Acereko Code of Conduct

Acereko Dance Company – Code of Conduct

At Acereko Dance Company, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all dancers. As artists and community members, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of behavior—on and off the dance floor.

Our Core Values

• Respect: Every individual deserves to feel safe, seen, and heard.
• Consent: All physical contact—whether in partner work or social settings—must be mutual, verbalized when needed, and honored without pressure.
• Accountability: We take all concerns seriously and will take appropriate action when standards are violated.
• Empowerment: We strive to build a culture where students feel safe advocating for their boundaries.

Zero Tolerance Policy for Harassment & Abuse

• Sexual abuse, sexual harassment, sexual assault, unwanted physical contact, inappropriate or predatory behavior
• Emotional abuse, bullying, emotional trauma to others, inappropriate language, invalidation
• Mental abuse, intimidation, gaslighting, persistent unwanted pressure, entitlement
• Retaliation for reporting misconduct

Violators will be removed from the studio and/or team and may be subject to a permanent ban from future events/gatherings or anything related to Acereko Dance Company and non-related.

What to Do If You Experience or Witness Misconduct

If you feel uncomfortable, harassed, or unsafe at any Acereko event, class, or gathering:

• Speak to a director or instructor you trust
  
• Contact hotline
  
• DC Victim Hotline

All reports will be handled with discretion and respect.

Preventive Measures

To ensure a safer environment, we are committed to:

• Vetting our instructors and staff using Montgomery County Public Schools Screening Process
  
• Providing ongoing education on consent and safety
  
• Following best practices in line with resources like Sexual Assault Prevention & Response
  

We are also working to connect with community leaders and organizations within the dance world who are doing this work publicly. Follow @notjustchisme – a safe space and educational platform addressing sexual misconduct, gender inequality, and abuse in the dance community

Building a Safer Dance Community—Together

This is a conversation, not a checkbox. We encourage open dialogue, continuous learning, and holding each other accountable with care. If you have ideas or concerns, our leadership wants to hear from you.

Let’s build a space where everyone can grow, express, and thrive—without fear.

At Acereko Dance Company, we do more than enforce studio policy — we acknowledge that harassment, assault, and abuse are violations of the law.

Sexual Harassment and Assault Are Criminal Offenses

Under Maryland State Law, behaviors such as:

• Unwanted sexual advances
• Inappropriate touching or groping
• Verbal sexual harassment
• Coercion or threats related to sexual activity may result in criminal charges, arrest, and prosecution.

Depending on the severity, these offenses may be classified as:

• Misdemeanors with fines and jail time
• Felonies with long-term imprisonment and permanent criminal records

Not Worth the Risk — The Impact on Harassers

Anyone found responsible for such actions can face:

• Permanent bans from dance studios and events
• Damage to reputation and loss of social/professional standing
• Employment consequences, especially for those working with youth
• Registration as a sex offender, in the case of severe or repeated offenses

Accountability is Real

We work with local authorities when necessary and encourage dancers to pursue legal action if they feel harmed. The community is watching, and so is the law. It’s never worth the risk to someone else’s safety — or your own future.