As Lindy Hop Company, Hoppin' Weekend, and festival organizers, we value sharing our principles of providing a safe environment for our events. We aim to ensure that all events within our studio and the festival are social spaces built on mutual respect and trust. We want to remind you that we are responsible for ourselves and each other in this regard. Furthermore, if you feel that mutual respect and trust are being threatened and need support, the Hoppin' Weekend organizers and team are ready to take responsibility and have adopted a zero-tolerance policy for violations.

 

These principles of conduct and ethics apply to everyone attending our events: participants, performers (teachers, musicians), organizers, volunteers, and venue staff. They are inclusive of everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, language, religion, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, physical disability, or appearance.

 

As per our principles, we have a zero-tolerance policy against any harassment or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, language, religion, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, ability, age, social origin, physical appearance, body shape, or size.

 

Any offensive comment or action related to any of the grounds of discrimination listed above, including but not limited to unwanted or unwelcome physical contact or sexual attention, deliberate intimidation, stalking, or imposing or recording photos, is considered harassment. Whether this occurs in person or online, it is still considered harassment. Harassment can also occur on a more subtle level and often goes unnoticed. Sometimes, harassment occurs alongside comments like "it's just a joke" or "you're too sensitive" and can be difficult to detect or identify, even for the person receiving it. We define harassment as: violating someone's dignity or making them feel intimidated, humiliated, hurt, or in a hostile environment. Participants are expected to comply immediately when asked to stop any behavior that violates personal boundaries without their consent, is harassing, or could threaten their safety. We want to emphasize that any behavior that threatens safety in this area for any reason is unacceptable, and the organizers reserve the right to warn you and remove you from the venue if necessary. Finally, we want to remind you that saying no to a dance without reason is completely acceptable.

 

If you feel you need support regarding the issues described above, you can always contact the festival organizers and staff. You can reach us immediately by visiting any volunteer team member or by visiting the registration desk during the festival. If you are experiencing a situation that threatens your safety and you cannot clearly articulate, a safe word explaining your need for support can help us take action more quickly. Our safe word in such cases is "Panama."

 

If you would like to contribute to this document with your comments and suggestions, we welcome your contact information. You can always reach us through the contact section on our website. Thank you for your understanding.