Dancer’s guide

WCS Quebec Dancers Association Dancer’s Guide

We promote the values of respect, caring and inclusion in the activities and events organized by the Quebec City WCS Dancers Association.

We invite you to read our code of ethics and report any misconduct, inappropriate comments or behavior to a member of the Wellness Brigade.

In addition, here are a few principles of civility to promote the well-being of everyone at the dance.

1- A WELCOMING AND INCLUSIVE ATTITUDE

Dance attracts a diverse clientele, who participate for different reasons and pursue different objectives, but who all share one thing in common: the pleasure of dancing. To promote everyone’s well-being, here’s what we suggest:

★ Ask others to dance, don’t just wait;

★ Smile: a smile can make a big difference to the person receiving it;

★ Dance with everyone without distinction (levels, ages, genders, etc.), because we’re all here to have fun and progress;

★ Focus your energy on people you can dance with, not those who refuse you a dance: you won’t sit still for long;

★ Unless explicitly requested, don’t offer feedback, correct or teach your partner.

2- SPECIAL ATTENTION TO HYGIENE

Dancing necessarily implies proximity to the other person. To make the experience a pleasant one for all, the following elements should not be overlooked:

★ Think about your partners and practice good hygiene: showering, toothbrushing and deodorant are a must;

★ If you sweat profusely, bring spare sweaters and avoid sleeveless shirts;

★ If you wear perfume, use it sparingly. Some people may be allergic to it or very sensitive to odors;

★ If you have long hair, style your hair to avoid whipping your partner’s face.

3- RESPECTFUL CONDUCT

The dance floor is a micro-society where many people find fulfillment and self-esteem. Respect is always the order of the day. Some situations can be delicate. Here are a few points that require tact and civility:

★ Respect touching etiquette: permission to touch your partner is limited to the duration of the dance and restricted to the following connection points: hands, arms, shoulders, back, hips and on a few occasions, knees;

★ You can decline a dance, but do it delicately. If you need a break, come back for that person later. If you simply don’t want to dance with that person, politely decline;

★ During workshops and classes, don’t speak at the same time as your teachers or correct your partner yourself. Instead, ask your teachers for help.

4- PLEASURE AND SAFETY: A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

We all have our part to play in what results in a “good” or “bad” dance. Our attitude to it can make a big difference to ourselves and to each other.

★ Learning to dance is never static. That’s why we encourage you to take your skills as a dancer to the next level by signing up for classes and workshops offered by the community;

★ Be gentle: social dancing is never about pulling or pushing with your arms, whether you’re a leader or a follower;

★ Be aware of your space to avoid collisions;

★ When you’re not dancing, stand back at the perimeter of the room;

★ Respect your partner’s limits: don’t do dips or acrobatics with a partner without their agreement. When in doubt, ask.

★ If your partner gets hurt, stop dancing and stay together to take care of the injury.

 

Le Comité Bien-Être de West Coast Swing Québec.

_{(We’d like to thank Westie Montréal for sharing their “Dancer’s Guide”, from which we’ve drawn much of our inspiration here.)}