Code of Conduct

Little Jazz is committed to creating and being part of an open and welcoming community that accepts people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, body size, social class, nationality, ethnicity or religion. To provide a fun and safe environment for everyone, all teachers, staff, and participants at any of our activities adhere to the following values and policies.

Violations are taken very seriously. Little Jazz reserves the right to exclude offenders from current or future activities.

Respect

We treat each other with respect, and do not discriminate based on skill level or any of the above mentioned attributes. No form of disrespectful or disruptive behaviour, including offensive comments, bullying or harassment, is tolerated. We acknowledge that no two people are the same. If someone tells us that our actions make them uncomfortable or asks us to stop treating them or others a certain way, we take it to heart and follow their wishes, even if said actions might be considered okay by others.

Body Contact

We are aware that in (most) partner dancing, there is always going to be some amount of body contact. Instructors in class might sometimes ask to physically guide us through movements or correct body positions. Despite our best intentions, accidents do happen, and we might unintentionally make body contact that's inappropriate or painful. If that happens, we apologise and make sure the other person is okay.

Feedback

In class, we are ready to receive feedback from our instructors and understand that it is given out of a genuine interest for us to improve. It is ok to discuss the material with our class mates, ask how things feel, or point out if something is uncomfortable or painful. However, it is not our job to teach our partners.

We are aware of our own cognitive and emotional limits and know that it is ok to inform an instructor that we have reached that limit and can't take additional feedback anymore.

Outside of class, we refrain from giving unsolicited feedback or teaching on the social dance floor. Conversely, we understand that a teacher's job to instruct us ends when the class is over.

Boundaries

We acknowledge that we are not entitled to dance with anyone. There can be any number of reasons why someone doesn't want to dance, and being turned down for a dance should not be seen as a personal insult. Conversely, we know that it is always okay to say no to a dance or to end it early. No reason needs to be given for declining a dance, though the other person might appreciate knowing that it has nothing to do with them.

We recognise that different people have different motivations and boundaries when participating in dance events. While dancing can be quite intimate or flirtatious, we understand that most people don't attend dances with romantic intentions. As such, dancing with someone —intimately or otherwise— does not have romantic implications. If we do get the impression that there is romantic potential, we need to be careful to ensure that our actions are consensual.

During the Dance

We recognise that different people have different expectations from a dance. While someone might enjoy one way of dancing, someone else might dislike it. We are in charge of our own bodies and well-being, and let others know if certain movements cause us discomfort — physically or emotionally. Conversely, we are attentive to our dance partners, and treat everything as an invitation, rather than expectation. We don't force our partners through movements or into positions. If we get the impression that our partner might dislike something, we stop doing it, or at least check in with them.

Even if both we and our partner enjoy it, we understand that certain ways of dancing (such as doing aerials) are not acceptable on the social dance floor, as they might endanger others. More broadly, we adjust our dance style to the situation at hand. What is okay on an empty dance floor, is not necessarily okay on a crowded one. Generally, everyone is responsible for ensuring their own safety as well as that of people around them.

At Events

Parties are supposed to be a fun social event, and enjoying a drink or two on such occasions is perfectly fine. Still, we are aware of our own limits and refrain from dancing when intoxicated or under the influence of other drugs that negatively affect our judgement or physical abilities.

We take care of proper personal hygiene as well as appropriate attire and footwear. Dancing is a physical activity and it is normal to get sweaty during an event. Because of that, we should consider taking a spare shirt and a towel to dances or class. In the same spirit, bringing some breath mints is always a good idea.

Help

If you observe any violations of this policy, are the target of unwelcome behaviour, or feel unsafe for any other reason, do not hesitate to get in touch immediately. This can be done either in person by approaching one of our staff or teachers, or via email to hello@littlejazz.fi. We are more than happy to assist you, and will take appropriate action. We will preserve your anonymity unless you explicitly wish to be mentioned by name.