DANCE PARTIES DO’S AND DON’TS

Note: Some of the do's and don'ts are the same for both women and men!

•Be sensitive to your partner's leads and maintain your own balance instead of your partner having to do it for you.

Strive to be as light as a feather to lead on dance floor.

•If you bump into others or step on other's feet while dancing, say, "I'm sorry."

•Seize the opportunity to ask men to dance even if you don't know them. Doing so is perfectly acceptable at our parties.

Often men appreciate your asking them dance. Do be aware some men who have a companion with them prefer to dance only with their companions at parties.

•Remember, by attending dance parties and practicing your skills, you can gain more confidence, which is critical in being a good dancer.

•Smile! Smiling is contagious and makes dancing more fun. 

•When dancing at parties, you are responsible for floor craft (maneuver without bumping people on the dance floor). 

Try to avoid running into other couples or bumping elbows or arms.

•If you bump into others or step on other's feet while dancing, say, "I'm sorry."

•Move in the line of dance, which is counter clockwise for smooth dances like Waltz, Tango, and Fox Trot.

•If you're not with a companion, it is considered polite etiquette to try to ask as many different women as possible to dance.

By doing so, you will not only gain an opportunity to apply your skills with dancers of all levels, but you'll give different women an

opportunity to dance with you as well.

•If you don't know your partner's dancing ability, determine it by initialy leading basic steps. If she seems to follow easily, try more complex steps.

Dance at the ladies' level of dancing - not your own.

•When you have finished a dance, thank your partner for the dance and escort her off the dance floor. Never leave your partner standing on the dance floor alone.

•Remember, by attending dance parties and practicing your skills, you can gainmore confidence, which is critical in being a good dancer.

•Smile! Smiling is contagious and makes dancing more fun. 

•Be conscious of the jewelry you are wearing, particularly rings, since rings can cut a man's hand when he is trying to lead you in a dance.

•Avoid slouching to appear shorter since maintaining upright posture is a key element for being a graceful ballroom dancer. If you are dancing

with a male shorter than you, enjoy his dance leads rather than worrying about appearing taller than him.

•Avoid dancing on your toes to appear taller. Proper ballroom dancing requires you to dance on various parts of your foot.

Use whichever foot position appropriate for the dance you are dancing.

•Try not to turn down an invitation to dance. You don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. 

DON’TS For Men:

•Don't show off on the dance floor. Concentrate on your partner and give your attention to the person with whom you're dancing.

•Don't dance only with one or two of your favorite partners; instead, try to ask different women to dance regardless of their skill level.

•You don't have to apologize for your inexperience. Just enjoy the dances you do know.