Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

Swing in Utrecht is working towards creating a safe, open and welcoming space and community. To ensure Swing in Utrecht reaches this goal, we’ve made this document that people at our events, whether they be participants, guests, organizers, teachers or crew members, are required to comply with. Everyone is welcome at our events regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, physical appearance, religion, political view, age, dance skill level or dance role. However, we do not tolerate the intolerant.

N.B. This document is changing as we learn more and develop our policies in building a safer space. 

Last update: 27 October 2024

What we would love you to do

• Be kind and respectful to everyone around you, no matter their race, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, physical appearance, dance experience, role or other characteristics. 
• Respect the boundaries of others. Boundaries differ from person to person, so communicate as clearly and empathically as possible. Either in the situation where you feel uncomfortable with another person, or when you see someone else is uncomfortable with you. In the latter case, stop what you’re doing and apologize. 
• If you’re not sure, ask. Ask the person you’re dancing with, other people, or even volunteers and organizers.

Harassment

Harassment includes: 

• offensive verbal comments related to gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, religion, race, etc., 
• deliberate intimidation, 
• stalking or following, 
• harassing photography or video recording, 
• sustained disruption of classes, workshops, socials or other events, 
• inappropriate physical contact and unwelcome sexual attention.

Anyone engaging in this type of behavior will be asked to stop and expected to comply immediately. Organizers may take action when they observe or get informed about inappropriate behavior. Event participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the event without a refund at the discretion of the organizers. If necessary, we will inform the local authorities.

Unrespectful behaviour & uncomfortable situations 

There might be other situations in which a person might not feel safe or comfortable because of the behavior of somebody else. 

While this behavior might not be what we define as harassment, that does not necessarily mean the behavior is acceptable. We aim to create a welcoming and safe space. This means that behavior that doesn’t align with this goal is not supported.

On these occasions, we have to judge on a case by case basis in how we handle it, according to the process detailed below. 

Process

Anyone experiencing or seeing harassing behavior or unsafe situations can come talk to the organizers of the event, a member of the safer spaces/care team (if present for the event), or a board member. They will listen to the story and will decide together with the person how to approach the situation. The conversation will be confidential, unless both parties agree that another person should be involved or action should be taken. This decision is always made in agreement. 

We are working on structuring this process more and have a trained care team. 

Health

We ask you to please refrain from coming to our events or classes if you have cold or flu-like symptoms, or other symptoms from infectious diseases. Swing dancing will mean you will get in close contact with other people making anything contagious spread like wildfire. As always, frequently washing your hands also helps to prevent the spread of viruses.

If you see something, say something!

• If you are being harassed, if you notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please make sure the person that was made to feel uncomfortable is safe and okay. 
• If you feel safe doing so, address the person that behaved inappropriately to make them aware that what they did was problematic, and inform an organizer. 
• If you don’t feel safe directly addressing the issue, seek help from a member of the organization. A volunteer can guide you to a board member if necessary. We will always listen and assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe during our event and help with notifying the authorities if necessary. 

We are aware that it is not always easy to speak up, but if you feel the strength in you, it will help us create a safer environment for all of us.

Suggestions to help you on the dance floor

• There’s no rules on which gender or which role can ask others for a. You can always ask anyone to dance. Ask them politely with words. 
• Swing in Utrecht aims to have an open community in which everyone feels welcome. This means that we’re happy to ask new people to dance. They might be too shy to ask, but you can help introduce them to what a social should feel like: lots of fun!
• Everyone can say ‘no’ to a dance, without having to further explain themselves. If you say ‘no’, be sure to do it politely. There’s many reasons people say ‘no’, so don’t take it personally. They could have a hurt leg, need a break, don’t like a song, or perhaps they’re just not feeling it. 
• During the dance, connect in a way that feels both comfortable to you and your partner. If your partner uses a hurtful connection, please let them know politely as they may not be aware of that. 
• Avoid unsolicited feedback. Do not correct other people’s dancing, unless you were asked for feedback. You can always ask if someone wants feedback or tips, but respect the other person if they say ‘no’. However, if someone is dancing in such a way that it hurts or makes you feel uncomfortable, make sure that you communicate this with your partner in a constructive manner. 
• Floorcraft: Be mindful of people dancing around you and the space you have. Keep your eyes open on the dance floor and try not to bump into others around you. If you accidentally kick someone, apologize and check if they’re okay, even if that means stopping dancing for a moment. Avoid dancing big, especially when the available space doesn’t allow that. 
• Aerials, lifts and drops are great in a jam session or competition but should not be carried out on a social dance floor. Also make sure that your partner is on board with these moves. Your partner may have an injury that you’re unaware of and even dipping a partner might hurt them.
• If you are no longer in control of your own movements, please take a rest and ask for help if needed. Please refrain from excessive drinking or use of other substances as it can be dangerous on the dance floor.
• Be considerate with your personal hygiene. Everyone gets sweaty from dancing a lot, but that still means you have to try to present yourself as best as you can. For example, think of using deodorant and breath mints, bringing extra shirts, and having a shower just before a dance. Other helpful tactics might be a small towel, a hand fan and taking breaks. At big events usually mints and deodorant are available near the bathrooms.  On the other hand some people might be sensitive to excessive perfume smells, so try to be considerate of that as well.  
• Be considerate when choosing your clothing, footwear, and accessories and try not to wear anything that is potentially hazardous to yourself or to others.
• Do you enjoy the dance, think of letting your dance partner know. For example, you can smile, have some eye contact, or show your joy in another way that is comfortable for you. Use moderation – constant eye contact can feel creepy. 
• During live events: Please show the musicians a warm welcome when they enter the stage and don’t forget to clap and cheer for them between songs. Usually for the last couple songs we like to gather near the stage, feel free to join/create the crowd and have fun together!