1. If you're not dancing, don't stand on the dance floor. Swaying from one foot to the other without picking up your feet doesn't count as dancing.
2. Never dance with a cigarette or food or drink in your hand, you could accidentally burn someone or ruin their clothes.
3. It is perfectly acceptable for a woman to ask a man to dance. But, men don't forget woman love to be asked to dance also. If you're feeling shy, try extending your hand first, she will more than likely take it and you can lead her to your dance space on the floor. Use eye contact as you dance.
4. Having trouble getting dances even though you know the steps? Could it be your deodorant or bad breath? Enjoying a smoke on the break...try a breath mint before returning to the dance.
5. While slipping into your dance shoes may be appropriate at your table, changing sweaty shirts is not, please use the restroom.
6. The line of dance is counter-clock wise, formed on the outside edge of the dance floor. Traffic will travel in this direction, fast lane on the outside edge.
7. Pay attention to the traffic. Leaders watch where you are going, you may need tone down your dance moves to get through that crowded floor. Keep those elbows in and feet under you. Followers could also help watch traffic.
8. If you bump into or step on another dancer, be courteous and apologize even if it may not be your fault.
9. Please don't try competition lifts, drops and big kicks. Avoid injury or damage. We are social dancing not competing for trophies. Leave it for the professional dancers, they have a trained eye for ceiling fixtures, lights, tables and chairs, their own dance space and other people.
10. Don't lose your cool if your partner is a less accomplished dancer. You want to have fun and enjoy dancing, not make your partner feel inadequate. Try dancing at least one dance with someone at a lower level, they'll appreciate the chance and remember you for it a couple of months down the road when they become more accomplished and you're without a partner.
11. Don't correct your partner's style or try to teach on the dance floor unless he or she asks for direction. If your partner doesn't follow a particular pattern, try it again, but after the third try, rather than create a traffic jam, go on to something else. Followers may correct a partner if they are asked but don't lead. If a follower wants to lead, it's OK, if you ask first. The two of you may decide to trade off leads, but notify your partner before trading.
12. Say "No, thank you," politely if you don't want to dance. You may add "maybe later" if you mean it. It is rude to say you're resting or can't dance with one person and five seconds later accept a dance with someone else.
13. Ever notice that the best dancers don't drink alcohol or do drugs. Some of those moves are difficult to master even when you're straight. No need to throw your timing off by an altered state. The key is to use moderation.
14. Please no groping or exploring hands on the dance floor. Keep the pelvis thrusting to those you are very familiar with or off the floor. Some women will become unruffled and take appropriate action by trying to establish a proper dance hold or stating "EXCUSE ME" or even walk off the dance floor.
15. Turn the girl at the end of the dance, she'll usually come out smiling and may dance the next tune with you. Remember three consecutive turns is usually the limit with most partners. While you may want to impress her with your style, you don't want to make her dizzy.
16. Thank your partner after dancing and show appreciation for the band by clapping after each song.
17. If you're not participating in a complimentary dance lesson and just watching before the band starts playing, please keep your voices down and respect the time allocated for the lesson. Remember when you first learned to dance, you probably wanted to hear everything the instructor had to say.
 


Copyright © 2000 Diana R. Castillo. All rights reserved.