Dance Etiquette in the Ballroom
The Modesto Ballroom Club does have a
dress code for all dances. We ask all attendees to come dressed in
semi-formal to formal attire. Please see the attached
dress code flyer for more
information.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
For further information regarding Line of Dance click here
>>>
Line of Dance
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