Dance Floor Etiquette
By Cianne McGinnes
h=
ttp://www.cianne.com
Here
Are Some Pointers About How To Dance In Public.
There Are Certain Rules Of Proper Behavior While Dancing In Any Venue,=
Be
It A Bar Or A Ballroom.
The direction of travel, called "Line of dance", is
ALWAYS counter-clockwise on ANY dance floor.
There are two imaginary "lanes" on a dance floor (li=
ke
on a race track). These lanes are for "progressive" dances - ones
which travel around the floor in a circle.
The outside lane is for faster dances (such as double time
Two-Step), and the inner lane for slower dances (regular Two-Step, or perha=
ps
Schottische or another partner dance).
The center of the dance floor is designated for stationary dan=
ces
such as Line Dances, Swing, and Rock & Roll. If we all stay in our prop=
er
space, everyone has more room to enjoy themselves on the dance floor.
NEVER, EVER take a cigarette or a drink onto a dance floor.
In Addition To Tho=
se
"Rules", I Also Have A Few "Miss Manners" Type Suggesti=
ons
For Other "Behaviors" That Will Help To Make You More Popular On =
The
Dance Scene.
GENTLEMEN:
When you approach a lady to ask for=
a
dance, mention which dance you are asking her to do with you. For example:
"Would you care to Two-Step?"; "Would you like to Waltz?&quo=
t;
That way, if she does not know how to do that particular dance, she can tell
you that then, and she won't be embarrassed on the dance floor.
When (or if) she agrees to dance wi=
th
you, don't just turn and walk toward the floor and expect her to follow you
there. Hold out your hand or arm to her, and walk her onto the dance floor.
When the dance is over, walk her back to her table, and then thank her for =
the
dance (whether you enjoyed it or not) before you walk away.
Dance to the level of your partner.=
DO
NOT whip out all your fancy moves with a partner you've never danced with
before. Start slowly with the simplest patterns. If she does not follow them
easily, stick with the basic footwork and save the fancy stuff for another
partner. If she does follow well, introduce the trickier moves one at a tim=
e,
increasing the difficulty only if she seems comfortable following your lead=
s.
If you perspire a lot and you plan =
to
be out dancing all evening, bring an extra shirt or two with you and leave =
them
in your car. If your shirt becomes wet, go out and change into a fresh one.=
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
Use a LIBERAL application of deodor=
ant
or antiperspirant, and a MINIMUM amount of perfume, aftershave, or cologne.
Remember, some people are allergic to fragrances, so keep it light.
Carry some type of breath fresheners
with you, especially if you smoke. Dancing is an activity that puts you in =
very
close proximity with another person. Cleanliness in every area is VITAL if =
you
want people to enjoy your company.
Do not critique your partner's danc=
ing.
If they wanted a lesson, they'd be in a class paying for one. They are ther=
e to
have a good time, as should you be. Smile and try to make the best of a bad
situation. Unless I'm being hurt, my motto has always been - "I can ta=
ke
ANYTHING for the length of a 3 minute song".
Accidents will happen. But if you DO
bump into someone, always apologize; and a SMILE works wonders to ease any
tension created by a bump.
Ladies: It's difficult enough for t=
he
leader to keep his count, maneuver you around a crowded dance floor, and de=
cide
what move to do next and what foot to lead it on – don’t talk to
him and distract him. Men: Watch where you're going. While she's in y=
our
arms, you're her protector. Don't be so busy trying to talk to her, that you
bump her into a table or another couple. Dance when you're on the dance flo=
or,
and save the conversation for afterward.