| Dance
Etiquette |
Layout of the Dance Floor
The dance floor is usually divided into concentric lanes, with the
outside lane being described as the fast lane. Depending on the size of
the dance floor there may also be an inner lane for slower dances or
dancers. On larger dance floors the center of the floor is designed for Spot dances.
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Follow the Line of Dance
Dancers should move around the dance floor in a counter-clockwise
direction. This is generally referred to as the "Line of Dance". Avoid
traveling against the Line of Dance (Do not travel clockwise around the
dance floor) Some moves may take you against line of dance and it's OK
to do them if the area behind you is clear, but watch where you're
going. Just remember that you don't really want to be going against line
of dance for more than a couple of steps.
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Traveling Dances
Fox Trot, Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Tango, and Polka are considered
Traveling Dances. They are danced around the edges of the floor and
follow the Line of Dance. When doing a traveling dance, if you're not
moving quickly, it is best to stay out of the fast lane and move to the
inner, slower lane, and let other dancers pass you on the outside. The
closer you go to the center, the slower you may go.
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Spot Dances
Swing, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Mambo, Salsa, and West Coast Swing are
examples of Spot Dances. They are danced at the center of the floor. It
is possible and totally correct for some people to be dancing a Fox Trot
while others are dancing a Swing, for instance, so it is very important
to observe this convention to avoid collisions. In a case where everyone
is doing a spot dance, like the Swing, the center of the floor section
may expand out to include the inner lane. Even then keep the fast lane
open for those who may still be in a traveling mood.
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Sharing the Dance Floor
A key aspect of sharing the floor is to match one's speed to that of
others. Faster moving couples stay to the outside and slower
moving/stationary couples stay to the inside. This is very important
because people travel at different speeds and if you're in the wrong
section of the floor, you can end up blocking or running into other
dancers or maybe force them to dance around you when they shouldn't have
to. If you're not traveling, then get to the center to dance. In some
cases the corners of the dance floor may be used for Spot dances. Be
careful not to block Fast Lane traffic if you use one of the corners.
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Dealing with a Crowed Floor
If the dance floor becomes crowded the space per couple reduces. This
situation will require you to become more conservative in your dance
moves. You will need to reduce the size of your turns and respect others
space. Even though you may be considerate of others, there will always
be someone who dances like they are the only ones on the floor. Chances
are Mr. Oblivious to Others won’t get the hint so it might be best to
just move to another section of the floor and avoid them all together.
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Respect the Center of the Floor
Spot dancers are usually located in the center of the floor so it might
be somewhat inadvisable to move too close to the center if you are doing
a slow dance. Spot dancers should never occupy all three lanes and
prevent other dancers from taking the floor. Likewise those in the inner
& fast lanes should never cut into the center of the floor when Spot
Dancers are present.
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Entering and Exiting the Floor
Use caution when entering and leaving the dance floor when other couples
are still dancing, so that you avoid causing collisions. Also, try to
avoid stopping while dancing so that you don't block traffic. It’s not
cool to stand on the dance floor to socialize! You should never
completely stop (and thus block traffic) during a traveling dance,
regardless of where you are on the dance floor. If you are not dancing;
please move off the dance floor. The best way to move off the floor is
to dance your way off by moving to the outside "fast" lane and then off
the dance floor.
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Avoid Collisions
Always be courteous to other dancers on the floor. If you are partner
dancing always try to shield the lady from bumps and bangs on the floor.
She probably can't see what's coming while you can! If there is a
collision, always apologize (even if it isn't your fault) this usually
prevents unnecessary unpleasantness and often leads to the forging of
some great new friendships. However, don't make a habit of making new
acquaintances in this way.
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Respecting the Floor
A hardwood dance floor should be treated with care. Drinks, foods,
chewing gum or any other foreign substance should never be brought onto
the dance floor as this can be both dangerous and unpleasant. If you
wear street shoes to dance make sure they are free from Iowa mud, rocks
and dirt.
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What Shoes to wear
It is best not to wear sneakers or other shoes with rubber or spongy
soles. They can stick to the floor during turns and spins and cause
ankle and knee injuries. Shoes with leather soles work best for most
dance styles. If you dance on a regular basis consider purchasing shoes
designed for ballroom dancing. These shoes have leather or suede soles
and are lighter weight. Well worth the investment for serious dancers.
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