Swing in Bloom is a fun and friendly event where everyone can learn, dance, and have a great time. This code of conduct outlines how we can work together to keep everyone safe and comfortable. It helps explain our expectations for how to behave and what to do if you experience or see unacceptable behaviour.
This code of conduct applies to everyone that attends Swing in Bloom including the event organizers, teaching staff, volunteers, and attendees.
How to Behave
- Foster a safe and inclusive environment. Everyone is welcome no matter their gender, race, sexual orientation, relationship status, ability, age, body, faith, or profession. Swing in Bloom has zero tolerance for threats or harassment. If you do not respect this rule, you may be asked to leave without compensation or refund.
- In workshops, you may be asked to rotate through a variety of partners. If you feel uncomfortable with a specific partner you may step out of the rotation, however, it is expected that you will not discriminate based on age, background, gender, or other protected grounds.
- Be aware of others on the dance floor. If you bump into someone, apologize. If you hurt someone, apologize and figure out what to do differently next time.
Respect boundaries. Always ask for consent. If you aren’t sure, ask. If someone asks you to stop, stop. Just because Bert did a dip with Ernie doesn’t mean that he wants to do it with you. - Speak respectfully. Anyone can ask anyone to dance. Anyone can say “no” to anyone for any reason.
- Advocate for your needs. Tell your partner, a friend, or a member of the Safety Committee if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. You are allowed to ask for adjustments or to leave a dance before the song ends.
- Don’t teach on the dance floor. Do not offer unsolicited feedback on anyone’s dancing.
- Consume responsibly. Alcohol and other substances may impair your ability to dance safely. Be mindful of your limits and speak to a member of the Safety Committee if you need support. Consume your own alcohol only in a hotel room and not in public spaces such as the ballroom, bathrooms, or hallways.
What To Do If You See Unacceptable Behaviour
If you experience unsafe or unacceptable behaviour, speak to the Safety Committee immediately.
If you witness behaviour and you’re not sure if someone is okay, ask them. You can also speak to the Safety Committee about what you saw.
Please email our Safety Committee at safety@swinginbloom.ca . You can also fill out our form [link].
During the event, speak to any of the Safety Committee members in person. If you can’t find anyone, ask any Swing in Bloom staff, at the registration desk, or at the DJ booth. We promise to listen to your concerns and to take you seriously. We promise to keep your concerns confidential and to treat you with respect.
Consequences of Unacceptable Behaviour
The Safety Committee will speak to those involved to determine what happened. Then, they will decide what to do depending on the severity of the unacceptable behaviour. This can range from a verbal warning to immediately being removed from Swing in Bloom without compensation or reimbursement.
