Code of conduct

We consider that it is the responsibility of all of us, attendees and staff, to maintain a safe, respectful, inclusive, and welcoming environment for everyone. At any given time, we could all be called upon to address a situation that may arise, either to ourselves or to someone else, with empathy and respect for all parties. As a community, we can intervene to de-escalate an open conflict. For any situation that requires further assistance (in case of uncertainty, harassment or harm), please contact us by email: saferspace@catscorner.ca

Statement of intent

Cat’s Corner aims to create a safer space for everyone, both in our studio and in the wider Swing and Blues dance communities. We are a part of a wonderful community of people who connect through a shared love of Jazz and Blues music and dance. We celebrate the many positive relationships, experiences, and successes that have been created at our events. However, we recognize that these social dances take place within a broader societal context and that issues of power, privilege, and oppression also exist in our community.

This Code of Conduct applies to everyone without exception: class and event attendees, volunteers, teachers, coordinators, directors, and board members.

Harassment and violence

Abusive, aggressive, violent or harassing behavior is not acceptable. If we are made aware of any unacceptable behavior, we will ask you to leave the studio, and we may prohibit your return at our own discretion. We understand that you may offend someone unintentionally, and we remind dancers that they are nonetheless responsible for their own behaviour.

Harassment is defined as:

• Acts, gestures or speech that are repeated and undesired;

• By their nature, can harm the moral, physical or psychological integrity of a person.

• One serious action can also constitute harassment if it has a significant negative impact on the person.

Sexual harassment can take many forms, such as the following:

• Unwanted physical contact, such as sexual touching, pinching, tapping, rubbing;

• Inappropriate comments of a sexual nature, comments about the body of a person or about their appearance, jokes that demean the sexual identity or orientation of the person;

• Unwanted solicitation of sexual favours;

• Intrusive personal questions;

• Lustful stares, especially directed at private areas;

• Whistling.

Code of conduct

Cat’s Corner is open to everyone, regardless of sex, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, physical appearance, ability, age, or any other aspect of identity. We ask you to show the same respect to every member of the Cat’s Corner community and visitors, regardless of their skill level or their involvement within the dance community.

During a dance, make sure that your partner is comfortable with the connection, the movements, and the position of close embrace. Ask for verbal consent.

Aerials and drops (where one person takes the weight of another) are not appropriate for social dancing. They are permitted during jam circles and specific competitions. Make sure that you have already practiced these moves with your partner and that you have their consent before executing them.

During a dance, if you feel uncomfortable (whether the discomfort is physical, psychological, or due to an injury), do not hesitate to inform your dance partner. If needed, do not hesitate to stop the dance. You are also allowed to refuse to dance with anyone. You may explain why, but you do not have to.

Everyone has the choice to decline a dance without having to explain why, no matter what the reason is. If someone has declined to dance with you, do not take it personally and make sure to respect the other person’s decision.

Make sure to choose a spot on the dance floor where there is sufficient space to dance. Both partners should take responsibility for their own security. By paying attention to your surroundings, you can avoid injuring yourself or others. If you accidentally kick or collide with someone, please apologize and make sure the other person is okay.

Pay attention to your personal hygiene before coming to the studio. It is recommended to shower before coming, wear deodorant, brush your teeth, and bring a change of clothes.

Do not correct others’ dancing unless you were specifically asked for feedback or if their dancing may cause an injury. If you are in a situation where you are giving someone feedback, please tell them in a way that is respectful and constructive.

Alcohol policy

We reserve the right to refuse access to the studio or to ask someone to leave the premises. We will enforce this rule when someone is visibly under the influence of alcohol, drugs, causing discomfort to the members of the community, or any other reason at our discretion. This is in order to prevent any disruption to the studio’s activities.

Resources

We understand that disclosing an uncomfortable situation or a complaint can be challenging, and we do not wish to place responsibility for the creation of a safe space on those who have already had negative experiences. Those that do choose to bring up a concern to Cat’s Corner’s leadership have the right to be heard, to be believed, and to have their privacy respected. Whenever possible, we will provide options of whether, where and how their disclosure is shared, and to have choices of what, if any, action is taken. We may override this choice when it is required for legal reasons or to protect someone from immediate harm. The leadership at Cat’s Corner is also available for conversations about situations that are unclear, may or may not be inappropriate, are ambiguous, or are difficult to understand.

What you can do if you have a negative experience at Cat’s Corner?

1.  Talk to the person to ask them to stop that behaviour.

2. Ask for support from a friend, a witness, a member of the Safer Space Committee (see below), a volunteer, or a staff member.

3. Share your experience with the Safer Space Committee or by email at: saferspace@catscorner.ca

For any questions, comments, suggestions, or complaints, please talk to a Cat’s Corner representative or by email to saferspace@catscorner.ca.

Cat’s Corner’s safer space structure is now supported by a Policy of to prevent and counter harassment and incivility and a Privacy Policy. We respect and believe in shared accountability, support for conflict resolution, empowerment, and confidentiality. We want to celebrate healthy interactions while also acknowledging time limits and personal boundaries, including those of our staff and Safer Space Committee. We encourage each person that is part of the community or that participates in our activities to carefully read the following documents.