendees.
Be respectful of those around you on the dance floor. If you bump into someone, apologize. If you hurt someone, apologize, and try to figure out how you can keep it from happening again. This might mean not dancing with them again or talking to a staff member.
Respect other people’s boundaries. We support everyone’s right to say “no” and/or “stop”. Dancers can do some pretty crazy things, 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 even 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. 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.
Ask, and respond, respectfully. People around here usually happily 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.
Please do not engage in any illegal behavior during our event, including, but not limited to, use of recreational drugs, giving alcohol to minors and stealing.
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.
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, please contact event staff for help. You can find staff, or you can directly text or call the event organizer listed below. 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 venue and event are not acceptable from any member of our community: attendees, teachers, judges, performers, volunteers 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
• 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.
Greater Phoenix Swing Dance Club, Organizer. Contact Us
Sources: Dance Jam Productions Code of Conduct / Swingesota Workshop Weekend Code of Conduct / Wild Wild Westie Code of Conduct