Several people suggested that we publish a page on dance etiquette. The rules have been around for a long time. They were written to ensure that everyone has a good time in a social dance setting. Most people at Santa Clara are very good about this. But just in case some of you have never seen them, or need a reminder about common courtesies, here is the list:
PROPER HYGEINE
Dancing is an activity where two people come in close contact. Before a dance:
• Shower and use a deodorant
• Brush teeth and use mouthwash or breath mint
• Abstain from foods that produce strong odors, like those heavy in garlic
• The odor of cigarettes on one’s breath or clothing can be very unattractive.
• Gentlemen, you can carry an extra shirt with you to the dance, in case you need a change.
REQUEST FOR A DANCE
• In the past it has been the tradition that men asked women to dance. But this custom has gradually changed. Today, women should feel equally comfortable asking a partner for a dance, even in a formal setting.
• Do not decline a dance unless you absolutely have to. Having declined a dance, you cannot dance the same song with someone else.
GOOD FLOORCRAFT
• Be considerate of the other couples. Stationary dancers (e.g. Swing dancers) stay in the middle, traveling dancers move on the boundary along the line of dance which is counterclockwise.
• Do not cut other couples off; no aerials or choreographed steps on the dance floor.
• Do not stop on the dance floor and talk after the dance is over. Leave the floor first.
When a song comes to an end, leave the floor as quickly as it is gracefully possible. Tradition requires that the gentleman give his arm to the lady and take her back to her seat at the end of the dance. While this custom is linked to the outdated tradition requiring the gentlemen to ask ladies for dances, it is still a nice touch, although it may be impractical on the more crowded dance floors. In any case, remember that your partner may want to get the next dance. Don’t keep them talking after the dance is over, if they seem ready to break away to look for their next partner.
UNSOLICITED TEACHING
• No unsolicited teaching on the dance floor! There is a good chance this will make your partner feel small and humiliated. Not exactly a great way of encouraging him/her, or others, to dance with you. Ironically, this error is often committed by individuals who are not fit to teach! Experienced social dancers dance to the level of their partners.
• Be gracious. Never blame your partner for anything that may happen on the dance floor.
DANCE WITH EVERYONE
• Do not monopolize a partner on the dance floor. Dancers are polite and rarely say no to a dance, but this is no carte blanche to impose on their kindness. Dance with everyone, and let everyone dance.
FOCUS ON YOUR PARTNER
• Your job is to make the person you are dancing with look good. For leads this means being conscientious of your partner’s skill and adjusting your lead to the situation. For followers this means avoiding back-leading or other actions that make the lead feel “unimportant.”
BE COURTEOUS
• Thank your partner after each dance.
• Be personable, smile, and make eye contact with your partner. Try to project a warm and positive image on the dance floor, even if that is not your personal style.
ABOVE ALL, USE COMMON SENSE.
• Try to follow the Golden Rule: treat others as you wish to be treated.
Remember, smile, be warm, be personable, be nice.
And have fun dancing!
Santa Clara Tuesday Dance 