Unless someone is truly offensive, it is not appropriate to say no because your partner may have poor dance technique. While dancing with this person may not be one of life’s peak experiences, a dance is only three minutes long and the experience will not kill you. Also, if you refuse a dance with one partner, it is inappropriate to accept an offer, for the same dance, from another partner. This is a sure way to deflate someone's confidence which is counter-productive to the whole experience. The more you build up their confidence the better dancer they will become. Your patience will deliver a just reward.
CIRCULATING
In a social dance situation it is appropriate to dance with a variety of people. At The Promenade we always have a Single Dancer Section, so that it is easy for Single Dancers to meet and greet. It is not mandatory to sit there, but as a Single Dancer, your odds of dancing are much greater if you do. We have many patrons who are married, but their partner does not dance. They are still considered Single Dancers. It is generally poor Dance Etiquette to partner up and dance with the same person all evening long. Naturally, some people will prefer certain dance partners to others, but this should not prevent them from accepting an offer to dance from a new person. If the same person asks you to dance repeatedly, for several dances in a row, it is acceptable to tell that person, “Thank you, but I’d like to meet and dance with some other people for awhile. I’ll be happy to dance with you again later in the evening.”
CLEANLINESS IS HEAVEN AT A DANCE
Social dancing is a quasi-intimate activity that requires a certain degree of physical closeness. Good hygiene shows respect and consideration for the other dancers. Dancers should bathe, use deodorant, use breath mints, and wear clean clothes that will not be too hot. Some dancers sweat a great deal while dancing. In this case, it is considerate to bring a towel and/or change of clothes. If you find yourself getting too sweaty on the dance floor, you should stop, dry off, and cool down for a few minutes. Your partners will thank you for it. Dancers should also use a light touch applying perfume or cologne. Some people may be sensitive to fragrances.
YOUR PARTNER’S TECHNIQUE
Unless someone asks you directly to make a correction of their dancing, you should never volunteer criticisms of your dance partner’s technique. Know that your dance partner is doing the best he or she can. If your partner is dancing off time, you should view the situation as a challenge to dance to the same internal rhythms as your partner. Your partner is not dancing off time intentionally. Again, he or she is doing the best he or she can. Do your best to respect each others rhythms. If your partner is physically hurting you, it is probably inadvertent. In this case, you should stop dancing for a second, and say “I’m sorry, but you’re holding my hand a little tightly. Could we try again?” If you receive an inconsiderate response or your partner seems unwilling to modify his behavior, it is then appropriate to say, “thank you, but I’d like to stop now.” Social dancing should never be physically painful or dangerous.
FLOOR CRAFT At times, collisions do occasionally occur in the heat of the moment. When there is a collision, everyone involved should stop and apologize, regardless of whose “fault” it was. If someone has been hurt, you should make sure that person is okay before you resume dancing. Sometimes people are not okay after a collision. In this case, you should escort the person off the floor to a chair and see if that person needs ice, a drink of water or medical attention.
In order for a social dance to be enjoyable for all participants, it is crucial to be considerate and aware in your floor craft. No matter how much you may want to swing out, on a crowded dance floor your primary consideration should be respect for the other couples on the floor. You don’t have to dance big to have fun.
Careful observation of the Line of Dance" in a ballroom can prevent mishaps. In Waltz, Foxtrot, tango, Quickstep and Samba, dancers move in a counterclockwise circle around the floor. The very outside lane of the line of dance is the “fast lane”; it is generally used by very experienced dancers who cover a great deal of ground. The inside lane is for less experienced dancers who may be moving a bit more slowly. Beginners and those who would like to practice the basic steps without traveling can stay on the inside of the circle, out of the line of dance completely. In addition -- It is considered inappropriate to cut across the dance floor, especially when carrying food or drink. And also, remember to move off the dance floor when engaged in conversation.
GROUP DANCE ETTIQUETTE
Most of the same dance etiquette considerations for dances also apply in a group class environment.
ROTATING PARTNERS In order for dancing to be the joyous activity that it is, it is important that social dancers are supportive and kind to each other no matter what level the dancer is at. You should never refuse to rotate to a particular partner because you don’t think that person is good enough. Everyone needs to grow and learn. Rotating partners enhances your dancing.
It has been proven that you will learn to dance 30% faster by dancing with a variety of partners. Most often, in our group classes, we have you rotate. Be sure to say hello and introduce yourself to your new partners. If you only want to dance with the same partner for your own personal reasons, you may do so by stepping out of the circle each time the instructors ask you to rotate. This way, it is clear that you choose to not be a part of the rotation.
THIS IS OVER MY HEAD!
If you really can’t get the step, you can tell your partner that you need to step out of the rotation for a minute to try to master the steps on your own.
