Social Dance Etiquette
Dancing was born in a noble and elegant attitude and, as a result, there is a social code of behaviors and courtesies that we should employ when on the dance floor. The evening will be much more enjoyable for those around you and for yourself if you know what is acceptable and what is proper.
GENTLEMEN
You Don’t Need To Make A Big Production
Out Of Asking A Woman To Dance.
Simply ask her, “Can I have
this dance?” or “Would you like to dance?”
If you are interrupting a conversation to ask someone to dance, you
should apologize to both people for interrupting the conversation.
If she accepts, you
can either take her hand and lead her onto the dance floor or simply follow her
to the dance floor. If the floor is
crowded, I prefer to lead her onto the dance floor. When arriving, present your left hand to her and begin
dancing. The conversation, if any,
should be polite and interesting.
If it is
evident your dancing abilities exceed hers, don’t overwhelm her with your
knowledge and expertise. The goal of
each dance should be to make it enjoyable for the lady.
Don’t Overwhelm Her With Your Expertise
When the
music is done, you can either ask her if she would like to dance another dance,
or lead her off of the dance floor in the direction of where she was sitting or
standing. Under no circumstances
should you leave her stranded in the middle of the floor after the dance is
finished. Be sure to thank her for the
dance!!!
If she refuses the dance (and it happens to everybody), try not to take it personally. She is not required to give you a reason for her refusal. Remain undaunted and simply ask someone else to dance.
Some reasons she may refuse:
1.
She is insecure about her dancing abilities.
2.
She is tired and would like to sit this one out.
3.
She has an injury and is unable to dance.
4.
She is with someone, and is exclusive property.
5.
She has already danced with you and would prefer to
mingle.
6.
She has already danced with you and you’ve given her a
reason to refuse.
7.
You remind her of her ex-husband or a former boyfriend,
etc.
8.
All of the above.
LADIES
You aren’t required to dance with whomever…
Accepting
a dance is your prerogative, however, it is a general rule that one should
always say yes (once per evening at least) when one is asked. Try not to hurt someone’s feelings. Put yourself in their place. You can offer a reason for refusing if you
would like, such as:
1.
I’d like to sit this one out. If you give this reason, then do indeed sit that one out.
2.
I’d love to, but I think I’m going to mingle. There are many people here I haven’t danced
with yet. Perhaps later (optional).
If you accept, let the gentleman
lead you to the dance floor. If walking
ahead of him, don’t walk so rapidly that he has to sprint to keep up. While dancing show an interest in both the
dance and the conversation (if any).
When the dance is over, let the
gentleman escort you off of the dance floor.
Thank him for the dance. Your
chances of being asked again are greatly increased if you comment about how
much you enjoyed dancing with him or what a good dancer he is. We are absolute “suckers” for comments such
as this.
WATCH OUT FOR THE JERKS!
If you
experience rude behavior or find that his syle of dancing is risking an injury,
simply ask to sit the rest of the dance out.
Don’t feel that you have to get through the dance with them. If the verbal request doesn’t work, then
become physically detached from him and leave the dance floor. This type of behavior is rare, but it does
happen so be ready for it.
At many
of the dances you will find many more women than men. Rather than sitting all evening waiting for a gentleman to ask
you to dance,
go ask him. I have always been
flattered when this happens to me.
Dance with a lot of
different dancers.
This is
how you get better. The more partners
you experience, the better dancer you will become.
And one last piece of
advise…
Don’t Forget The Breath Mint.