POLICIES

Declaration of Safe Space

Midwest Lindy Fest 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, lessons, 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 organizers.

Code of Conduct

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 lessons or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

Harassment is not always done intentionally, but 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 or expulsion from the event with no refund. If you engage in any kind of “pick-up” behavior that makes our attendees uncomfortable, you will be expelled from the event without a refund at the discretion of the organizers.

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. We will treat these issues with the strictest confidentiality. Your courage in coming forward can keep incidents from being repeated. Midwest Lindy Fest staff will be happy to help participants contact the event captains, Safe Space Staffer, 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 all dance venues and events.

Being a Good Dance Event Attendee

You are not obligated to dance with anyone, and you can turn down any dance or end it early for any reason or no reason. You are the ultimate authority on your own boundaries, which may be different with different people and which may change over time. You can always tell a partner that they’ve crossed a boundary, too, or talk with an event staff member about it.

 You are not entitled to dance with anyone, and should not take it personally if someone says no to a dance, or asks to end a dance early. You should treat every dance partner with respect and recognize that your partner is the ultimate authority on their own boundaries and physical safety. You should apologize if you have crossed a boundary, avoid belittling or denying your partner’s experience, and ask consent for anything you think may cross a boundary.

Do not touch or move a dancer’s mobility device (e.g. crutches, cane, or wheelchair) without their explicit consent. 

Please do not offer unsolicited advice to fellow dancers either in class or on the social dance floor (unless your partner is doing something to cause you harm, in which case, please definitely tell your partner and staff, if necessary). But also, please use your full range of senses on the dance floor to avoid accidental collisions and injuries. It is every dancer’s responsibility to be aware of their own and their partner’s movement and position, as well as the movement and position of the dancers surrounding them, in order to avoid all forms of dangerous contact.

If you are a guest staying in the home of a local, please be considerate and conscious of noise level, shower use, your hosts and your hosts’ house rules, other guests, etc.

Finally, be aware of your own boundaries and physical needs. Take care of yourself and stay healthy.

COVID-19 Policies

Midwest Lindy Fest will continue to monitor local conditions and national/regional/local guidelines and reserves the right to amend these policies as circumstances may require.