We are looking forward to having you at Canada Zouk Congress! In order to make sure that the event is comfortable and safe for both you and other attendees, we have a Code of Conduct we expect everyone to follow. This Code of Conduct will set out:

• What we expect from attendees at our event
• What we expect from our staff and artists
• Our process if you report an incident

In addition to the Code of Conduct, we expect all attendees to comply with our policies.

Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Assault

We strive to provide an environment and experience free from harassment, assault, or discrimination for any reason, including but not limited to age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, religion, race, or ethnicity. This applies to attendees, staff, volunteers, and artists.

This includes being permitted to attend workshops you are qualified for in either role (regardless of lead/follow balance), and to dance in a non-traditional role socially (provided you comply with our Lead/Follow policy and purchased the correct pass).

As a result, we will not tolerate any sort of discrimination, harassment, or assault regardless of who the violating party is. Whether it is another attendee, a member of our staff or volunteer team, or an artist, we encourage you to report the incident (outlined later in this document) so that we can manage the situation appropriately.

Dance Etiquette

You can accept or decline an invitation to dance for any reason, including just not wanting to dance with that person. We do expect that you treat the person you are declining or accepting with respect and dignity. The Zouk community has a great reputation as a warm and welcoming dance community! We hope you will help us keep that reputation.

You are encouraged to request that your partner stops a specific behaviour or that they avoid any particular movement or set of movements. For example, you can ask not to be hugged (on or off the dancefloor), or to not dance in close hold, do lifts or dips, or perform head movement. You can also ask partners not to do things that are uncomfortable, for example, gripping your fingers too hard or moving your legs in an uncomfortable way. There are some situations where you may also need to remind your partner on more than one occasion, for example, if they are newer or nervous.

Stopping a Dance

While it is not generally done except in circumstances where boundaries have been violated, you always have the right to stop a dance for any reason and at any time. We encourage you to end a dance if you have made your boundaries known, but your partner ignores these requests. For example: unwanted romantic advances, or concerns about safety.

We strongly encourage patience and tolerance when dealing with newer or nervous partners, and using constructive but kind feedback to guide them towards providing a better experience for both of you without stopping the dance.

Hygiene

We expect all attendees to maintain appropriate hygiene, including washing your hands, wearing deodorant, and changing sweaty shirts when necessary. We do have emergency baskets in the washroom if you realize you need a refresher. Check up on your hygiene regularly to make sure you’re the best you can be for your partners.

Consent

We expect every attendee to make sure they have consent from their partner for any dance, movement, or intimate moment. While accepting a dance does imply consent for a dance within normal boundaries, you should get additional consent prior to performing any lifts on the floor, and especially before engaging in any sexual behaviour (including kissing or touching).

You should also immediately respect any request to not perform a specific movement, or a request to stop some sort of intimate behaviour. If you are unsure if a partner is OK with something, you are expected to verbally ask. If you are unable to accommodate a certain request during your dance, you should end the dance rather than continue and violate your partner’s boundaries.

You can help your partners understand your boundaries by making them clear. While many people will successfully be able to read your body language, words can help if you’re not comfortable with something. You also have CZC’s full support if you experience a partner who will not “take no” for an answer or who otherwise continues to violate a crossed boundary. If you are not comfortable verbally expressing yourself, we can assist you in making your boundaries known to the individual.

Our Staff Policy

We expect our artists, volunteers, and staff to maintain the same standards as you, and to aid us in creating a safe and positive space for our participants. If one of our staff, volunteer team, or artists makes you feel uncomfortable, please let us know. We will do our best to resolve the issue, and will take action if required.

For your information, artists and staff are required to comply with a conduct policy. This policy includes provisions that state that the artists:

• are not permitted to pressure any individual for sex or intimacy at any time and in any location during their employment with us;
• will never become intoxicated to a point where they are unable to behave professionally;
• will not engage in criminal or illegal acts during their employment with us;
• will comply with our Code of Conduct and Policies (this document)

If the artist(s) breach this part of the agreement, they may be given a warning or be removed from the event.

Substances & Alcohol Policy

CZC does not sell or permit alcohol or drugs in our venues or in the venue parking lots. No smoking or incense of any kind is permitted in our venue or hotel rooms. No vaping is permitted inside the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre. Any alcohol or legal recreational drugs will be confiscated by the venue or event staff if found, or you will be asked to leave and not return with those items.

Please note Ontario law prohibits drinking outside (for example, parking lots). You can also be arrested for drunk driving if you drink inside a vehicle and have access to the vehicle’s keys, even if you had no intention of starting or driving the car and even if your blood alcohol is not above the legal limit. This is not an event policy – this is the law.

While marijuana is legal, no marijuana is permitted in the venue, and Ontario law forbids driving under the influence of marijuana and other drugs.

No selling of any drugs, including marijuana, may take place on event premises. No illegal substances of any kind are permitted. If found, you will be banned from the event without refund.

Canada Zouk Congress reserves the right to remove any individual who, in our opinion, is too intoxicated to participate responsibly in the event.