Code of Conduct

Andrew Sanderson Dance 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. 

Apologise 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 Andrew Sanderson and affiliated events’ staff and volunteers. Follow the directions of the event staff and volunteers, as well as those from venue staff. Respect the venues and Andrew Sanderson’s property. Misuse of anything Andrew owns/rents/leases will not be tolerated. 

Misconduct Procedure and Consequences 

Report any misconduct to Andrew Sanderson. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact Andrew immediately. Andrew will provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event. Depending on the situation, you may be asked to file an incident report, which will aid Andrew in taking any necessary action with the offender and to prevent any future misconduct. If you do not feel that you can approach Andrew in person at an event, you can send an e-mail to andrewsandersondance@shaw.ca Any messages that are received will be handled confidentially.

Guests asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately. Guests violating the aforementioned rules may be sanctioned or expelled from Andrew Sanderson Dance and affiliated events without a refund at the discretion of management.

October 2026