Class & Event Etiquette

The etiquette of using some simple social graces is a great idea to better everyone’s dance time! Help us create an awesome atmosphere for everyone on or off the dance floor!

Being Mindful

In general:
Consideration is part of being social.  These notes apply also for both parties and classes, where clothing can be casual, dressy or “theme-appropriate”. 

Clean and freshen before classes and dance parties. Clean and appropriate clothing…Stay away from sleeveless tops. If you sweat a lot, consider bringing a change of clothes or towel.  Brush and mouthwash…We keep mints at the dances so help yourself!   Shower or bathe…Keep cologne and perfume very light but heavy on the deodorant.   

Long hair is best in a bun since ponytails can whip your partner in the face in some dances.   Eliminate sharp jewelry when dancing.

Wash your hands a few times throughout the evening. It’s a must after you use the bathroom. Hand sanitizer is also good to keep with you and usually available at events and classes.

To protect yourself from knee injury and facilitate your movement while dancing, wear shoes which are snug, thin and soft-soled, and that do not stick to a wooden floor.  Leather soles are always great.  

For Group Classes:
Clothing for Group Dance Classes is usually casual or sporty. 
For Parties and Events:
Clothing for our general parties is usually casual-dressy, while special events can be more formal.  For example, the Viennese Ball each January is black-tie formal.

Dance Floor Neighborly Notes

Progressive dances  (like Foxtrot, Waltz, Country Two-Step, etc.) travel around the dance floor counter-clockwise (called the “line of dance”).  When dancing stationary patterns or dances (like Swing, Hustle, Latin dances, etc.) which stay mostly in one spot, stay towards the center of the floor.

Do NOT block the flow of the dance. Leave room for couples to Foxtrot or Two-Step in the outside lanes of the dance floor while you dance swing or “spot dances” in the middle. Moving slower? Then stay in the inside lane. Moving faster? Outside lane.

Share floor space with all dancers, regardless of level.  Everyone should apologize if you bump into someone or step on their feet (regardless of whose fault). This goes for your partner as well as other dancers on the floor.

Dancing at a bar or lounge?  Order food or at least bottled drinking water and tip the staff generously. Support them and hopefully they will continue to offer dancing.  Applaud the band or DJ at the end of songs.

Aerials are NOT allowed on the social dance floor as they can be inconsiderate and dangerous. Save them for competitions and performances. Also use caution when doing dips, drops, and tricks. Make sure to have space, consent, and knowledge!

Travel counter-clockwise around the room with advanced dancers toward the outer edge of the room; less advanced dancers closer to the center of the room. 
*There is no rule about exactly where to be in the middle of the room…just not on the outside edges blocking the moving dancers.  
*Outer-lane dancers should not infringe on the center floor unless trying to dance a move which “stops” for a few moments.

Person-to-Person Notes

Hopefully, all genders are comfortable asking for dances. If you simply are too uncomfortable to do so, best to mention it or it can be viewed by others as disinterest.  Smile and make eye contact. Say hello and introduce yourself. Staring?….not!

It’s customary to dance one or two dances with one person, then invite someone else to dance. Note that it’s very bad form to turn one person down and then ask someone else or to accept another dance during that song.

Say YES if asked unless…
You are tired… injured… don’t know the dance…“I’m sorry, but I am very tired and need to sit one out. Could we dance the next one? Or visit?”.
Leaving the dance? “I’m sorry, I am on my way out. Raincheck?”
Promised another person the dance? “I’m sorry, I’ve promised this song to someone else. Could we dance the next one?”.
Uncomfortable with a person? Let that person know “I’m sorry but last time we danced, it was uncomfortable. I need a gentler lead (or insert other diplomatically worded reason).” If you are not comfortable explaining why, then just a simple “no thank you,” will suffice. If there is any possibility of injury we encourage you to notify us so we can address the issue.

Try to dance at your partner’s level. Ladies, make your partners feel and look good and do your best! Leaders, focus on making your partner safe and comfortable. Good basics and being considerate goes a long way. Followers are not impressed by constant fancy patterns that are rough and difficult to follow, but are impressed with a good lead.

Teaching while dancing is rude unless requested to do so by your partner. This is a common complaint! People find it annoying to be told “let me show you how to do that,” or “you are doing that wrong.”

After your dance, walk with your partner off the floor or to their next partner.
Thank your partner for the dance.