Staying safe in our community
Here at Swing Riot Dunedin we’re all about experiencing the joy of dancing in a safe and positive community environment. To help us maintain our fun and playful atmosphere, we ask that everyone reads and follows this code of conduct – together we can build an amazing community of vintage and swing dance enthusiasts!
YOU are welcome.
All dancers and lovers of music are invited to be a part of our community regardless of age, (dis)ability, ethnicity, gender (or gender identity), physical appearance, religion or sexual orientation.
IT'S ALL ABOUT SAFETY AND RESPECT
The foundation of our community is built on all of us respecting every individual and the unique dynamic that they bring to our group. We take community wellbeing seriously and ask that you do too, following these guidelines:
Looking after our health
Partner dancing involves close contact with others, and looking after our health and that of others is of paramount importance.
Unwell? Stay at home!
If you have any cold or flu symptoms, however mild, stay at home, rest well, and we’ll see you at the next one.
Mask wearing
We strongly encourage you to wear a mask when dancing to protect yourself and those around you.
Stay vaccinated
We encourage you to keep up to date with your vaccinations and boosters for Covid-19 and the flu. You can find all the information you need here.
Keep informed
Write your contact details on our contact tracing register each month, and let us know if you test positive for Covid-19 within 48 hours of a class or event so we can keep the community informed.
Test before class
Consider taking a rapid antigen test (RAT) prior to class if you have one available to you.
Have an injury?
If you have an injury that might impact on your ability to dance certain moves then let your partner or teacher know before the dance begins, and never dance against medical advice.
Looking after each other
It’s ok to say no
Dance as much as you like, but no more than that. Be prepared to say “no, thank you” whenever you like, and be prepared for others to say “no, thank you” to you too!
Dance roles
Agree with your partner on roles before the dance begins (and whether this might involve switching). Don’t assume that someone is a leader or follower – anyone can dance either role, so take the time to ask your dance partner what their preference is.
Connection
Be mindful of the way you connect with your partner, and the kinds of moves you’re doing. Only dance close if you’re both comfortable doing so, and not everyone wants to be dipped.
Giving feedback
If you want feedback on your dancing, ask your dance partner before the dance begins. Never offer unsolicited feedback on your partner’s dancing, unless something is hurting you, or is dangerous. If you are in class, ask the teacher to come over and address something rather than offering your own feedback to your dance partner.
Floorcraft
Be mindful of those around you on the dance floor, especially in some of Dunedin’s small spaces! Say sorry if you accidentally kick or hit someone while dancing, even if it didn’t seem like your fault. Leave your aerials to jam circles and performances – they’re not for the social dance floor.
Unacceptable behaviour
We do not tolerate verbal or physical misconduct.
We may choose to ban someone permanently from classes and events if they engage in unacceptable behaviour.
Unacceptable behaviour includes: bullying, sexual harassment, intimidation, continual unsafe behaviour, persistent breaches of the code of conduct, or any other inappropriate, disruptive or unlawful behaviours.
What do I do if…?
If you witness any behaviour that seems abusive, disrespectful, harassing, suspicious, unsafe, or behaviour that makes you or someone else feel uncomfortable for any reason, then you can (and should) do something.
If possible, raise your concern with the person/people involved. If that’s not possible, or it needs reporting, tell someone. There are a number of ways to do this:
- Talk to your teacher. If the issue concerns your teacher and you want to talk to someone else, then please speak to a different teacher, or contact us via email.
- If you are at a social dance and can’t find a teacher, ask the person who was at the door when you arrived and they can point you to a teacher. Just ask: “Do you know where the teacher from my class is?”
- If you would prefer to write rather than talk, then email dunedin.swing@gmail.com – we’ll respond to your email as soon as we can and take it from there. There’s also a ‘contact us’ form on our website.
Although these situations are extremely rare in our community, we take your concerns seriously. We’ll always make time for you and carefully consider any action that needs to be taken.
Thanks for taking the time to read through this code of conduct.
If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact us, either via email, through the website, or by speaking with one of our teachers. If you’re new to our scene, you can also check out our helpful ‘Tips for new dancers’ info.
Together we’ll continue to build a dynamic and creative community of vintage and swing dance enthusiasts who keep each other safe, even as we strive for all possible fun and creative potential. We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor soon!
