Code of Conduct / Safety Policy

1 - Purpose & Scope
Key Town Swing (KTS) is committed to a welcoming, safe, and joyful environment at all our activities: classes, socials, workshops, practices, and performances. This policy applies to everyone present (students, teachers, staff, volunteers, DJs/musicians, vendors, and visitors).

2 - Our Culture & Heritage
We honour Lindy Hop’s roots as a Black American vernacular social dance: improvisational, music-led, and community-centred. Creativity, play, and mutual respect are essential in classes and on the social floor.

3 - Respect, Inclusion & Consent
Inclusion: Discrimination, harassment, bullying, or hate speech are not tolerated—verbal, physical, visual, or online.
Consent: All close connection choices (close embrace, dips, leans, weight sharing, lifts) require explicit, ongoing consent.
Invites: Ask politely; accept “no” or “not now” without pressure.
Feedback: Avoid unsolicited corrections during social dancing; safety concerns are the exception.

4 - Roles, Rotation & Learning Norms
Roles aren’t gendered. Dance as leader, follower, or both.
Partner rotation is standard in KTS classes (after a short acclimation period). Rotation improves adaptability, connection skills, and group cohesion.
In-class feedback comes from instructors; peers focus on collaboration unless safety is at issue.

5 - Floorcraft & Physical Safety
Aerials & big tricks: Not on social floors. Save them for supervised practice, jams, or performances with space and partner consent.
Spatial awareness: Adjust movement to floor density; protect your partner and neighbours; apologise and check in after collisions.
Controlled movement: Avoid abrupt or forceful moves that risk injury.
Footwear & floors: Wear secure, smooth-soled shoes; follow venue rules.
Health & hygiene: Fresh clothing and breath care help everyone enjoy dancing; stay home if unwell.

6 - Social Events
KTS socials are inclusive, beginner-friendly dance events focused on improvisation, musicality, and connection. We expect everyone to help create a welcoming atmosphere. Jam circles may occur; participation is optional.

7 - Alcohol & Substances
Be responsible. If impaired, refrain from dancing. Illegal drug use is not permitted. We may remove or refuse entry if safety is compromised.

8 - Photography, Video & Privacy
By attending Key Town Swing classes, workshops, or events, you consent to the possibility of being photographed or recorded for promotional and archival purposes. If you prefer not to appear in such media, please inform us in advance or upon arrival so we can take reasonable steps to accommodate your request. While we will always respect opt-outs, we cannot guarantee that third parties (e.g. other participants) will not capture or share images or video. Guests and attendees should respect any opt-out requests made to them directly.

9 - Minors & Safeguarding
For our youth programmes, guardian consent is required. Youths must follow venue rules, as well as instructions from teachers and organisers. Additional supervision and sign-in/out procedures will be in place, and communicated duely.

10 - Unacceptable Behaviour & Consequences
Harassment includes (non-exhaustive): targeted slurs, unwanted sexual attention, stalking, non-consensual touch, repeated requests after refusal, intimidation, filming/photography without consent (if opted-out), or disrupting activities.
Consequences may include warnings, removal without refund, bans, and contacting authorities if necessary. In some cases, we may need to communicate your name to other (dance) scenes and/or communities, to ensure a wider ban.

11 - Reporting & Response
Report to: a teacher, event host, or designated safety contact (posted at events).
Immediate action: We may separate parties, call first aid/emergency services, and remove individuals if needed.
Follow-up: Incidents are documented with minimal necessary data, restricted access, and periodic policy review.

12 - Contact & Review
Contact information can be found under our Terms and Conditions.
Review of this Code of Conduct is done annually or after significant incidents/changes.