Community Code of Conduct
We’re so happy to have you as a part of our KC Swingout events! In order to preserve a safe and positive environment for our community, we ask that attendees follow some guidelines.
Ask verbally and clearly when you ask someone to dance.
A verbal “would you like to dance?” or ASL sign for dance (two fingers pointed down on the opposite open palm) is great!
It is always your choice whether or not to say yes, and remember that “no, thank you” is a full sentence. Remember that a no is not personal, and, on both sides, remember to be kind.
When you say “yes” to a dance, be sure to ask what role that person would be comfortable dancing for that song – we are a diverse community and many of us dance both lead and follow regardless of presentation!
Don’t give any dance advice or criticism on the social dance floor.
We strive to create a constructive and welcoming environment for dancers of all levels. Do not correct your partner.
An exception is when it is specifically and clearly asked for. In that case, consider using the 1:1 ration of saying a positive thing for each suggested improvement or otherwise being constructive.
Another exception is if your partner is causing you physical or emotional discomfort. Please speak up and let your partner know right away.
Appropriate touch/boundaries: Respect the physical and personal boundaries of everyone both on and off the dance floor. Realize it is possible to make others uncomfortable even without intending to and always ask for consent for any type of personal contact. Only a clear and verbal “yes” means “yes.”
Appropriate language: Racism, homophobia, misogyny, transphobia, ableism, or any type of offensive comments marginalizing others will not be tolerated and will be subject to similar action as in our sexual harassment clause.
Verbal, physical, and sexual harassment and assault will not be tolerated.
If you feel unsafe, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please notify the organizers immediately. We all need to be active participants in keeping our class and dance environments safe. It’s up to all of us to create a space where everyone feels comfortable and free to express themselves through this wonderful language of partner dance.
If there is a complaint of harassment, we will take action in the following ways:
On a first report, the accused individual will recieve a verbal notice and be asked to adjust their behavior. That report will be documented by the SCI Committee and Director of Safety.
On a second report, the accused individual will recieve both a verbal and written notice, will be asked to adjust their behavior and may be asked to leave the event. This will be added to the previous documentation.
In the case of a prolonged harassment issue or an assault, we may enforce a temporary ban from all Kansas City Swingout events. We will speak to both parties involved before making a final assessment. The result may be an agreed upon plan with the goal of slowly integrating the accused individual back into the scene, or the result may be a permanent ban of the accused individual.
At Kansas City Swingout we believe that everyone’s voice matters and everyone’s life matters. We believe it’s important to hear both sides of every story and to invest the time and effort needed to bring support, healing, and growth to each individual. While we believe in the power of conflict resolution, we also know that it isn’t possible for every situation. We will not tolerate assault of any kind in our place of dance. Safety will always be our Number One priority.
If you do notice or experience something that makes our spaces less safe, please reach out to us in any manner you feel safe: email, phone call, text, or in person. You can also use our Safety Report Form to anonymously reach out to us.
SCI Committee - sci.committee@627stomp.org
627 Stomp Executive Board - 627stomp@gmail.com
We believe that together, through respect and honest conversation, we can create a friendly, supportive, and safe environment for everyone.