Preamble
The association Les Cœurs-Ailés aims to foster artistic creation, transmission, discovery and sharing through workshops, gatherings and events open to everyone.
The Elevalse project, in particular through its workshops and balls, is part of this spirit of sharing, conviviality and artistic discovery.
The purpose of this charter is to guarantee everyone a kind, inclusive, respectful and safe environment, allowing them to take part in the association's activities in the best possible conditions.
It applies to all workshops, gatherings, balls, performances, events and other activities organised or offered by Les Cœurs-Ailés, unless specific provisions are stated for a given activity.
By taking part in the association's activities, each person agrees to respect the principles set out in this charter.
1. Respect and kindness
Each participant is invited to adopt a respectful, courteous and kind attitude towards other participants, instructors, volunteers, artists, organisers and anyone present during the activities.
In particular, we expect:
- respect for everyone, regardless of origin, age, appearance, level, abilities or experience;
- a warm welcome for beginners or people discovering a new activity;
- no mockery, humiliation, inappropriate remarks or intimidating behaviour;
- respect for each person's differences and sensitivities;
- respectful communication, including in case of disagreement or difficulty.
No discriminatory, racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, violent or harassing behaviour will be tolerated in the association's activities.
2. Consent and respect for personal boundaries
Everyone is free to take part in an activity or not, to accept or decline a proposal, and to express their boundaries.
Consent must be free, clear and mutual.
In particular, everyone is free:
- to accept or decline an activity or an interaction;
- to choose their partner(s) when the activity allows;
- to stop an activity at any time;
- to express discomfort, pain or unease;
- to ask for a situation or a contact to stop.
A refusal must be accepted simply, without insistence, pressure, reproach or disparaging comment.
Respect for each person's body, personal space and boundaries is a fundamental principle of Les Cœurs-Ailés activities.
3. Safety and responsibility
Everyone's safety depends on each person's vigilance and responsibility.
Participants agree to:
- follow the instructions given by instructors and organisers;
- promptly report any dangerous situation;
- use equipment and spaces for their intended purpose;
- behave in a manner suited to the activity;
- take into account their own physical abilities and any limitations.
Anyone facing a difficulty requiring particular attention is invited to inform the organising team.
4. Respect for instructors and organisers
Instructors, artists, volunteers and organisers contribute to the smooth running of the activities and must be treated with respect.
Participants are invited to listen to instructions, respect schedules and allow everyone to enjoy the activity in good conditions.
Questions, remarks and suggestions are welcome when expressed in a constructive and respectful spirit.
5. Taking part in workshops
Workshops are spaces for learning, experimenting, creating and sharing.
Participants are not expected to master an activity or technique straight away.
Everyone is encouraged to progress at their own pace, without judgement or excessive comparison with others.
When a workshop involves changing partners, groups or roles, everyone is invited to join in this collective dynamic as far as possible, to encourage exchange and learning.
Experienced participants are encouraged to show patience and kindness towards beginners.
6. Clothing, equipment and hygiene
Clothing should be comfortable, clean and suited to the activity.
When an activity requires specific equipment or clothing, participants are invited to follow the recommendations given by the association or the instructors.
For dance activities, especially the waltz, we recommend clothing that allows sufficient freedom of movement.
For waltz practice, it is preferable to wear closed-toe shoes, to protect the feet and limit the risk of injury in case of contact or collision.
Where necessary, participants also take care to maintain appropriate personal hygiene, particularly in activities involving closeness or physical contact.
7. Behaviour at events
Events organised by Les Cœurs-Ailés are spaces for meeting, sharing and conviviality. Through their behaviour, everyone helps create a pleasant atmosphere for all.
In particular, participants take care to:
- respect the other people present;
- respect the spaces and facilities provided;
- avoid behaviour likely to disturb or endanger others;
- follow the directions given by the organisers;
- preserve a friendly and inclusive atmosphere.
When an event involves a particular activity, additional rules may be communicated by the organisers.
8. Specific provisions for dance activities
Dance activities, particularly those offered as part of Elevalse, sometimes involve physical contact and shared space.
Each dancer takes care to respect:
- their partner;
- their personal space;
- the other dancers present;
- the instructions of the instructor or organiser;
- everyone's physical and personal boundaries.
At balls, everyone is free to invite someone to dance or to decline an invitation.
On the dance floor, dancers adapt their movements to the available space and take care not to endanger others.
Movements or figures requiring a lot of space should be performed with discretion, especially when the floor is busy.
In case of collision or clumsiness, everyone is invited to show courtesy and kindness.
9. Alcohol and substances
When alcoholic drinks are offered at an event, everyone is invited to drink responsibly.
Alcohol or any other substance can never justify disrespectful, aggressive, inappropriate or dangerous behaviour.
Anyone whose condition or behaviour compromises the safety or well-being of others may be asked to stop taking part in the activity or to leave the premises.
10. Photos, videos and image rights
Participants are invited to respect the image, privacy and peace of mind of the other people present.
Before photographing or filming a person in an identifiable way, everyone takes care to respect their wishes and any refusal.
Sharing photos or videos on social networks or any other medium must also respect the people who appear in them.
In its registration terms or communications, the association specifies the conditions under which it may itself take and share images during its activities.
11. Respect for premises and equipment
The premises, facilities and equipment provided must be used with care.
Each participant helps keep the spaces clean and accessible and takes care not to damage the equipment.
Any damage or risky situation must be reported to the organisers.
12. Handling difficulties and inappropriate behaviour
Anyone who encounters a difficulty, feels uncomfortable or witnesses inappropriate behaviour can speak to a member of the Les Cœurs-Ailés team.
The association undertakes to listen to the people concerned seriously, respectfully and discreetly.
Depending on the situation, the association may take the necessary measures to preserve the safety and well-being of all participants.
Depending on the seriousness or repetition of the facts, these measures may include:
- a reminder of the rules of this charter;
- a request to change behaviour;
- temporary exclusion from an activity;
- exclusion from an event;
- or, in the most serious cases, exclusion from the association's activities.
13. The spirit of Les Cœurs-Ailés
This charter is not meant to multiply prohibitions, but to allow everyone to take part in the association's activities in a climate of trust and enjoyment.
Les Cœurs-Ailés wish to make their workshops and events spaces where everyone can learn, create, share knowledge, meet others, experiment, dance and enjoy living artistic experiences together.
We believe that the quality of an artistic activity depends as much on what we share as on the way we respect one another.
Participants' commitment
By taking part in a workshop or event organised by Les Cœurs-Ailés, each person acknowledges having read this charter and agrees to respect its principles.
This charter rests on a collective responsibility: everyone helps make Les Cœurs-Ailés a welcoming, respectful, inclusive and safe space.
