SOCIAL DANCE ETIQUETTE
Did you know?
It is considered good etiquette to introduce yourself to someone new and to introduce other people you know who do not know each other.
Before Dancing--
*Either partner may ask the other to dance. Politely ask, e.g., “May I have this dance?” or “Would you like to dance?” Graciously accept an invitation, e.g., “Certainly” or “Yes, you may.”
*If you don’t want to dance, just say “No, thank you.” If you just turned down a request to dance, don’t dance with someone else until that particular song is over. If you get a “No, thank you” response, take the response without being persistent, and just ask someone else.
During Dancing--
*It is not polite to offer instruction to someone in a social dance setting (or in a dance class if you are not the instructor). You may be doing the step wrong. Unless they ask for help or are hurting you, don’t teach. If your partner does request help, take them off to the side away from the other social dancers.
*Be considerate of your partner. Avoid giving hints, criticizing, or dancing for the benefit of onlookers, or showing off at the expense of your partner.
*Leaders, protect your partner by being aware of others on the dance floor, since you are directing her movements. Avoid bumping, kicking, or stepping on others. If these things happen, apologize EVEN if it wasn’t your fault!
*Know where to stand and move when doing either progressive or stationary dances. Stay in your own spot, or slot, or other appropriate location on the floor (see the “Let’s All Practice Dance Floor Etiquette!” illustration). With more people on the floor, dance small. Follow the Rules of the Road for navigating the social dance floor.
*Move in unison with your partner versus treating them like an object to move around. Have patience that each person is doing their best. If dancing with a less experienced partner, leaders need to keep the steps simple at first and build to the level that your partner can handle. Focus on a three-way partnership: you, your partner, and the music.
*Avoid singing, counting out loud, or chewing gum to the music as you dance.
*Do not eat, drink, or stand and talk on the dance floor when others are dancing.
After Dancing--
*Leaders escort your partners back to where you asked them to dance.
*Both partners thank each other for the dance.
*Share the fun by dancing with many different partners.
*At the end of the evening, thank the official host or hostess.
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Note: Excerpts taken with permission from Social Dance: Steps to Success, Third Edition, written by Judy Patterson Wright, and published in 2013 by Human Kinetics Publishers, Champaign, Illinois.
It is considered good etiquette to introduce yourself to someone new and to introduce other people you know who do not know each other.
Before Dancing--
*Either partner may ask the other to dance. Politely ask, e.g., “May I have this dance?” or “Would you like to dance?” Graciously accept an invitation, e.g., “Certainly” or “Yes, you may.”
*If you don’t want to dance, just say “No, thank you.” If you just turned down a request to dance, don’t dance with someone else until that particular song is over. If you get a “No, thank you” response, take the response without being persistent, and just ask someone else.
During Dancing--
*It is not polite to offer instruction to someone in a social dance setting (or in a dance class if you are not the instructor). You may be doing the step wrong. Unless they ask for help or are hurting you, don’t teach. If your partner does request help, take them off to the side away from the other social dancers.
*Be considerate of your partner. Avoid giving hints, criticizing, or dancing for the benefit of onlookers, or showing off at the expense of your partner.
*Leaders, protect your partner by being aware of others on the dance floor, since you are directing her movements. Avoid bumping, kicking, or stepping on others. If these things happen, apologize EVEN if it wasn’t your fault!
*Know where to stand and move when doing either progressive or stationary dances. Stay in your own spot, or slot, or other appropriate location on the floor (see the “Let’s All Practice Dance Floor Etiquette!” illustration). With more people on the floor, dance small. Follow the Rules of the Road for navigating the social dance floor.
*Move in unison with your partner versus treating them like an object to move around. Have patience that each person is doing their best. If dancing with a less experienced partner, leaders need to keep the steps simple at first and build to the level that your partner can handle. Focus on a three-way partnership: you, your partner, and the music.
*Avoid singing, counting out loud, or chewing gum to the music as you dance.
*Do not eat, drink, or stand and talk on the dance floor when others are dancing.
After Dancing--
*Leaders escort your partners back to where you asked them to dance.
*Both partners thank each other for the dance.
*Share the fun by dancing with many different partners.
*At the end of the evening, thank the official host or hostess.
________________________________________________________________
Note: Excerpts taken with permission from Social Dance: Steps to Success, Third Edition, written by Judy Patterson Wright, and published in 2013 by Human Kinetics Publishers, Champaign, Illinois.
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Dance floor etiquette knowledge makes it more enjoyable for all couples. Good floor etiquette is a must. The diagram is by Ray H. Gerring. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.
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