Code of Conduct

We all need to work together to keep a safe dance environment and build an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome.

We expect everyone to follow these rules at all our events, social activities and in all our messaging and social media channels.

Need Help?

Please talk to one of the teachers/organisers in person or over Instagram

Respect

Treat all attendees and organisers with respect and courtesy. Be mindful of other attendees’ comfort levels and respect their personal boundaries, both on and off the dance floor.

Harassment

Do not engage in any form of harassment, discrimination, or offensive behaviour. This includes, but is not limited to, derogatory or offensive remarks or gestures, unwelcome sexual attention, or any actions that cause distress or harm to others.

Disruptive behaviour, alcohol and substance abuse

Do not engage in any disruptive or dangerous behaviour. Be mindful of your alcohol consumption and avoid excessive drinking or use of illegal substances before or during events. These are likely to impair your judgement, causing disruption and posing a danger to yourself and others.

When exchanging messages on our social channels and messaging groups, please do so with respect and an open mind, stepping away from a discussion if it escalates or starts to circle. Do not engage in personal attacks of any kind. When a moderator/organiser attempts to stop a conversation please respect that and stop immediately.

Actions

Violation of this code of conduct may result in a warning, temporary or permanent removal from events and/or online channels. The organisers reserve the right to take appropriate action as deemed necessary.

Unsolicited dance advice & teaching

Don’t give unsolicited feedback during classes or social dancing, unless there is a safety issue. Even with good intentions, unwanted feedback can be annoying or hurtful, and can be disruptive to the class.

Partner safety

Be mindful of your partner’s experience level, avoiding moves which they may find uncomfortable or dangerous, such as dips and drops. Leading should never be forceful. Leaders and followers are individually responsible for their own weight and should not initiate any movement which requires their partner to support their weight.

Personal safety

Dancing is a physical activity that can result in injury. Take responsibility for your own personal safety and only engage in moves and exercises that are suitable to your own physical fitness and experience level. If you feel unsafe during a dance, stop immediately and, where appropriate, talk to a teacher or organiser.

Dance floor awareness

Take care of your partner and be aware of those around you at all times to avoid bumping into others. On busy dance floors, give others space and avoid big and high-energy moves. Keep to the direction (slot) of the room. When you’re not dancing, avoid walking across the dance floor in the middle of songs.

Personal hygiene

Dancing involves being in close proximity to others so it is respectful to take care with your personal hygiene. Shower before an event, wear deodorant, freshen your breath and bring a change of top where needed. Avoid heavy perfume or cologne. In sweaty environments, a sleeved top may be more comfortable for your partner.

Personal belongings

Take responsibility for your personal belongings and avoid leaving valuable items unattended.

Etiquette

Be friendly and inclusive. Strike up conversations off the dance floor. Invite others to dance. Anyone can ask anyone to dance. But remember asking for a dance is an invitation, and it is always OK to decline an invitation. West Coast Swing does not assume the role based on gender so don’t assume their role and, if unsure, ask your partner if they wish to lead or follow.