Or Dancefloor Manners, if you will.
Unfortunantly most beginners will commit these sins unknowingly before they become aware of them.
Probably the most important aspect to be aware of on a crowded dancefloor is the Line Of Dance (LOD). Most Dances in any style move anti-clockwise around the floor.
Beginners should try and remain on the inside of the LOD, that means stay closer to the middle of the dancefloor.
The main reason for this is because the more experienced dancers take bigger and more leading steps, You will be in their way and possibly get bumped or knocked over. It allows them to move freely while us beginners can travel at our own pace on the inside LOD.
This rule can be varied in the case of 2 dances going at once, many social venues will have (as an example) a Charmaine on the outside LOD and Carousel on the inside LOD, or Gypsy Tap on the inside and a "Skipping" Gypsy Tap on the outside. In cases like this you should remain in whichever LOD you are doing.
Arms are also an issue on the dancefloor. Mainly for the ladies here, unless the floor is uncrowded, or you are positive you have enough space, you should limit your arm movements in a social setting. Chances are that as a beginner you probably wont know much of the arm styling just yet. This is good advice to follow if you dont want to make enemies at your venue and alienate any potential partners who see you occasionally slapping the person next to you, behind or in front of you. Keep your hand on your hip as described on the HOLDS page.
Accepting or Refusing a dance. This one is a killer for both parties. I will divide it into 2 sections, one for the Ladies and one for the Gentlemen.
Ladies
Firstly, stay near the dancefloor! A Man wont come looking for you in another room, nor will he walk too far away from the floor to ask you when he has many ladies waiting by the floor. There is too short a break between songs for him to come and hunt you down.
Second, SMILE. I cant stress how important smiling is.
Most men will approach you with their hand out and ask "Would you like to dance" Some might just approach with an outstretched hand and a smile, or just nod and smile, either way its an invitation. All you need to do to accept the dance is, Smile, reach out to hold his hand and simply say "Id love to" , "Sure" , "Would be delighted" ... you get the drift.
To decline a dance, simply smile and say "No thank you" and always try to give a valid reason, "Im sorry I dont know this one", "Im a little tired after that last dance" , " Maybe the next one?", but make sure that if you refuse one man this dance not to accept the next mans offer for the same dance, its very rude and the man will notice.
Dont decline a dance because the Man is more experienced, just let him know you are a beginner, most men love a chance to teach you a thing or 2 and you will probably pick up a thing or 2 in the process.
Never refuse a dance because you think the Man is unattractive, too old, too young, etc , it is rude and you wouldnt want Men to not ask you to dance because they dont find you attractive enough!
It is perfectly fine to refuse a dance if the Mans hygeine is bad (See Below).
Men
Smile! Unless you are familiar with the Lady, you should always extend your hand to her and ask "Would you like to dance?" and wait for her response, let her take your hand. Grabbing her and pulling her to her feet is not the way to do it.
If she refuses dont take it personally! She probably has a good reason, especially as a beginner. She might be to nervous, or might not know this dance.
Always escort your Lady off the dancefloor at the end of the dance, dont just leave her there, she will feel silly walking off alone, and she wont forget it. Chances are she wont dance with you again.
Hygenie and Dress.
Ladies and Gentlemen should always do their best to appear neat and clean. Deoderant is a MUST, if that needs explanaition then you are a lost cause. Try and chew some gum before you arrive and during breaks, or have some breath mints. Remember how close you will be to others...would you like to be on the receieving end of bad breath?
Ladies, Make sure you dress appropriately, short skirts and low cut tops might look great, but they are totally out of place on a dancefloor. Knee length skirts or slacks, and nice fitted tshirts or shirts are the way to go. Not too much perfume, it can be overwhenlming for a Man.
If you have long hair, tie it back. No-one likes to be whipped in the face and it will get in your way too.
Men, Your best bet is a pair of slacks or comfortable jeans with a nice shirt. It is a good idea to bring a spare shirt in your bag. Many ladies will refuse to dance with you if your shirt is drenched with sweat by mid evening. Its very off putting to be in a closed hold with a Man who is sweat soaked. A handkerchief in your pocket comes in handy for wiping your brow. Easy on the aftershave, think of how awful it is standing next to a perfume soaked lady.
