| All social activities have rules of etiquette | | | | If you came with a partner it is generally |
| and social dancing is no different. There | | | | accepted that they shall have the first and |
| are general rules of etiquette that apply to | | | | last dance. It is also considered rude to |
| all forms of dancing-smooth, Latin, Texas | | | | dance more than two songs in a row with the |
| Two-step, even disco line dance. Knowing | | | | same person. |
| these rules will make the dance floor | | | | |
| experience enjoyable for everyone. | | | | When asking someone to dance, you should do |
| | | | so politely and accept a refusal just as |
| Before the Dance There is no delicate way to | | | | politely. These days it is acceptable for |
| put this: Please practice good hygiene. | | | | men and women to ask someone to dance. If |
| Offensive body odors and bad breath are | | | | you are on the receiving end of an |
| frowned upon on the dance floor. Many dance | | | | invitation, remember that it is rude to turn |
| aficionados will go so far as to avoid eating | | | | down a dance with someone and then accept an |
| certain strong foods on the days they are | | | | invitation from another partner during the |
| planning to dance. At the very least, a good | | | | same song. |
| shower, deodorant, and a swig of mouthwash | | | | |
| will ensure that you dance the night away | | | | Once a song is over, men should escort women |
| without offending your partner. | | | | back to their seats or to wherever they were |
| | | | standing prior to the dance. If someone has |
| Clothing will vary by the type of event - | | | | just finished dancing, wait until they are |
| formal, semi-formal, dressy casual, even | | | | completely off the dance floor before |
| shorts- but can also vary by the type of | | | | inviting them back out again. Do not pounce |
| dance. You may choose to wear western wear | | | | on someone as they are leaving the dance |
| for country line dancing, or dark themed | | | | floor. |
| clothing for Tango. This is not required but | | | | |
| if you are a novice it is great way to get | | | | Do not block access to the dance floor by |
| accepted into a new dance community. There | | | | standing and talking or moving chairs into |
| are a few general rules that apply to all | | | | pathways. Dance spaces are usually crowded |
| dances: | | | | so be considerate of others' space. |
| | | | |
| •Avoid big accessories that can get | | | | Social dances are categorized into two types |
| caught in your partner's clothing or, worse, | | | | - progressive and spot dances. Progressive |
| scratch or bruise someone. | | | | dances travel the floor like the Polka, |
| | | | Foxtrot, and Waltz. Spot dances are |
| •It is advisable to avoid tennis shoes | | | | typically danced in one spot and include |
| or any rubber soled, spongy type shoe. These | | | | Salsa, Rumba and East Coast Swing. Dancers |
| shoes tend to stick to the floor (as they are | | | | move counterclockwise around the floor in |
| intended to); if you are executing spins and | | | | progressive dances. This is known as the |
| turns, you can injure an ankle or knee. | | | | line of dance and is like an imaginary circle |
| | | | going counterclockwise. In addition to the |
| •Remember that dancing will require a | | | | line of dance there are two lanes, the |
| partner. It is not pleasant to touch | | | | outside or fast lane and the inside or slow |
| someone's damp, sticky skin so avoid | | | | lane. Dances such as the Tango, Waltz, and |
| sleeveless shirts and dresses. | | | | Foxtrot are danced in the two outer lanes. |
| | | | Spot dances such as the Cha Cha, Swing or |
| •Women with long hair should consider | | | | slow dancing are danced in the inside lanes. |
| wearing it up or in a ponytail to avoid | | | | |
| hitting a partner in the face during a spin | | | | Newbie dancers should move toward the center |
| or having your partner's hand get caught in | | | | or outer edges, depending on the style of |
| it. | | | | dance. While newbies should concede more |
| | | | space to more experienced dancers, it is |
| •Men should carry keys and loose change | | | | equally rude for experienced dancers to hog |
| in their left pants pocket making it less | | | | floor space with fancy moves which force |
| likely to bruise their partner. | | | | other dancers out of the way. |
| | | | |
| At the Dance Before you hit the dance floor, | | | | By following these simple rules of dance |
| you will need a partner. It is considered | | | | etiquette, you are sure to have a great time |
| rude to dance with the same partner all | | | | dancing the night away! |
| night, even if it happens to be your spouse! | | | | |