The Rules of Entango-ment - Dance Floor Etiquette

All social activities have rules of etiquette and socialgenerally accepted that they shall have the first and
dancing is no different. There are general rules oflast dance. It is also considered rude to dance more
etiquette that apply to all forms of dancing-smooth,than two songs in a row with the same person.
Latin, Texas Two-step, even disco line dance.When asking someone to dance, you should do so
Knowing these rules will make the dance floorpolitely and accept a refusal just as politely. These
experience enjoyable for everyone.days it is acceptable for men and women to ask
Before the Dance There is no delicate way to putsomeone to dance. If you are on the receiving end
this: Please practice good hygiene. Offensive bodyof an invitation, remember that it is rude to turn
odors and bad breath are frowned upon on thedown a dance with someone and then accept an
dance floor. Many dance aficionados will go so far asinvitation from another partner during the same song.
to avoid eating certain strong foods on the daysOnce a song is over, men should escort women back
they are planning to dance. At the very least, a goodto their seats or to wherever they were standing
shower, deodorant, and a swig of mouthwash willprior to the dance. If someone has just finished
ensure that you dance the night away withoutdancing, wait until they are completely off the dance
offending your partner.floor before inviting them back out again. Do not
Clothing will vary by the type of event - formal,pounce on someone as they are leaving the dance
semi-formal, dressy casual, even shorts- but can alsofloor.
vary by the type of dance. You may choose toDo not block access to the dance floor by standing
wear western wear for country line dancing, or darkand talking or moving chairs into pathways. Dance
themed clothing for Tango. This is not required but ifspaces are usually crowded so be considerate of
you are a novice it is great way to get accepted intoothers' space.
a new dance community. There are a few generalSocial dances are categorized into two types -
rules that apply to all dances:progressive and spot dances. Progressive dances
•Avoid big accessories that can get caughttravel the floor like the Polka, Foxtrot, and Waltz.
in your partner's clothing or, worse, scratch or bruiseSpot dances are typically danced in one spot and
someone.include Salsa, Rumba and East Coast Swing. Dancers
•It is advisable to avoid tennis shoes or anymove counterclockwise around the floor in
rubber soled, spongy type shoe. These shoes tendprogressive dances. This is known as the line of
to stick to the floor (as they are intended to); if youdance and is like an imaginary circle going
are executing spins and turns, you can injure an anklecounterclockwise. In addition to the line of dance
or knee.there are two lanes, the outside or fast lane and the
•Remember that dancing will require ainside or slow lane. Dances such as the Tango, Waltz,
partner. It is not pleasant to touch someone's damp,and Foxtrot are danced in the two outer lanes. Spot
sticky skin so avoid sleeveless shirts and dresses.dances such as the Cha Cha, Swing or slow dancing
•Women with long hair should considerare danced in the inside lanes.
wearing it up or in a ponytail to avoid hitting a partnerNewbie dancers should move toward the center or
in the face during a spin or having your partner's handouter edges, depending on the style of dance. While
get caught in it.newbies should concede more space to more
•Men should carry keys and loose change inexperienced dancers, it is equally rude for
their left pants pocket making it less likely to bruiseexperienced dancers to hog floor space with fancy
their partner.moves which force other dancers out of the way.
At the Dance Before you hit the dance floor, you willBy following these simple rules of dance etiquette,
need a partner. It is considered rude to dance withyou are sure to have a great time dancing the night
the same partner all night, even if it happens to beaway!
your spouse! If you came with a partner it is