Statement of intent.
Fast Foot Jam aims to create a safe space for everyone at our social dances and workshops (the event). We are a part of a wonderful community of people who connect through a shared love of jazz music and dance, and we celebrate the many positive relationships, experiences, and successes that our community have built. However, we recognize that our event takes place within a broader societal context and that issues of power, privilege, and oppression also exist in our community.
Code of Conduct.
Fast Foot Jam 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 person at the event, no matter their skill level or their involvement within the dance community.
During a dance, make sure that your partner is comfortable with the connection, movements and positions of closer embrace. Ask for verbal consent.
Aerials and drops (where a 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 the reason. 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 someone or collide with someone else, please apologize and make sure the other person is ok.
Take care of your personal hygiene before coming to the event. It is recommended to take a shower, 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 event 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 to prevent any disturbances of the event’s activities. If you chose to drink alcohol, please drink responsibly.
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 Fast Foot Jam’s leadership have the right to be heard, to be believed, to have their privacy respected. Whenever possible we will provide options about whether, where and how their disclosure is shared, and to have choices about 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 Fast Foot Jam are 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 Fast Foot Jam?
Talk to the person to ask them to stop that behaviour.
Ask support from a friend, a witness, a Fast Foot Jam volunteer or organiser.
Share your experience with the event organisers in person, in a text message (0431765218) or using the contact form on our website.
For any questions, comments, suggestions, or complaints, please contact any person this is part of Fast Foot Jam team, such as the event organisers, our safety officers, volunteers, or evening manager.