Code of Conduct

Jukebox Blues General Code of Conduct

Harassment is not tolerated

This is a welcome environment, regardless of race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, physical appearance or physical ability. We do not tolerate harassment of any kind, including verbal, physical, emotional or sexual. Behaviour which makes another person feel unsafe or uncomfortable to the point of being unable to enjoy the event is unacceptable and can be considered harassment. If you harass or threaten someone, you will be asked to leave. Likewise, racist, misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic, or discriminatory language will not be tolerated. Repeated or serious issues may result in a temporary or permanent ban.

Take care of yourself and others

Be mindful of your physical boundaries on the dance floor. If you accidentally bump, strike, or hurt someone then apologise, help that person, and work to make sure that it doesn't happen again. Be mindful of your dance partner and avoid movements that could cause injury. Be especially considerate and careful when dancing with a new or unfamiliar partner. In a crowded space or social dance uncontrolled lifts, airsteps, or big dips are dangerous. If you behave dangerously and risk the safety of others you will be asked to leave.

Keep advice to yourself

While dancing, either in class or on the social floor, do not give unsolicited dance advice to your fellow dancers. Unsolicited feedback can have unintended effects on the person receiving it and we want to reserve feedback for the cases when it is necessary. Requests for safety, comfort, or to express your boundaries are always welcome and are different from “dance advice”. On the other hand, if you would like to receive feedback or suggestions please ask!

It’s okay to say no

It is okay to say no when someone asks you to dance and no explanation is needed (although please be polite and kind!). If you are turned down for a dance, please respect that decision without being pushy or asking for a reason. If at any point during a dance you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, you can either tell your partner that you are uncomfortable, ask for adjustments, or leave the dance without explanation.

Seek active consent

Always respect personal boundaries and seek active consent. Do not touch without seeking permission and if someone asks you to stop touching them, stop. Offering an embrace and allowing your partner to close the distance is a wonderful non-verbal way to seek active consent. Always allow your partners the freedom to leave an embrace or connection. If you aren’t sure of someone’s boundaries or can’t tell from their nonverbal cues, ask them directly.

Know your limits

Please remember that alcohol and other substances can make it harder to judge boundaries accurately and impair your balance and judgement. Please be mindful of your limits. If you act in a disorderly manner, or put other dancers at risk, you will be asked to leave.

Everyone appreciates good hygiene

The community values a good standard of personal hygiene. Sweating is natural but spare clothes and good personal hygiene makes dancing more pleasant for everyone involved. Deodorant and hand sanitizer are available at the front desk.

Sharing and handling concerns

If you have any concerns, please share them. Sharing both minor and major concerns is appreciated. Whether you feel a little uncomfortable and would like advice on how to handle a situation or you experience or witness something more serious, please reach out. You can reach out to any of our event’s nominated safe spaces persons, or the event organisers, or via email to jukeboxbluessydney@gmail.com, or directly to the Safe Spaces contact assigned for the night. Depending on the severity, our response to a problem will vary.

Our response may range from talking to the people involved, asking for changes of behaviour, asking people to leave the venue, and even banning people from our events in the case of serious or repeat issues. When handling concerns we will strive to uphold confidentiality and take the appropriate steps to deal with the situation.

We reserve the right to handle any violations of this code of conduct as we deem necessary, which may include ejection from the class or event without a refund. We also reserve the right to refuse admission for any reason.