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