Carolina Pines - USA Dance Chapter #6091
Social Dance Etiquette
WE'RE DOING THIS FOR FUN
Social ballroom is one of life's rare opportunities for pure fun. It is important to remember that dancing is a social activity which requires interpersonal as well as physical grace. Being a considerate and thoughtful partner can ensure a wonderful experience. Dance courtesy is even more important than a social dancer's technique. It's not always intuitive, but it can be learned. To this end we provide you with the following guidelines of dance etiquette.
ASKING SOMEONE TO DANCE
When you ask someone to dance, be sure to make eye contact with your prospective partner, offer your hand, and ask “Would you like to dance?” When your partner says "yes", smile, offer your hand, and escort your partner onto the dance floor and into dance position. This will make your partner feel supported and at ease.
PS.
When the dance is over don't leave your partner in the middle of the dance floor, accompany her back to her chair.
PS.
When the dance is over don't leave your partner in the middle of the dance floor, accompany her back to her chair.
ACCEPTING AN OFFER TO DANCE
When someone asks you to dance, your response should be “Yes, thank you, I’d love to.” In a social dance environment, it is customary to say yes when someone asks you to dance. Be nice to your dance partner regardless of his or her skill level. Remember, each of us started out as a beginner and look where we've come since then.
APPRECIATE YOUR PARTNER
During the dance, be sure to be aware of your partner. Smile and make eye contact, but don’t stare. It is fun to dance with someone who is gracious and appreciative. At the end of the dance, always say "thank you" and escort her off the floor.
WHEN TO SAY "NO"
When a person asks you to dance, it is appropriate to say no if you have danced with this person before or if he or she has been physically or verbally abusive. It is also OK to say no if the person is obviously intoxicated or threatening in some way. If you feel that a dancer is physically dangerous to other dancers, you should report that situation immediately to a Chapter Board Member.
CIRCULATING
In a social dance situation it is appropriate to dance with a variety of people. It is generally poor dance etiquette to partner up and dance with the same person all evening long. Naturally, some people will prefer certain dance partners to others, but this should not prevent them from accepting an offer to dance from a new person. If the same person asks you to dance repeatedly, for several dances in a row, it is acceptable to tell that person, “thank you, but I’d like to meet and dance with some other people for awhile. I’ll be happy to dance with you again later in the evening.”
When sitting with a group of people the gentlemen should dance with each lady at that table as well a circulating among the other dancers.
When sitting with a group of people the gentlemen should dance with each lady at that table as well a circulating among the other dancers.
"SPARKLE"
Social dancing is a quasi-intimate activity that requires a certain degree of physical closeness. Dancers should bathe, use deodorant, use breath mints, and wear clean clothes that will not be too hot. Some dancers sweat a great deal while dancing. In this case, it is considerate to bring a towel and/ or change of clothes. If you find yourself getting too sweaty on the dance floor, you should stop, dry off, and cool down for a few minutes. Your partners will thank you for it. Dancers should also use a light touch applying perfume or cologne since some people may be sensitive to fragrances.
CORRECTING YOUR PARTNER
Unless someone asks you directly to make a correction of their dancing, you should never volunteer criticisms of your dance partner’s technique. Know that your dance partner is doing the best they can. If your partner is dancing off time, you should view the situation as a challenge to dance to the same internal rhythms as your partner. Your partner is not dancing off time intentionally, some people hear the music a bit differently.
FLOOR CRAFT
It has often been said that one bumps
into the nicest people on the dance
floor. Little bumps are going to happen,
but there are a few easy rules of the
road designed to give some order to
the flow of dance, making it safer and
more fun for everyone.
Although dance is not a contact sport, there will be
the occasional collision. That's when everyone involved
should stop and apologize, regardless of whose "fault" it was. If someone has been hurt, you should make sure that person is OK before you resume dancing. Sometimes people are not okay after a collision. In this case, you should escort the person off the floor to a chair and see if that person needs ice, water, or medical attention.
into the nicest people on the dance
floor. Little bumps are going to happen,
but there are a few easy rules of the
road designed to give some order to
the flow of dance, making it safer and
more fun for everyone.
