Dance Etiquette
Whether you are new to swing dance or a veteran, everyone enjoys dancing more when a few easy to follow social dance etiquette guidelines are followed:
Dancing is a social occasion. Smile! If you see a newcomer, welcome him/her. If it hurts, you definitely need more practice.
Bathe and use deodorant before going to dance class so you’ll smell sweet for your partners. While exercising, only a member of the Royal Family won’t smell like a horse. But alas, the rest of us are not so lucky. (Brush teeth and use mouth wash and abstain from foods which produce strong odors, like garlic or alcohol) During a dance men should often carry an extra shirt with them to the dance, in case they need to change.)
Let the instrucors do the teaching. Be a helpful dancer, but do not coach while the instructor is trying to explain the dance. People cannot listen to two voices at the same time. (***UNSOLICITED TEACHING!!!-this is unfortunately one of the more common breaches of dance ettiquette. Ironically, this error is invariably committed by individuals who are not fit to teach! Experienced social dancers dance at the level of their partners. Instead of trying to teach someone a pattern in a few minutes it is better to concentrate on doing what both partners can do, and enjoy the dance. Unsolicited teaching is humiliating and takes the fun out of dancing. People who give unsolicited advice justify it by saying they just want to help others. If they really wanted to help-as opposed to making themselves feel superior by giving others unsolicited advise-they would give compliments rather than criticism.)
Be willing to rotate in ther dance lesson. Help the new dancers. Make others feel at home and encourage their learning. Do not dance with the same person all the time. Share your dancing with many people. It will give everyone a good feeling. Respect those who only want to dance with their regular partner.
Do not offer gratuitous advice to the instructor during the lesson.. Suggestions are appreciated by email, phone or by memo left at the front door. The instructor will take the time to respond during the week.
Swing is an aerobic style of dance- any runner is fine for EC . Dance runners or shoes are best for intermediate dancers.
Consideration for others at all times is foremost in dance etiquette. Many learn more slowly than others & feel self-conscious about their dancing. Since self-confidence is important to the learning process, a considerate person will help others gain confidence. .
Phrases like please, thank you, excuse me, and do you mind, etc, really do make a difference and may be freely distributed.
Acknowledge your partner at the end of a couple dance with a smile and thank you’ even if you hated it.
On the social dance floor if you turn down a request to dance, be sure it is for a good reason. Try to follow up the invitation to dance as soon as possible.
Don’t get discouraged; be willing to try new stuff;
Smile once in a while & have fun! THAT’S WHY YOU ARE HERE! What it all comes down to is this: Remember that everyone here came to have a good time and whatever you can do to make it a more enjoyable dance for everyone makes it that much better!
IMPORTANT SAFETY RULES:
DO NOT SQUEEZE YOUR PARTNERS HAND OR JERK THEM AROUND If it hurts don`t do it! Let your partner
know if you have an injury. NEVER force:Always INVITE! RESPECT a “no”! STOP if your partner says “stop”
at any time. They could be in pain! If you accidentally hurt someone always apologize first and ask questions later. Serious SERIOUS incidents are required by insurance to be recorded.
A FIRST AID KIT IS AT THE CONCESSION AT THE SWING DANCE!
