Guidelines for Safe and Respectful Engagement

Flying Dance Community (FDComm) Guidelines for safe and respectful engagement
Last Updated: April 14, 2025

Welcome to FDComm!

Guidelines for Safe and Respectful Engagement

Flying Dance Community

Introduction

At the Flying Dance Community (FDC), our mission is to create a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment where every individual can experience the joy of dance, personal growth, and meaningful connections. This policy outlines expectations for behavior, professional standards, abuse prevention, and the processes to maintain a safe and respectful community, both in-person and online.

Conduct and Behavior

1. Respect and Inclusivity:
   • All staff, students, and visitors must treat each other with kindness, consideration, and respect. Discrimination, harassment, bullying, or violence based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, or any other characteristic is strictly prohibited.
   • Actively promote inclusivity, accommodating the diverse needs of all participants.
2. Professionalism:
   • Staff members should model professional behavior including punctuality, preparedness, and respect for all community members.
   • Students are expected to arrive on time, appropriately dressed, and ready to fully participate in their activities.

Health and Safety

1. Safety Priority:
   • The health and safety of our community is paramount. Staff must ensure activities are conducted safely, promptly addressing hazards or issues.
   • In the event of accidents or emergencies, follow established emergency procedures and report incidents immediately to management.

Professional Boundaries and Ethical Standards

1. Boundaries:
   • Staff must maintain professional boundaries with students. Romantic or intimate relationships between staff and students require immediate disclosure to management and are generally discouraged to prevent conflicts of interest or exploitation.
2. Physical Contact:
   • Physical contact should occur only when necessary for instructional purposes and always with clear, explicit consent. Participants have the right to refuse contact at any time.
3. Professional Conduct:
   • Instructors and staff must conduct themselves ethically, avoid favoritism, discrimination, or impairment (such as teaching under the influence of drugs or alcohol).

Prevention of Physical, Sexual, and Psychological Abuse

1. Physical Abuse:
   • Prohibited actions include causing physical harm, discomfort, or intimidation.
   • Always respect personal space and minimize risks through safe teaching practices, appropriate equipment, and understanding participants’ abilities.
2. Sexual Harassment and Abuse:
   • Zero tolerance for sexual harassment or abuse. This includes unwanted touching, inappropriate comments, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and exposure to sexually explicit materials or messages.
   • Explicit consent is mandatory for all interactions involving physical contact in dance.
3. Psychological Abuse:
   • Actions that intimidate, belittle, or unduly upset individuals, including verbal or emotional abuse, bullying, harassment, shouting, name-calling, ridicule, or humiliation, are strictly prohibited.
   • Use positive reinforcement as the primary motivational approach. Criticism must be constructive, respectful, and aimed at empowering students.

Online and Virtual Conduct

• The standards outlined in this policy apply equally to all online interactions related to FDC, including virtual classes, social media, messaging platforms, forums, and community groups.
• Harassment, bullying, discriminatory remarks, or inappropriate behaviors online will be treated with the same seriousness as in-person incidents.

Property and Equipment

• All equipment and facilities must be used responsibly and left orderly after use. Immediately report any damage or malfunctions.
• Personal belongings should be stored properly to avoid accidents or disruptions.

Attendance and Cancellations

• Staff and students must promptly notify the studio of absences. Refunds or make-up classes for student absences are at the studio’s discretion.
• The studio will communicate class cancellations as soon as possible, offering make-up classes where feasible.

Reporting, Response, and Anti-Retaliation Procedures

• Any community member experiencing or witnessing violations of this policy must promptly report the issue to studio management or the designated Respect Officer.
• Reports can be submitted confidentially by email or in person. Management commits to timely, confidential investigations with fair and balanced resolutions.
• Retaliation against individuals who report misconduct is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.

Inclusivity and Accommodations

• FDC is committed to inclusivity, actively providing reasonable accommodations for disabilities and diverse needs. Participants should communicate accommodation requests to staff, who will ensure appropriate measures are taken to facilitate full participation.

Training and Policy Communication

• FDC will regularly reinforce the principles of this policy through community orientations, training sessions, and periodic reminders to ensure ongoing awareness and compliance.

Policy Review

• This policy is reviewed annually to ensure ongoing effectiveness and relevance, reflecting best practices and evolving community needs.

Agreement and Endorsement

• Enrollment or employment at the Flying Dance Community indicates agreement to abide by this policy. Violations may result in disciplinary action, including suspension, dismissal, or termination.
• This policy is endorsed and enforced by the Flying Dance Community, committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all members.

   

Signature: Nicholas M Kaburia, Director
Contact us: letsdance@fdcommunity.com
Address: 16 Wyndham Street N, Unit #3, Guelph, Ontario, Canada