The PLEX Planning Crew and the Calgary swing dance community is committed to hosting a safe, fun, and inclusive, community event for everybody. All participants of PLEX are expected to uphold the same commitment. Everyone attending PLEX can expect to have a dance exchange experience free from harassment, discrimination and inappropriate interactions. Below is outlined our PLEX Code of Conduct If you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact us at: [email protected]
PLEX Health Commitments
Self-monitoring is encouraged for all attendees. We ask all participants to refrain from attending the event should they be exhibiting signs or symptoms of contagious illness
PLEX will refund registration fees in full for any participant that is unable to attend the event due to health reasons.
Facemasks and hand sanitizer will made available for participants to use at their discretion
All PLEX participants are expected to be respectful of the health choices of other participants.
The event will follow all Alberta Health Services public health measures in place at the time of the event.
PLEX Code of Conduct
The Prairie Lindy Exchange (PLEX) and all affiliated events are open to everyone regardless of gender, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, disability, age, size, physical appearance, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of any kind.
Do not engage in harassment of any form. Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, age, body size, race, or religion, as well as misogynist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, sizeist, ageist, or racist language.
Harassment also includes deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.
Apologize for accidental unwanted physical contact. Accidental contact includes dance floor collisions, kicks, and stepping on feet, as well as accidentally touching another person’s body.
Accept when someone says ‘no’ to a dance. Every dancer has a right to ask anyone else to dance and also the right to decline any dance.
Accept when someone does not want to do a move or a hold. Understand that certain movements or holds may not be comfortable for everyone (ie. dips, close embrace, weight sharing, etc). Every dancer has a right to decline to do a movement or a hold.
Do not offer unsolicited advice to your fellow dancers. There is a time and a place for giving advice, and that time is not on the social dance floor. Even in classes, be sure to ask first before providing feedback
Be considerate and respectful to the PLEX Planning Crew, Dance Managers and volunteers. Follow the directions of the PLEX Planning Crew, Dance Managers and volunteers, as well as those from venue staff. Respect the venues and PLEX Planning Crew property. Misuse of anything PLEX Planning Crew owns/rents/leases will not be tolerated.
All Attendees agree to abide by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) regulations and comply with conditions specified in any liquor permits.
Alexandra Dance Hall and Fort Calgary facilities are smoke-free. Any use of tobacco, cannabis, vaporizers, or other such items are not permitted indoors. Smoking outdoors must comply with all laws and bylaws.
No Alcohol will be sold or permitted to be consumed indoors or outside of Alexandra Dance Hall
Alcohol will only be permitted at Fort Calgary when sold by Fort Calgary representatives according to the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) regulations. No liquor is to be consumed outdoors
Misconduct Procedure and Consequences
If you experience or witness harassment or any other violations of this code there are several options for you to choose from:
Raise the concern with the party (or parties) involved if you are comfortable addressing the issue yourself – all participants are expected to read and follow this Code of Conduct
Speak to a member of the PLEX Planning Crew. The names and photos are displayed at the Check-in Table and listed on our website. The members will also be introduced at the event.
Speak to an event volunteer to direct you to one of the PLEX Planning Crew Members or Dance Managers
Speak to a friend, someone you are comfortable with, and ask them to join you in speaking to a Planning Crew Member or Dance Manager or speak to them on your behalf
If you do not feel that you can approach PLEX Planning Crew member in person at an event, you can send an e-mail to [email protected]
Any messages that are received will be handled confidentially. Please remember, your courage in bringing forward concerns can go a long way in helping to educate someone who might not realize their behaviour is inappropriate and it can keep incidents from being repeated or escalating.
Consequences Any Incidents of concern reported to a Dance Manager or PLEX Planning Crew Member will be addressed on a case-by-case basis in liaison with the event Co-chairs and the individuals involved.
Conversations and actions WILL be taken to ensure that everyone attending PLEX can have a dance experience free from harassment, discrimination and inappropriate interactions.
Attendees asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately. Attendees violating the Code of Conduct may be asked to leave the event immediately and refrain from attending the remainder of PLEX 2024.
PLEX Planning Crew Members, Dance Managers and volunteers will be happy to assist with contacting the Event Co-Chairs, local law enforcement; provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event.
Adopted with permission from the Swing Dance Association of Victoria Code of Conduct March 19 2024