Let's Dance New England
Who asks whom to dance? (back to top)
While traditional etiquette had stipulated that the man ask the woman to dance, in today's world it has become increasingly more common and accepted that anyone be able to ask another for a dance. You should remember that the majority of people who enjoy dancing and do so on a regular basis are there for just that reason - to dance. It is acceptable for either party to ask for a dance by simply saying "May I have this dance?" or "Would you like to dance?"
What do I do if we accidentally bump another couple on the floor? (back to top)
With so many couples on the floor, sometimes it is very difficult to make it through an entire evening of dancing without accidentally bumping into another person or couple on the dance floor. If this happens, it is customary for both couples to simply apologize. Yes, even the couple that got bumped. Blame should not be placed on either party.
What do I expect at the end of the dance? (back to top)
At the end of a dance, it is customary for both parties to thank the other for the dance. It is also customary for the leader to walk the follower off the dance floor before asking another partner for a dance.
What is the direction of dance on the dance floor? (back to top)
Progressive dancing (ie: waltz, two-step etc.) is always counterclockwise around the outside edge of the floor.
How is the dance floor divided and why do I sometimes see different types of dancing going on? (back to top)
The dance floor is divided into a few different sections and should always be respected. Dancers should not encroach on another's dance space but should stay in line with the below diagram for whichever dance they are doing at the time. Dancers should also remember that many songs can be danced to many different types of dances.
The corners are reserved for 'free-styling' and swing dancing. The corners are also the spot where faster, more advanced dancers will pass one another and pause for non-progressive turns or moves if there are no free-style or swing dancers. The 'Fast Lane' refers to couples who are more advanced and move faster in a progressive dance. The 'Slow Lane' refers to couples who are less advanced and moving slower around the floor in a progressive dance. Line Dancers occupy the center of the dance floor.
It is important to remember not to encroach on others' dance space. This means line dancers should not line up from one end of the floor to the other and block progressive dancers from dancing. This also means that progressive dancers should not cut their corners or move into the line dancing area as well as into the far corners if there are free style or swing dancers occupying that space.
Again, you are all here to have fun so try not to inhibit other dancers . Just be aware!
Social Dancing Golden Rule: (back to top)
Never criticize your partner or try to 'teach' your partner while on the dance floor. Try to remember that social dancing is for fun and you are both there for that reason. It is embarrassing for your partner to feel as though they have danced poorly and need you to tell them how to dance or what they should be doing on the dance floor. This accomplishes nothing except making the other person feel bad. Simply put, it's inappropriate. Dance Instructors, whether in a group or private setting, should be the only ones pointing out ways to improve a student's dancing.
Dancing with Beginners: (back to top)
This is a reminder for all dancers: All of us started as beginners. We learn to be better dancers by dancing with a variety of partners both those who are more advanced and less advanced than we are.
Is it okay to not accept a dance? (back to top)
Of course. If you are tired, need a restroom, a drink or simply need to sit one out for whatever reason it is perfectly acceptable to politely decline a dance. However, the rule here is that if you decline a dance you can not accept a dance to the song that is playing at the time you declined with another partner.
Why can't I be on the dance floor with my drink? (back to top)
Because if you spill it on the floor it could mean disaster. Many dancers have invested a lot of money in dance shoes with special felt or leather bottoms meant to be used on dance floor surfaces only. When a felt bottom shoe gets wet it stops sliding or gliding on the dance floor and 'sticks' which can cause a fall or injury to the dancer. Likewise, any wet spot on a floor can cause a slip and fall and possible injury to anyone with any type of shoe. DRINKS ARE NOT MEANT TO BE ON THE DANCE FLOOR.
Why can't I stand and socialize on the dance floor? (back to top)
Because dancers come to dance. When you socialize or just want to watch, please have the courtesy to allow the dancers their dance floor.
Who leads and who follows - and why do I sometimes see men following, women leading, men dancing with men and women dancing with women? (back to top)
It used to be that all men were leaders and all women were followers. Not true anymore. In the dancers' quest to improve their dance skills, more and more women are learning to lead and more and more men are learning to follow. By learning the other role, some dancers become better at the role they are more comfortable with or what is traditionally known as the the role they are 'supposed' to take. A great way to discover what is needed to be a good follower is to become a leader. While you are leading you will understand first hand what leaders are looking for in their dance partners. Knowing both parts will also give you much more independence and make you much more popular. It's a great attention getter.