DANCE ETIQUETTE
We have a lot of new beginners that might not be aware of dance etiquette and sometimes our seasoned dancers need a little reminder too!
ASKING A PARTNER
It is equally permissible for a woman to ask a man as it is for a man to ask a woman. Take your partner’s hand on to the dance floor and at the end of the dance, thank your partner.
No, thank you.
When you don’t want to dance, say “No thank you.” Don’t dance with someone else if you just turned down a request. When someone says, “No thanks,” do not be persistent; take them at their word.
Don't correct
It is not polite to correct your partner on the dance floor. Remember, this is a social dance. Have fun!
Don't instruct
It is not polite to offer instructions to someone in a social dance setting. (or in a dance class if you are not the instructor). Let’s face it; you may be the one doing the step wrong. Unless they ask for help or are hurting you, don’t teach. When your partner requests help, move to the side of the floor away from the other social dancers.
Avoid the bump
Dancers bump into the nicest people and it isn’t even a contact sport. Be aware of the dancers around you! If you bump into someone, kick someone, or step on someone’s foot, or if they bump into you, apologize whether it is your fault or theirs. Show concern that no serious injury has occurred. It is a fairly acceptable practice that when a collision occurs, apologize, EVEN if it wasn’t your fault.
Select and stay
Use selective floor placement. Find your SPOT and keep your SLOT.The first person on the floor usually has the right to set the slot of the dance. Dance small! If you require 1/2 of the floor to do your thing, you need to change your thing! Nobody likes to be pushed around the floor. Also, save the arm waving, clapping and handwaving for Flag Day as they may end up in another person’s face. Sorry, but unless you’re onstage, you are not the only one on the dance floor. Keep most steps under you on the space on the size of a dinner plate.
Dance floor is for dancing
Step off the dance floor when you are not dancing. Do not carry food or beverages of any kind, onto the dance floor (walk around the edges) and do not hold conversations on the dance floor.
Simple for the new
When dancing with a less experienced partner, keep the steps simple at first andbuild to the level that your partner can handle. Leading should be defined as “the art of making your partner comfortable.” Dance as a team, don’t showboat. Don’t yank or shove your partner.
Protect your partner
Leaders, protect your partner, since you are directing her movement, you need to be sure to protect her safety.
keep it quiet
Leaders, if you must count and give verbal leads, keep it low enough that just you and your partner can hear. It can confuse those around you.
How to be progressive
Leave room for the progressives. If you are dancing a stationary dance (such as Shag, Lindy, West Coast, East Coast, Rumba etc.) allow space on the outside edge of the dance floor for progressive dancers (such as Waltz, Fox Trot, Tango, Two Step) If you are a progressive dancer, stay on the outside edge of the dance floor and be courteous to the stationary dancers.
More etiquette advice
