Safe Spaces

Swing Into Spring Code of Conduct*
The mission of Swing Into Spring is to provide a workshop event that is accessible, safe, welcoming, and fun. To do so, we rely on participants to help foster an environment that promotes safety, respect, and consent. This Code of Conduct is intended to further that mission, and all participants are expected to abide by it. It is subject to updating at any point during the event.
 
  • First of foremost, at all times be courteous and respectful to everyone. This is regardless of, but not limited to, dance skill, body shape, race, age, ethnic background, disability, gender identity, religious beliefs (or lack thereof), sexual orientation, education level, political beliefs, relationship status, etc.
  • If anyone associated with the event makes you feel uncomfortable, harassed, unsafe, or abused, please let a Safe Space Coordinator know.
    • There are two Safe Spaces Coordinators who will be available throughout the weekend.
    • Each Safe Space Coordinator can be reached at
    • If, for some reason, you cannot reach a Safe Spaces Coordinator, or would rather speak directly to an organizer, please find the Floor Captain.
  • All information received by Safe Space Coordinators or Event Organizers will be treated as strictly confidential
    • If a crime occurs, or where required by law, the appropriate authorities will be contacted
    • If an incident occurs that results in the dismissal of a participant, especially if that person is banned from future Palmetto Swing Dance Assocation events, the Safe Spaces Coordinators will have to let the PSDA Board know, but will take all steps necessary to protect the anonymity of the reporter
  • The Safe Space Coordinators and the Event Organizers act with the authority of the Board, and reserve the right to take any action that they deem necessary - at their own discretion – to maintain a safe environment.
    • Every reasonable attempt will be made to mediate the situation, unless a crime is taking place or someone is in immediate danger
    • Actions that can be taken include, but are not limited to, warnings (verbal or written), dismissing an individual from a class/dance for a day, dismissing an individual for the remainder of the event, banning an individual from all future PSDA-sponsored events.
Appropriate Behavior Includes**
  • Practicing good floor craft to maintain awareness of you (and your dance partner’s) surroundings and movements to avoid collisions and injuries         
    • This includes apologizing (even if not at fault) if an accident does occur
  • Respecting the boundaries of other event participants
  • Making your personal boundaries known when appropriate and necessary
  • Apologizing if you become aware that you made someone feel uncomfortable, even if unintentionally
  • Asking partners to dance in an appropriate manner.
  • Respecting every participant’s right to say “no” to any dance at any time, even during a dance.
Inappropriate Behaviors Includes**
  • Dancing without regard to those around you
  • Giving unsolicited advice about others’ dancing, unless someone is in danger
  • Attempting aerials, air steps, unsupported dips, or any other risky dance move on the social dance floor
  • Arriving at an event intoxicated to the point that you cannot control your actions
    • ALL of Swing Into Spring’s venue are alcohol-free venues
  • Harassing, insulting, stalking, threatening another participant
  • Failing to respect boundaries that have been set verbally or non-verbally
  • Wearing clothing with insulting, demeaning, racist, or sexist language or slogans
  • Failing to comply with any venue or SC state laws (relevant laws can be found here.)
 
 
 
 
*PSDA thanks the School of Hard Knox for generously allowing us to adapt from their Code of Conduct
**Neither of these lists is intended to provide every possible example of Appropriate/Inappropriate Behavior
​dance floor.