Most instructors focus on teaching patterns and technique to beginning dancers; however, they often forget the importance of teaching the do's and don'ts of social dancing. Dance etiquette has developed over time to allow freedom of movement and expression while comfortably sharing a relatively limited dance floor area. Common sense and common courtesy are in many ways related to safety on the dance floor as dancers often move very quickly and not always with the greatest degree of control. Therefore, just as with driving an automobile, it is necessary for dancers to follow the "rules of the road". Doing this will greatly enhance your social graces and shows great respect for the dance. With a little bit of practice, you will become the sophisticated dancer that everyone will admire.
So please read these
etiquette rules carefully and try to keep them in mind the next time you go
dancing.
Remember always to dance in line of dance
(counterclockwise) when on the dance floor.
If you are dancing slowly or covering less room in your
steps that others, dance to the center and allow those moving faster to use
the outside of the floor.
If you wish to stop and talk, leave the dance floor. Do not
stop and visit with either your partner or other friends on the dance floor.
This is inconsiderate and potentially dangerous.
Respect the rights of others to move freely onto and off
the dance floor. Do not stop and block the entrance to the floor. Move away
from the floor to look for your next partner or to visit with the previous
one.
Gentlemen, when you ask a lady to dance and escort her onto
the floor, return her to her seat when the dance is over.
If you must decline and invitation to dance, do so
politely. Remember that you may end up sitting out a lot of dances if you say
"no" too often. You may not recall the time you turned someone down, but
chances are, they do.
If you do accept and your partner is disappointing, most
dances last only a few minutes, so smile and be polite. If it was a really
unpleasant experience, be politely unavailable next time that person asks for
a dance.
Most people attend dances to have fun. It is no fun to be
criticized by your partner. Keep any negative remarks or unsolicited advice to
yourself.
Dance to the level of your partner. If you find yourself
dancing with someone who is not as experienced as you, try patterns that you
(leaders) know will be comfortable. Don't attempt advanced syncopations
(leaders and followers) which could make your partner uncomfortable or even
worse lead to an accident. The object of the dance is to have fun and to make
that partner want to dance with you again.
Dances are not the place for instruction. People attend
lessons to learn patterns and technique. They attend dances to practice what
they have learned and to enjoy themselves. Leave the instruction to
instructors, practice your own dancing and allow your partner to do the same.
If you must verbally explain to your partner how to execute a pattern, chances
are you have either lead pattern that is too difficult for that partner or you
have not lead it well enough for your partner to follow it.
We are all beginners at some time. If you find yourself
dancing with someone who is less experienced than you, keep in mind, you may
be the one who determines whether or not he or she continues dancing.
Dancing requires partners to be close. Personal hygiene can
make a big difference in whether or not this is a pleasant experience. Most
popular dancers understand the importance of both deodorant and breath mints.
Consideration of your partner and those around you will make you a popular dance partner no matter what your skill level.