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