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The Values

of Brussels West

Coast Swing

Brussels West Coast Swing is a community of people who love dancing and share a mindset - a way of being together while respecting each other and having fun.

To ensure everyone feels comfortable, we have created a code of conduct that you will find below.

Our 10 Commandments is a condensed version to capture the essentials. The full charter is below. We ask that you read it before attending our classes.

The Ten Commandements

01

Swing dance is a social dance open to all humans. No one is excluded unless their behavior is undesirable or dangerous.

02

A leader is only one half of an equal partnership. The word "leader" does not mean "advisor" and does not license you to teach, mentor, or coach your partners.

03

A follower is simply the other half of an equal partnership. The word “follower” does not indicate a lower status.

04

Gender is not relevant in WCS. It is both acceptable and common for men to dance as followers and women to dance as leaders, as well as to dance with a partner of the same sex.

05

Corrections are reserved for the class context and generally come from the teachers, unless the teacher requests feedback from students.

06

It is not acceptable to offer unsolicited feedback or corrections on the social dance floor.

07

Learn to compensate and adapt to each person in order to enjoy every dance. You cannot consider yourself an advanced dancer if you only have fun dancing with advanced dancers.

08

It is highly recommended to shower before dancing. But if that’s impossible, at least wear a clean shirt or t-shirt.

09

Bring spare shirts or t-shirts, deodorant (not just antiperspirant), gum or mints. Avoid raw garlic and onions before dancing, and clean your mouth and hands after smoking.

10

Wash your hands often.

The Charter

Inclusion

Swing dancing is a social dance open to everyone. No one is excluded—except in cases of inappropriate or dangerous behavior.
Everyone deserves to feel welcome, especially new dancers.
Racism in any form is not tolerated, nor are unsolicited comments about race, age, body size, weight, or gender. Sexual remarks or innuendo have no place in our community.
If you witness inappropriate behavior, you are encouraged to step in calmly and confidently—whether to ask for clarification or suggest a more respectful alternative.
Need help? Don’t hesitate to contact any member of the team—in person, by email, WhatsApp, or Facebook.

Attitude

Technique: Like learning a language, dancing requires solid technical foundations to allow safe and effective communication with any partner, to any music. Patterns are just tools—the true essence of West Coast Swing lies in connection, musicality, and the physical conversation between partners.
End-of-year assessment: If your teachers suggest repeating a level at the end of a cycle, don’t see it as a setback—it’s a step forward. It means you’re being given the chance to solidify your skills, refine your connection, and build even more confidence on the dance floor. The goal isn’t just to move up—it’s to grow into the kind of dancer who brings joy to every partner, every time. Your teachers believe in your potential, and they’re here to help you shine.
Adapting to each partner: Learn to adjust and respond to each individual so that every dance becomes a meaningful interaction. If you can only enjoy dancing with advanced dancers, you’re not truly an advanced dancer yourself.
Dancing with more skilled dancers: It might feel intimidating, but it’s one of the best and most enjoyable ways to grow.
Dancing with beginners: This is a great way to improve your adaptability and is highly valued socially. Supporting new dancers helps grow the community—which means more people to dance and have fun with in the long run. Remember how intimidating it was to approach experienced dancers when you were just starting out!

Roles

The role of teachers: Instructors love social dancing too! At a social event, they are not there to judge you—so feel free to invite them.
Open roles: Gender is irrelevant in West Coast Swing. It’s both acceptable and common for men to follow and women to lead, as well as to dance with same-gender partners. Like in a tennis doubles match, it’s the teamwork that counts.
That said, when you’re just starting out, we ask that you stick to the role you’re learning in class. This is for your own progress and for the benefit of the community as a whole.
The role of leaders: You’re just one half of an equal partnership. The term leader doesn’t mean advisor, and it does not give you permission to teach, correct, or coach your partner.
The role of followers: You are also one half of an equal partnership. The term follower does not imply a lower status.

On the Dance Floor

Slot dimensions: West Coast Swing is a slotted dance—it travels in a straight line and doesn’t move around the room like a waltz. The stretch creates linear movement, which works well on a crowded floor. Everyone should follow the same general slot direction.
Managing space: Leaders should develop good habits, including safe guiding and techniques like posting, and stay aware of the flow of traffic to avoid collisions. Followers can help by being aware of their environment. If a collision happens, always apologize and check that the other person is okay.
Courtesy: When you’re not dancing, walk around the edges of the floor. Avoid stepping into an active slot. Wait for a clear opening before entering the dance area.

Communication

Feedback, corrections, and reactions:

Corrections are for class time, and usually come from the instructors—unless they specifically ask for peer feedback.
Offering unsolicited corrections on the social dance floor is not acceptable.
If someone gives you unwanted advice, find a polite way to decline or steer the conversation elsewhere.

More about feedback?

Invitations & Refusals

Anyone can invite anyone to dance—regardless of gender—without stigma.
An invitation can be verbal or physical, but it must always wait for verbal or physical consent.
No one is ever required to say yes to a dance. Consent is key—both verbal and nonverbal.
Refusals should be used sparingly, but are always your personal choice.
No one owes anyone a dance.

Be Cooperative

West Coast Swing is an improvised and creative conversation. It requires listening, accepting, adapting, and harmonizing with your partner.

Smile, you’re dancing!

Even if you’re focused or deep in the music, it’s important to smile at your partner and show—through your body language—that you’re enjoying the moment with them.

Physical Respect

Personal Space

As a general rule, avoid touching areas that would be covered by a swimsuit.
Pay attention to your partner’s body language and facial expressions. If they seem uncomfortable, stop and either apologize or ask what they prefer.

Hygiene

Showering before dancing is strongly encouraged. But if you’re coming straight from work or a long day, at least wear a clean shirt or T-shirt.
Bring extra shirts to change into, wear deodorant (not just antiperspirant), and carry mints or chewing gum.
Avoid raw garlic or onions before dancing, and clean your mouth and hands after smoking.
Please avoid heavy perfumes or greasy hand lotion.
Wash your hands regularly.

Intoxication

Social dancing is festive, but it doesn’t mix well with alcohol or drugs. You must be able to maintain your balance and avoid injuring your partner.
If you’re visibly under the influence, the club will ask you to leave immediately.

Balance & Control

You are responsible for maintaining your own balance. Don’t rely on your partner to keep you upright—this includes managing counterbalance and adjusting it constantly.
Leaders especially must be prepared to protect both people in case of emergency.

The Stretch & Absorption Rule

Directional changes can be uncomfortable or even dangerous if stretch and elasticity are not properly managed. Respect the physics of WCS—and learn to use it for both safety and fun.

Clothing

WCS dancers often wear suede-soled shoes. Current trends include low-heeled sandals, ankle boots, or sneakers.
Some dance venues prohibit street shoes. In those cases, please use dance shoes that are exclusively used indoor or socks.
Westies typically wear jeans, leggings, or loose pants—not skirts or dresses. High heels are not suited for WCS.
It’s common practice to bring multiple shirts or tops to change into throughout the night.
When choosing your outfit, consider where your partner needs to connect with you physically (e.g., shoulder, back, arm).