Safe Spaces Policy

Core Values:

JiveSwing is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable dance experience for everyone and everyone who attends our events. We want all participants at our classes, workshops and events to feel welcomed and comfortable and endeavour to foster an atmosphere where people want to talk and dance with any participant, not just those within their immediate social circle. We are dedicated to ensuring that event participants’ dancing experience (or lack of) is not a barrier and that beginners feel encouraged and valued by our more experienced dancers and teachers.

All attendees, instructors, staff, and volunteers at any JiveSwing event are required to comply with our code of conduct.  JiveSwing will enforce this code throughout any event. We expect cooperation from all participants to help ensure a safe environment for everybody.

Code of Conduct:

JiveSwing welcomes everyone regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion.  We pride ourselves on having the most welcoming, friendly and inclusive community.

We do not tolerate harassment of event participants in any form. Event participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the event without a refund at the discretion of the organisers.

Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of workshops or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

Participants asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.

If a participant engages in harassing behaviour, the event organisers 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 a member of event staff immediately. Event staff can be found at any venue.

Dance is for Everyone:

We encourage all dancers to have the choice of leading, following or both. The choice is completely left up to the individual. You may want to clarify with someone which role they would like to take when you ask them to dance as many dancers enjoy both leading and following and would be happy to take either role.

 

Always respect personal boundaries. Partner dancing can involve close contact with others, and we must respect each other’s personal space.

Each individual has the right to decide when, how, and with whom they want to dance. You can say yes or no when asked to dance, without owing anyone an explanation. You are allowed to change your mind mid dance.   Should a person turn you down when asking them for a dance, accept the refusal graciously. There are many reasons why someone may refuse a dance. If someone tells you that you are making them feel uncomfortable, respect their requirement for space.

Dancing Safely:

Be considerate of other dancers on the dance floor. Air steps or aerials are welcome in jam circles, competition or performance where there is sufficient space to safely complete the figure without injuring yourselves or others in immediate surroundings. Aerials should only be performed with dance partners who you know are comfortable with performing that particular airsteps you intend to complete.

At events where alcohol is permitted, please drink sensibly and in moderation. Drinking too much will not be accepted as an excuse for behaving inappropriately. Do not drive under the influence. Event or venue managers are happy to call you a taxi if required.

Finally, we ask you to be mindful of hygiene and regularly use the hand sanitiser at our venues. Please be aware some participants may have allergies so ensure you take care to wash your hands after eating and before dancing.

If you are feeling unwell, we would ask that you do not attend an event to reduce the risk of spreading infection(s).

It is absolutely critical that all participants feel respected and safe at our events. If you are injured and require medical attention or if you feel unsafe or threatened and would like to make the organisers aware of inappropriate behaviour, please speak to the event manager(s) immediately.  At most of our events this will be Clair Barnes & Charlotte Middlemiss.  We value your attendance and your safety.

If you would like to make a complaint or pursue a concern, please contact admin@jiveswing.com or 07946 396 777. We will treat these issues with the strictest confidence and by coming forward you may prevent future incidents from occurring. If the incident has occurred outside of the event please speak to us, even if you are unsure as to whether it is relevant.

Complaints of inappropriate behaviour or harassment will be followed up (either immediately, or at a later time, depending on the nature of the complaint) in consultation with the complainant. Actions we may take include (but are not limited to):

  •       speaking to the accused about their behaviour,
  •       asking them to leave the event,
  •       banning them from all future JiveSwing classes/events,
  •       reporting the incident to the police.

Please be aware that while we will deal with all complaints sensitively and confidentially, we are not trained counsellors. Where there is an issue outside of our scope of expertise, we will make you aware of relevant organisations who can help you.

JiveSwing is dedicated to continually improving and monitoring our code of conduct & safe space policies as part of our community.

Clair Barnes

Charlotte Middlemiss

© Jiveswing.com | Website Design & Maintenance - LucyStandbridge.co.uk | Most Professional Images - Steve Merchant Photography | Other Graphic Illustrations - Becky Wood & Collected Objects Ltd