VELOCITY
SAFE DANCE COMMITMENT
Creating Safer Dance Conventions Since 2020
DANCE EDUCATION EQUITY ASSOCIATION
At Velocity Dance Convention, safety is the foundation of every decision we make. In 2020, Velocity became the first organization to partner with the Dance Education Equity Association (DEEA) and to publicly acknowledge that our industry needs stronger safeguards and accountability. We launched a formal safety policy that year and have continued investing in clear standards, training, and transparent processes so every dancer and every family, feels safe, respected, and celebrated.
We recognize the dance industry has faced public criticism for a lack of accountability, and we have chosen to set a different standard. Velocity has taken bold and transparent steps to ensure our events are the safest in the industry. This work is ongoing. We collaborate closely with Dance Education Equity Association and other experts to review and strengthen our policies every season. This is a living commitment that grows and adapts with the needs of our dancers, parents, and studios.
REPORTING A CONCERN
We make it simple and safe to speak up. Every report is acknowledged within 24 hours, and there is zero tolerance for retaliation against anyone who raises a concern.
Email: info@velocitydanceconvention.com
Call: 818-416-1161
DEEA Third-Party Safety Tip Line
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SAFTEY STANDARDS
Our safety measures apply to every Velocity event:
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Background Checks and Training – All staff, assistants, and contractors have background checks and DEEA’s Be Courageous training on abuse prevention, anti-racism, and anti-othering.
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No Touch Without Consent – Faculty and assistants follow a “no touch without permission” rule when offering critiques, giving dancers control over their personal space and bodily autonomy.
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Strict Communication Boundaries – No private messaging or direct social media contact between staff, assistants, and dancers during the season. All communication goes through monitored Velocity channels.
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Hotel and Event Space Boundaries – Faculty, assistants, and staff are prohibited from entering dancers’ hotel rooms at any time, and dancers or clients are not allowed in any Velocity faculty, assistant, or staff hotel rooms.
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Privacy Protection – We celebrate dancers on our social media by sharing winners and event highlights, but we do not post any personal information about minors on our website. This includes studio names, or other identifying details.
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No Live Streaming - To protect dancer privacy, especially for minors, Velocity does not live-stream competitions. While password-protected streaming is increasingly common, we cannot control who shares those credentials; once shared, unauthorized viewers can watch and screen-record in real time. In the event of a costume/wardrobe malfunction or other unintended exposure, that footage could be captured and redistributed without consent. Accordingly, live streaming is not permitted, and unauthorized photography or videography during competition is prohibited.
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Pick-Up Security for MVA Program Dancers - At our Season Finale events, MVA dancers are only released to their listed guardian.
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Door Monitors - When class or competition ballrooms are not within direct line of sight of Velocity staff (e.g., located on a different floor), we station trained Door Monitors at the exits to support minor safety. Dancers, especially minors, may not leave the ballroom alone for restroom breaks; they must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or a trusted adult designated by their studio. At our Season Finale, Door Monitors are posted outside each ballroom for the full duration of convention classes.
INCLUSION AND BELONGING
Every dancer belongs at Velocity, regardless of race, gender identity, LGBTQIA2+ identity, ability, body type, religion, immigration status, or economic background.
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Gender-Neutral Dressing Rooms are available alongside male- and female-identifying spaces.
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Scholarships and Recognitions are based on artistry and versatility, not gender.
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Unbiased Judging – Every judge signs our Implicit Bias Agreement before each event, committing to evaluate dancers fairly without cultural or gender stereotypes.
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Representation Matters – We showcase dancers from all backgrounds across our marketing, website, and social media.
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Financial Accessibility — Through the Velocity Equity Program, eligible dancers may receive need-based awards covering 50–100% of convention tuition. Applications must be submitted by the dancer’s studio to confirm the dancer/family is in good standing.
ACCESSIBILITY
We work with dancers, guardians, and teachers to meet individual needs:
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Reasonable adjustments for disabilities, neurodivergence, and chronic illness.
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Licensed mental health professionals present at select events for on-site support.
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Early communication is encouraged so we can coordinate with venues to make accommodations possible. Please email info@velocitydanceconvention.com for any accommodation requests.
ATHLETIC CARE
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DANCER SAFETY
At Velocity, we recognize that dancers are athletes and deserve to be treated as such. To prioritize the health and safety of every participant, we partner with Limitless, an organization that provides licensed athletic trainers at every Velocity event.
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These professionals are on-site throughout the weekend to assess, support, and treat injuries, ensuring dancers receive immediate and proper care.
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Our partnership with Limitless reflects our commitment to treating dance as both an art and a sport; fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where all dancers can thrive physically and artistically.
ACCOUNTABILITY IN ACTION
Our policies are backed by a clear investigation process to ensure safety concerns are handled consistently and transparently.
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How We Classify and Address Harm Reports
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Yellow – An unintentional comment or action causing discomfort but no lasting harm. Response includes education, conversation, and resources for the person who caused harm, plus support for the person harmed.
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Orange – Serious harm without malice, such as repeated boundary crossing or inappropriate comments impacting a dancer’s well-being. Response includes a formal accountability process, facilitated repair when appropriate, transparency with those affected, and possible removal from the event.
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Red – Severe or intentional harm, including any act of abuse, grooming, racism, othering, harassment, or any allegation of sexual abuse involving a minor. Response includes immediate removal of the person accused from the event and/or organization, referral to authorities when applicable, and a full third-party investigation.
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Investigation Steps
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Protect – Remove involved parties from contact until the investigation is complete.
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Select – Assign an investigator with no personal ties to anyone involved. All Red-level cases are handled by third-party professionals such as private investigators, lawyers, or social workers.
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Interview – Speak separately with all involved, centering survivor experiences.
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Follow Through – Implement consequences, repair harm where possible, and share outcomes when legally allowed.
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Why We Use This System
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This structure ensures all harm is addressed, from misunderstandings to serious misconduct, with a survivor-centered and transparent approach.
OUR PLEDGE
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We will continue to listen, learn, and act to protect every dancer who attends a Velocity event. Not because it is expected, but because it is the standard our community deserves.
Eve Mason and Cory Jones
Owners and Directors
Velocity Dance Convention