1. Community & Social Dance Charter
West Coast Swing is a dance built on connection. Because that connection relies above all on respect, trust and kindness, we wanted to share the values that guide our association.
Our association is first and foremost a place for sharing, friendship and enjoyment. We want everyone to feel welcome and find their place, regardless of age, dance level or background.
This charter is not intended to impose constraints, but rather to remind us of the values that bring us together: kindness, respect, listening, safety and good spirits.
By taking part in our classes, guided practices, social dances and events, each of us contributes, in our own way, to bringing these values to life and to preserving the welcoming spirit that makes our association special.
1.1. Respect Above All
Our association welcomes everyone with kindness and respect, without distinction based on age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, origin, religion, physical appearance, disability or dance level.
West Coast Swing is a social dance where everyone should be able to feel welcome, respected and safe.
Discriminatory, intimidating, aggressive, insulting or harassing behaviour will not be tolerated.
In West Coast Swing, the roles of Leader, Follower and Switch are not tied to gender. Everyone is free to dance in whichever role they enjoy, regardless of their gender identity or expression.
We encourage everyone to respect the choices of others with openness and kindness.
1.2. Courtesy, Consent & Shared Dancing
A dance begins long before the first steps: it starts with an invitation, a smile and respect for the other person.
A smile, a hello, a thank you or simply a kind word all contribute to the atmosphere we create together.
Asking someone to dance is an invitation, never an obligation. Everyone is free to accept or decline a dance without having to explain themselves.
In return, we encourage everyone to respond with consideration and respect. A refusal can be expressed kindly, just as it can be accepted with a smile, without insistence or resentment.
Courtesy, politeness, listening and respect for others are all an integral part of our dance.
Consent Is Essential
Consent is essential.
Accepting one dance does not mean agreeing to several dances, to a particular movement or to any other interaction.
During a dance, anyone may express discomfort, ask for an adjustment or decide to stop dancing at any time. These requests must always be respected.
Likewise, everyone is free to end a dance before the music finishes, without having to justify themselves, if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe, or simply no longer wish to continue the dance.
The aim is not to hurt or offend your partner, but to allow everyone to protect their own comfort and well-being in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
A Dance Is Something We Share
In social dancing, connection with your partner comes before showing off.
We encourage everyone to:
- adapt to their partner;
- prioritise shared enjoyment over performance;
- dance with partners of all levels;
- show patience, attentiveness and kindness.
Classes and guided practices are the ideal times to learn, ask questions and receive advice from teachers. Outside these settings, technical advice or corrections should only be given when explicitly requested.
If you would like to share a feeling or sensation with your partner, try expressing it from your own perspective, for example:
“I found that movement difficult to follow.”
“I felt a little off balance.”
“I got a little lost there.”
rather than:
“You're pulling too much.”
“You're pushing.”
This way of communicating helps keep exchanges respectful and constructive.
When it comes to safety, pain or an unwanted movement, however, direct communication is absolutely appropriate. Everyone should feel free to simply say: “Stop”, “That hurts” or “I don't want to do that movement.”
Social dances are first and foremost about dancing and enjoying time together: let's use them to share the pleasure of dancing rather than to teach.
A Safe Dance Floor for Everyone
Safety is everyone's responsibility.
Let's make sure to:
- adapt our dancing to the available space;
- remain aware of other couples;
- avoid dangerous or inappropriate movements;
- apologise in the event of a collision or accident.
Aerials have no place on the social dance floor.
Respect for Our Venues and Our Association
Let's take care of the venues, equipment and people who make our activities possible: volunteers, teachers, DJs, organisers and partners.
Our WhatsApp groups, social media channels and other communication spaces should remain friendly and welcoming places centred around our shared passion.
Using members' contact details for harassment, persistent unwanted contact or inappropriate behaviour is contrary to the values of our association.
Taking Care of Ourselves and Others
Because we dance in close proximity to one another, good personal hygiene is a sign of respect towards our partners.
We encourage everyone to come in clean clothes and, if needed, to bring a spare T-shirt, deodorant and anything else that may help them freshen up.
If you have a contagious illness, please act responsibly to help protect other dancers.
Let's Talk About It
We want everyone to be able to enjoy our community in a calm, respectful and safe environment.
If you experience or witness inappropriate behaviour, or if a situation makes you uncomfortable, please don't feel that you have to deal with it alone. We encourage you to speak to someone.
You can approach a member of the association's board or a teacher to be heard, supported or guided.
To formally report a situation to the association, you can also contact us confidentially at:
Every report will be handled seriously, discreetly, impartially and with care. Information shared with us will remain confidential, subject to legal obligations and what may be necessary to properly address the situation.
If This Charter Is Not Respected
The association's board may intervene when behaviour is contrary to these principles.
Depending on the seriousness of the situation, measures may range from a conversation or reminder of the charter to temporary or permanent exclusion from the association or its events. The most serious situations may be reported to the relevant authorities.
Our Commitment
West Coast Swing is a dance of connection, trust and sharing.
Every smile, every invitation and every dance helps bring our community to life.
Thank you to everyone for helping us live these values together.
1.3. Language in Class – Let’s Make It Work for Everyone
As an international dance community, we want our classes to be inclusive and accessible to all. At WCSLUX, our two vehicular languages (lingua franca) are French and English.
To make sure no one feels left out, we’ll always do our best to offer translations when needed — whether it’s for technique, instructions, or explanations.
➡️ If you don’t understand something, please feel free to ask questions at any time, in English or French. We’re always happy to help, and your questions help us make the class better for everyone!
Thanks for helping us build an open, supportive, and multilingual dance community.
2. Disclaimer
West Coast Swing Luxembourg a.s.b.l. declines all responsibility for accidents or injuries that may occur during our workshops, courses, practice sessions, or parties. Participation is at your own risk. We encourage all participants to take care of their personal safety and well-being.
3. Ticket Resellers
We’ve noticed that some people were trying to resell tickets for some of our events. Please be aware that tickets are only valid if purchased directly from us. Payment at the venue is by cash or by Payconic. Payment by bank transfer is to the West Coast Swing Luxembourg a.s.b.l. bank account. If you buy a ticket from an unofficial source, it might not be valid, and you could be denied entry. We want to ensure everyone has a great experience at the event— please stay safe and avoid unauthorized sellers.
4. Event Cancellation Policy
West Coast Swing Luxembourg a.s.b.l. reserves the right to cancel any event up to one month before its scheduled date if the number of registrants is less than half of the venue’s capacity. For events held in Room Rheinsheim at Altrimenti, with a maximum capacity of 70 dancers, this means a minimum of 35 registrants is required to proceed. Should a cancellation occur, registered participants will be promptly informed, and refunds will be issued for any payments made. We thank you for your understanding and encourage early registration to ensure events can proceed as planned.
5. Music Licensing & Compliance with SACEM
West Coast Swing Luxembourg a.s.b.l. is fully committed to ensuring that all music played during our parties is properly licensed. We take the necessary steps to comply with SACEM regulations to ensure that the music used at our events is legally authorized. By doing so, we support artists' rights and adhere to the legal requirements for hosting dance events.
6. GDPR Compliance
West Coast Swing Luxembourg a.s.b.l. is committed to protecting your privacy. All personal data collected is handled in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Your data is used exclusively for organizing and managing our dance events. You have the right to access, rectify, or erase your personal data by contacting us by email.
Participants to our events are hereby informed that they are likely to appear on photographs or videos taken at the event. These can be used for publishing in print, digital or social media. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please alert the organizers and the photographer.