Although dance is not a contact sport, there will be
the occasional collision. That's when everyone involved
should stop and apologize, regardless of whose "fault" it was. If someone has been hurt, you should make sure that person is OK before you resume dancing. Sometimes people are not okay after a collision. In this case, you should escort the person off the floor to a chair and see if that person needs ice, water, or medical attention.
LINE OF DANCE
Although there are no "dance police" careful observation of the traffic lanes in a ballroom can prevent mishaps.
In Waltz, Foxtrot, tango, Quickstep and Samba, dancers move in a counterclockwise circle around the floor. This circle is known as “line of dance”. The very outside lane of the line of dance is the“fast lane”; it is generally used by very experienced dancers who cover a great deal of ground. The inside lane is for less experienced dancers who may be moving a bit more slowly. Beginners and those who would like to practice the basic steps without traveling can stay on the inside of the circle, out of the line of dance completely.
'By the way, it is considered inappropriate to cut
across the dance floor, especially when carrying food or
drink. Also, remember to move off the dance floor
when engaged in conversation.
In Waltz, Foxtrot, tango, Quickstep and Samba, dancers move in a counterclockwise circle around the floor. This circle is known as “line of dance”. The very outside lane of the line of dance is the“fast lane”; it is generally used by very experienced dancers who cover a great deal of ground. The inside lane is for less experienced dancers who may be moving a bit more slowly. Beginners and those who would like to practice the basic steps without traveling can stay on the inside of the circle, out of the line of dance completely.
'By the way, it is considered inappropriate to cut
across the dance floor, especially when carrying food or
drink. Also, remember to move off the dance floor
when engaged in conversation.
OUCH!
If your partner is physically hurting you, it is probably inadvertent. You should stop dancing for a second, and say “I’m sorry, but you’re holding my hand a little tightly. Could we try again?” If you receive an inconsiderate response or your partner seems unwilling to modify his behavior, it is then appropriate to say, “thank you, but I’d like to stop now.” Social dancing should never be physically painful or dangerous.
Group Class Etiquette
THIS IS OVER MY HEAD!
If you really can’t get the step, you can tell your partner that you need to step out of the rotation for a minute to try
to master the steps on your own.
to master the steps on your own.
ROTATING PARTNERS
It has been proven that you will learn to dance 30%
faster by dancing with a variety of partners. Sometimes, in our group classes, we have you rotate. Be sure to say hello and introduce yourself to your new partners.
If you only want to dance with the same partner for your own personal reasons, you may do so by stepping out of the circle each time the instructor ask you to rotate. This way, it is clear that you are not part of the rotation. In order for dancing to be fun it's important that social dancers are supportive and kind to your partner. You should never refuse to rotate to a particular partner because you don’t think that person dances well. Rotating partners gives you an opportunity to improve your dance skills. You might also find after dancing with other students that your partner just might be a bit better than you realized.
faster by dancing with a variety of partners. Sometimes, in our group classes, we have you rotate. Be sure to say hello and introduce yourself to your new partners.
If you only want to dance with the same partner for your own personal reasons, you may do so by stepping out of the circle each time the instructor ask you to rotate. This way, it is clear that you are not part of the rotation. In order for dancing to be fun it's important that social dancers are supportive and kind to your partner. You should never refuse to rotate to a particular partner because you don’t think that person dances well. Rotating partners gives you an opportunity to improve your dance skills. You might also find after dancing with other students that your partner just might be a bit better than you realized.
LOOK AT ME, LOOK AT ME
When we take a dance class we're there to learn what that instructor has to teach us. Often we have had the material from other sources. However this is not the time to tell the class about our dance experience or to practice material that is not being covered in the current class. The next social event you attend will be your moment to shine.
THAT'S ALL FOLKS
Thank you for taking the time to review this Guide to Dance Etiquette. Keep in mind to use common sense, respect, and manners for an enjoyable dance experience for both you and your partner. We hope this will help you enjoy any dancing situation.
Now go out there and experience the pure fun of social dancing!
