The Ballroom - Dance Floor Etiquette - Ballroom, Country Western, Latin and Swing Dancing in Sacramento

Dance Etiquette at The Ballroom

Most instructors focus on teaching patterns and technique to beginning dancers; however, they often forget the importance of teaching the do's and don'ts of social dancing. Dance etiquette has developed over time to allow freedom of movement and expression while comfortably sharing a relatively limited dance floor area. Common sense and common courtesy are in many ways related to safety on the dance floor as dancers often move very quickly and not always with the greatest degree of control. Therefore, just as with driving an automobile, it is necessary for dancers to follow the "rules of the road". Doing this will greatly enhance your social graces and shows great respect for the dance. With a little bit of practice, you will become the sophisticated dancer that everyone will admire. So please read these etiquette rules carefully and try to keep them in mind the next time you go dancing. Please review the Dance Floor Etiquette picture for a visual representation of the flow of dance around the dance floor.

Remember always to dance in line of dance (counterclockwise) when on the dance floor.
If you are dancing slowly or covering less room in your steps that others, dance to the center and allow those moving faster to use the outside of the floor.
If you wish to stop and talk, leave the dance floor. Do not stop and visit with either your partner or other friends on the dance floor. This is inconsiderate and potentially dangerous.
Respect the rights of others to move freely onto and off the dance floor. Do not stop and block the entrance to the floor. Move away from the floor to look for your next partner or to visit with the previous one.
Gentlemen, when you ask a lady to dance and escort her onto the floor, return her to her seat when the dance is over.
If you must decline and invitation to dance, do so politely. Remember that you may end up sitting out a lot of dances if you say "no" too often. You may not recall the time you turned someone down, but chances are, they do.
If you do accept and your partner is disappointing, most dances last only a few minutes, so smile and be polite. If it was a really unpleasant experience, be politely unavailable next time that person asks for a dance.
Most people attend dances to have fun. It is no fun to be criticized by your partner. Keep any negative remarks or unsolicited advice to yourself.
Dance to the level of your partner. If you find yourself dancing with someone who is not as experienced as you, try patterns that you (leaders) know will be comfortable. Don't attempt advanced syncopations (leaders and followers) which could make your partner uncomfortable or even worse lead to an accident. The object of the dance is to have fun and to make that partner want to dance with you again.
Dances are not the place for instruction. People attend lessons to learn patterns and technique. They attend dances to practice what they have learned and to enjoy themselves. Leave the instruction to instructors, practice your own dancing and allow your partner to do the same. If you must verbally explain to your partner how to execute a pattern, chances are you have either lead pattern that is too difficult for that partner or you have not lead it well enough for your partner to follow it.
We are all beginners at some time. If you find yourself dancing with someone who is less experienced than you, keep in mind, you may be the one who determines whether or not he or she continues dancing.
Dancing requires partners to be close. Personal hygiene can make a big difference in whether or not this is a pleasant experience. Most popular dancers understand the importance of both deodorant and breath mints.
Consideration of your partner and those around you will make you a popular dance partner no matter what your skill level.