ARTICLE 1: ETIQUETTE

Hey, it's SOCIAL Dancing. You should recognize the importance of using some simple social graces in order to better everyone's experience, including your own. On the other hand, you may have witnessed environments that were uncomfortable due to someone's ignorance or lack of respect for simple etiquette guidelines. This article, written in bulleted highlights & do's & don'ts, should help you be a true gentleman or lady on the dance floor, maybe even off the dance floor in other aspects of life. It should be a mandatory read before you embark in the wonderful world of social dancing.

DO's

• It is appropriate and encouraged that women ask men to dance, as well as men asking women to dance. So ladies, if you want to dance with someone, just ask! What better way to ask someone to dance than with a, "May I Have This Dance?"

• You should always accept when someone asks you to dance unless one of the following applies:

You are very tired, injured, or do not know the dance. Say something like "I'm sorry, I would love to dance with you, but I am very tired and need to sit one out. May I have the next one?" In this case, it is never appropriate to turn down one person only to accept or ask someone else during the same song.

You are leaving the dance. Say something like, "I'm sorry, I would love to but I just had my last dance for the evening and am on my way out. May I have a few to make up for it next time?"

Someone already asked you or you have promised this song/dance to another person. Say something like, "I'm sorry, I've promised this song to someone else. However, I would love to dance with you, May I have the next one?"

You have danced with the person before and they make you very uncomfortable or are offensive.

• When dancing Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Two-Step, or another progressive dance, travel around the dance floor counter-clockwise which is known as the Line of Dance. If you are doing stationary patterns or dance like swing, stay towards the center of the floor.

• Dance at your partner's level. The goal is to make your partner feel and look good, not to show off! Leads, focus on making your partner safe & comfortable. Follows are impressed with someone who does the basics really well, has a solid lead, and is considerate. They are not impressed with someone who tries to perform every advanced pattern possible in 2 minutes and yanks them through things they might not be ready for.

• Always apologize if you bump into someone or step on their feet (regardless of whose fault it was). This goes for your partner as well as other dancers on the floor.

• Thank your partner for the dance at the end of the song.

• Smile. Make eye contact. Say hello and introduce yourself. But do not stare or oggle.

• At the end of the dance, walk your partner off the floor, or to their next partner.

• If there is a live band, applaud the band at the end of each song.

• If you are dancing at a bar or lounge, please order at least one drink and tip the service staff. Bars and lounges are a business and need to make a profit. Support them and hopefully they will continue to offer dancing. Dancers are notoriously known for not drinking or just drinking water. At least order bottled water and tip generously.

• Share floor space with all dancers. Beginning and new dancers deserve just as much space on the dance floor as advanced dancers. However, all dancers, especially new dancers should make sure they find out any accepted conventions of a specific venue.

DON'Ts

• Do not block the flow of the dance. For example, leave room for couples to Foxtrot or Two-step in the outside lanes of the dance floor while you swing in the middle.

• Aerials are NEVER allowed on the social dance floor. They are inconsiderate and extremely dangerous to other dancers, your partner, and you. Save them for competitions and performances. Dips, drops, and tricks should also be done with caution. Only do them if you have plenty of room, there aren't other couples nearby, you know how to do them safely, and you have your partner's consent.

• Unless requested to do so by your partner, do not teach while dancing. Most people are annoyed when the person they are dancing with stops in the middle of the dance with, "let me show you how to do that," or "you are doing that wrong."

HYGIENE

Good hygiene is an obvious part of social dancing, but sometimes certain points can be overlooked. Please keep the following in mind:

• Body Cleanliness: Make sure you shower or bathe before participating in a dance class or event. If you've spent a long day at work, you should consider showering before going to class that evening.

• Oral Hygiene: Make your dentist and your dance partners happy, brush and use mouthwash! Also keep mints and/or gum handy.

• Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing, but remember to dress appropriately for the type of dance event. A dance party calls for more fashionable or formal clothing. An evening class would call for professional, upscale casual, or clubby clothing. Whereas more casual sporty clothes could be appropriate for an all-day intensive or weekend seminar. Unless you don't sweat, stay away from sleeveless tops. If you sweat a lot, you should consider bringing a change of clothes.

• Hair: If you have long hair, please anticipate how it will treat your partner while you are turning and spinning. A long pony-tail may whip your partner in the face. Long loosely-worn hair may also get into your partners face. Wearing hair in a bun or against your head is usually a good option.

• Perfume/Cologne: Is usually a great thing. Just don't overdo it. Some people are irritated or allergic to strong scents. Of course, most people are irritated by strong body odor, so don't forget the deodorant!

• Hands: In one evening, it's very typical for you to dance with a lot of people who've also danced with a lot of people. Wash your hands a few times throughout the evening. It's a must to wash your hands after you use the bathroom. A bottle of hand sanitizer may be a good thing to add to your dance bag.

Do you have other suggestions or questions? Let us know!

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