Code of Conduct

Purpose and Values

Swingin’ At The Savoy is an event to celebrate Lindy Hop & Jazz, the joy of the dance and the music, their heritage and history. It takes place every year in February to follow on in the footsteps of the tradition established by the Northern California Lindy Society (NCLS) with the Frankie Manning weekends. The event is open to dancers of all ages and promotes Lindy Hop & Jazz dance and music education, open-mindedness, playfulness, and creativity. Its goal is to help build and strengthen the Lindy Hop community.

Swingin’ At The Savoy is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable event experience for everyone. Therefore all attendees, instructors, staff, volunteers, and VIPs at the event are required to comply with the following code of conduct. Organizers will enforce this code throughout the event. We expect cooperation from all participants to help ensure a safe environment for everybody. We care.

Options for help

  • Find an organizer in person (during the event) via the registration desk.
  • Email .

Whatever means of communication you choose, the organizers will listen to you and work with you to determine the best course of action for the safety and well being of yourself and all other participants.

Declaration of safe space

Swingin’ At The Savoy is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable event experience for everyone, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion (or lack thereof). We do not tolerate harassment of event participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery in social situations is not appropriate for any event venue, including dances, workshops, lectures, competitions, Twitter, Facebook, and other online media. Event participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the event without a refund at the discretion of the conference organizers.

Welcome to All​

We welcome all dancers and lovers of music regardless of age, gender/gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, and religion.

Be your best Self

Be the best human you can be. Respect yourself, your dance partner, and those around you. If something does not feel right, speak up. Come to talk to staff.

Take Care of Yourself​

Be aware of your own boundaries and physical needs. Do not neglect your health, remember to sleep, wash your hands frequently, and remember to take your meds if applicable.

Be Respectful to Staff​

Be respectful to event staff, even if you are experiencing a personal frustration. Without the goodwill of these individuals, a smoothly functioning event is impossible.

It’s OK to say No

You are encouraged to dance with lots of different people but everyone has the right to say ‘no’ to a dance, no reason required. Be gracious if the answer is 'no'.

Connection

Connect with partners the way you would like to feel connection yourself. Do not squeeze, grab, push, or pull in a hurtful way. If they tell you it is not right for them, listen and respect them.

Unnacceptable Conduct

Verbal or physical misconduct is unacceptable and offenders may be banned permanently. This includes bullying, sexual harassment, or any other abuse.

Play Safe

No aerials on the social dance floor. Do not practice drops, lifts, or dips with partners who have not said they are comfortable with those movements.

Teaching is for Class

Do not correct others’ dancing unless you are specifically asked for feedback, even in class (exception: if something physically hurts, tell your partner so they know not to do it again).

Say Sorry

If you accidentally kick or hit someone while dancing, apologize. If you accidentally touch or graze someone’s private areas, apologize.

Be Mindful

Not everyone enjoys being dipped at the end of a song or being held very close while dancing. Everyone's boundaries are different, respect them.

Floorcraft

Both partners should take responsibility for protecting themselves and each other during the dance.

Be Polite

Smile and make occasional eye contact with your partner, but please don't stare; that can be uncomfortable.

Hygiene

Sweat a lot? Bring a spare shirt or two. Had onions or garlic for dinner? There are breath mints at the front desk.

Dress Appropriately

Fancy is not required but classy and comfortable are encouraged. Avoid wearing spike heels or shoes that easily fall off your feet.

Have Fun

We are all here to have fun. Enjoy yourself and do what you can to make the weekend fun for others.

No harassment. We mean it.

No forms of harassment will be tolerated. Harassment includes offensive verbal comments (related to gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, OR religion), sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of workshops or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the event organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender, expulsion from the event without refund, and/or expulsion from all future events.

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of event staff immediately, using one of the methods above.

Event staff will be happy to help participants contact the organizers, or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance and your safety.

We expect all participants to follow these rules at dance, workshop, and lecture venues.

PLEASE CONTACT SOMEONE IF YOU NEED HELP. BE SAFE, AND ENJOY SWINGIN' AT THE SAVOY!

Last updated: February 15, 2018